What is gout and which are the most effective home remedies for gout?
Gout is a painful condition which is caused by crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Uric acid is an end product of the breakdown of purines, found in all body tissues and in many foods. Normally Uric acid is carried through the blood and eliminated in the urine.
But. if the production of uric acid is increased by the body or by a person eating a lot of foods high in purine, or if the kidneys’ ability to eliminate uric acid decreases, then concentrations in the blood can rise (called hyperuricemia) and cause crystal formation.
Who Gets Gout?
Gout can affect both sexes, men are more likely to suffer from gout. People who are insulin resistant also have a higher risk of getting gout. It is estimated that 76% of people with gout are insulin resistant. If you have a family history of gout, chances are that you may develop this condition. Eating a diet high in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol can also be one of the root causes of gout. Stress, joint injury, kidney disease, obesity, dehydration, lead toxicity, high blood pressure, and an overall acid body ph can all cause or contribute to gout. If you do have gout, eating organ meats, such as liver, can usually trigger a flare up.
A number of drugs and supplements can increase uric acid levels in the blood and its tendency to form irritating crystals in joints. These include salicylates (the active component of aspirin), vitamin B3 (niacin), excess vitamin C and diuretics that may be prescribed for high blood pressure, edema or, cardiovascular disease. Others are Cyclosporine (used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs) and Levodopa for Parkinson’s disease. Excess alcohol consumption, being overweight, and exposure to lead in the environment also increase the risk of gout in genetically susceptible individuals. Other risk factors include dehydration and acid conditions of the blood that can result from serious infections, surgery or ketogenic weight loss diets (such as the Atkins diet). The genetic component should not be underestimated, however. It is possible to have high levels of uric acid and never develop gout.
What are the Symptoms of Gout?
Gout has a few symptoms but it can be very painful, and interfere with a person’s lifestyle to a great degree. Some of the symptoms include; sharp pain which is usually confined to a single joint, inflamed red joints, which feel hot and tender to the touch. Fever can also occur with gout. Flare ups most commonly occur in the feet, particularly the big toe.
High Uric Acid Levels Lead to Health Issues
Diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Kidney disease
Heart disease
Home remedies for gout.
Changing your diet can be an consistent way to keep your gout at bay.
Avoid high purine foods. Here is a list from our friends at the worlds healthiest foods:
Highest of all foods: Anchovies, Grains, Gravies, Kidneys,Liver, Sardines, Sweetbreads
Very high concentrations: Asparagus, Bacon, Beef, Bluefish, Bouillon, Calf tongue, Carp, Cauliflower, Chicken, Chicken soup, Codfish, Crab, Duck, Goose, Halibut, Ham, Kidney beans, Lamb, Lentils, Lima beans, Lobster, Mushrooms, Mutton, Navy beans, Oatmeal, Oysters, Peas, Perch, Pork, Rabbit, Salmon, Sheep, Shellfish, Snapper, Spinach, Tripe, Trout, Tuna, Turkey, Veal, Venison
Limit alcohol which is high in purines.
Also stay away from hydrogenated oils, saturated fats, and limit your intake of foods made with refined flour, and refined sugar. Eliminate sugar completely from your diet.
Exercise 30-45 minutes per day will make a huge difference in lower uric acid.
The most successful natural remedy for gout is cherries! You can but a cherry supplement at your local health store, or online. Eating cherries also works wonders. Strawberries, and blueberries are also good picks because they neutralize uric acid. Add a lot of fish to your diet such as; salmon, cod halibut, and sardines. They have reduce inflammation. Since you need a pretty large quantity of some of these foods, it is suggested that you take the following supplement:
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Cherry Supplement– Take as directed on the label. |
*Please check with your doctor before taking any supplements, and also read the warning labels on each product, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Also read the labels carefully when giving your child any natural supplement, to ensure that it is safe to give a child.
