CAN I CONTROL GOUT BY WATCHING MY DIET?

Gout is the one form of arthritis that can can be influenced by the food we eat (or don't eat!)

What is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis which is caused by a high level of uric acid in the blood stream. It is also known as gouty arthritis or gout arthritis. It is characterised by severe pain in the joints, mainly the lower joints which can come on quite suddenly. The affected joint/s may become red and swollen.

Gout for some reason normally attacks the joint in the big toe although other joints can be affected. It strikes approximately 1 in 40 people worldwide and most commonly men.

Gout is found more commonly in developed nations. A few years ago it was believed the gout was the disease of affluent old men (who frequently imbibed alcohol!) Today we know more, but that diagnosis is still pretty close to the mark!

What causes Gout?

Unlike other forms if arthritis, gout has a known and simple cause. It is brought on by Purines in the blood stream which break down to form a substance called uric acid. This acid collects in crystalline form around a joint causing pain and inflammation.

Purines occur naturally in the body and are also found in certain foods. There is only a problem when the body produces excess uric acid, or the uric acid produced is not properly excreted. Alcohol can prevent proper elimination of uric acid through the kidneys. Plenty of water can help with elimination.

Purines are found in most animal products but mostly in shellfish and organ meats such as liver. There are also vegetable sources such as peas and lentils.

Treatment for Gout

Gout is one of the easier forms of arthritis to diagnose and manage. Gout may be diagnosed through a simple urine test, or a test of the joint fluid

Medication commonly prescribed for gout is an anti-inflammatory drug called Indocid (of the NSAID family). Other types of NSAIDS may also be prescribed if indocid is not effective.

Complimentary medication is a safe and less expensive option and can be extremely successful, it may take a bit longer for results to be felt than with the conventional medical treatments.

Among these are omega 3 oils, available at your local pharmacy. This is safer than eating fish which these days can be contaminated with mercury, a toxic metal.

Devils Claw which is an extremely effective anti inflammatory agent and general tonic. Devils claw can also lower uric acid levels in the bloodstream.  Boswellia Serata is a plant extract which is a natural reliever of pain and inflammation without irritating the stomach and Glucosamine Sulphate which aids in repairing and rebuilding damaged cartilage.

Losing weight can also help to lower uric acid levels in the body. Beware of low carb, high protein diets however. They may be high in purines.

Hot compresses will provide temporary pain relief, cold ones will help reduce swelling and pain.

Why not sign up for your free arthritis course! This course is in 6 parts and examines types of arthritis, managing pain safely, what to eat (and not to eat), the best exercise for arthritis, myths and legends debunked and finally the futures looking bright!

This course can save you $$$ by giving you information you may not be aware of. Information the drug companies may not want you to know!

Your email address is perfectly safe. I hate spam as much as you do!

From Gout to Home