Although many would think of gout as an old world illness, it is in fact a prevalent and painful condition in modern society. Gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid deposited in the joints and cartilage of the body. Most commonly this affects men and is concentrated in the big toe, although women do experience it, and other areas of the body can be affected.
The high levels of uric acid and increased acidity of the blood, combine to deposit the painful crystals in the joints. This creates inflammation in the affected area which results in an arthritic condition.
Symptoms of Gout
Gout usually presents as a burning hot pain in the big toe. The toe will usually be red, inflamed and painful to the touch. Although first occurrence is usually confined to the big toe, it can spread to the rest of the foot and other parts of the body.
Diet
It was once believed that gout was an illness of a rich lifestyle. It is generally thought now that gout runs in families, and has little to do with economic status. Having said that, diet is still a major component for gout suffers. Diets high in purines will precipitate an attack in individuals that are susceptible to gout. Normally purine is broken down into uric acid and excreted in the urine. In the case of gout it is not expelled, and instead stored as pain causing crystals.
Generally high fat and high protein foods are also high in purines. Red meat, seafood, and organ meat should be avoided. In addition, alcohol can cause a flare up. Although some link cauliflower, spinach, peas, asparagus, and mushrooms with triggering gout, Dr Hyon Choy has released findings that say there is no correlation. He even went on to report that dairy actually had a protective quality against gout, which is contrary to existing beliefs.
Treatment of Gout
Modern medicines standard approach to gout is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Although they can offer immediate relief, it does not provide a lasting remedy. There are medications to flush the uric acid crystals, but it can also be done through the diet and with simple herbs.
According to Dr James Duke, author of the Green Pharmacy, the following herbs have found to be effective in treating gout:
- Licorice Root – Should not be used with individuals experiencing high blood pressure.
- Cat’s Claw
- Devil’s Claw
- Stinging Nettle
- Olive Leaf
Food as Medicine
Slowly in the west there is a dawning that food is medicine. This of course has been practiced in the east for thousands of years.
As already mentioned, high protein foods and alcohol can precipitate a gout attack, but there are also foods that can protect against gout, and even clear an episode of it.
The following foods have demonstrated that they are effective against gout:
- Celery –Celery seed is very effective against gout, although all parts of the plant can be eaten. Celery seed can also be taken in capsule form.
- Cherries – Fresh or canned, cherries are an old and effective remedy for gout.
- Strawberries – For some people, strawberries provide very effective relief.
- Avocados – Beneficial to the diet in so many ways, avocados are also known to clear gout.
- Turmeric – Used extensively in Indian cooking, it has shown to be effective is relieving attacks.
- Olives – Since olive leaf is effective against gout, it would stand to reason that olives would help too.
- Stinging Nettle – Just as it was recommended as an herbal supplement in the above section, stinging nettles can also be eaten as a steamed spring green or as a tea.
- Ginger & Pineapple – Although not specific to gout, ginger and pineapple are both anti-inflammatory in action and would be worth trying.
- Water – Increased water intake reduces all types of arthritis, and makes it easier for the kidneys to flush uric acid.
Gout doesn’t have to be a mobility limiting condition. Although it does seem to run in families, by reducing harmful elements in the diet and including beneficial foods, it should not be a major problem.
References
The Green Pharmacy, Dr James Duke, Rodale Books, 1999
Purine-Rich Foods, Dairy and Protein Intake, and the Risk of Gout in Men. New England Journal of Medicine, Choi H K et al. March 11, 2004; 350; 11:1093-1103
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