| GOUT Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid builds
up in the body causing crystals to form in the joints and joints to become
inflamed. It can be hereditary or the result of another condition. gout usually
affect men over 40 with a family history of gout, but it can occur at any time
and also affects women, especially after menopause. Excessive intake of food and
alcohol, surgery, infection, physical or emotional stress, or the use of certain
drugs can lead to the development of gout symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
- Extreme pain in a single joint, usually the base of the big toe, but other
joints can also be affected (such as the feet, fingers, wrists, elbows, knees,
or ankles)
- Joint is shiny red-purple, swollen, hot, and stiff
- Fever as high as 30 C (102.2 F) with or without chills
- Symptoms can develop very quickly, with the first episode often occuring
at night, then go away after 5-10 days only to come back later
- In later attacks, you may see lumps (called tophi) just under the skin in
the outer ear, hands, feet, elbow, or knee
The body either produces too much uric acid, doesn't excrete enough uric
acid, or both, so that the acid accumulates in tissues in the form of
needle-like crystals that cause pain. Gout generally occurs because of a
predisposition to the condition, but it can result from blood disorders or
cancers, such as leukemia, or the use of certain drugs.
Risk factors include:
- Family history of gout
- High levels of triglycerides
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating foods rich in purines, such as meat, shellfish, and sweetbreads.
Uric acid is formed when purines break down.
I find that the following program works very well for quick relief those who
are suffering from Gout.
(click on each item for more information or to order)
EPA/DHA 720 - 2 softgels 2-3 times
daily with meals. Omega-3 essential fatty acids from cold water fish per softgel
C-Aspa Sorb - 2 teaspoons in water or juice
3 times daily.
Mega B12/Folic Acid
- 5 drops under tongue 3 times daily
Inflavoinoid - 3-9 tablets daily with
meals. standardized Herbal Relief for Minor Pain
IF Toxicity is a concern
UltraClear Plus 10-day Express Detox
Program
LIFESTYLE
- Drink plenty of water to help the kidneys flush uric acid from the body.
dehydration often triggers a gout attack.
- Cherries - One half pound of cherries per day (fresh or frozen) for 2
weeks lowers uric acid and prevents attacks. Cherries and other dark red
berries (hawthorn berries and blueberries) contain anthocyanidins that
increase collagen integrity and decrease inflammation.
- Vitamin C, taken in high doses, can help decrease blood uric acid levels,
but should not be taken without a doctor's supervision. Note: there is a small
subset of people with gout who will actually get worse with high levels of
vitamin C. Also, a single high dose can free up too much uric acid and cause
kidney stones.
- Folic acid - 400-800 mcg per day inhibits xanthine oxidase, which is
required for uric acid production.
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), found in fish oil inhibits pro-inflammatory
leukotrienes. Dose is 1,500 mg per day.
- Avoid taking extra niacin and vitamin A. both may play a role in some
attacks of gout.
|
