Gout is a common disorder, affecting more than 2 million Americans who happen to have extreme levels of uric acid, a waste product from body tissues. Uric Acid is carried by our blood to the kidneys to be flushed out in urine. If you are experiencing gout, either you produce too much uric acid or you produce a normal amount but do not emit enough. Excess uric acid turns into tiny crystals that collect in joints, causing intense inflammation and pain.
Gout is a tremendously painful form of arthritis – so painful that most people cannot bear the weight of a feather on the tender joint. The throbbing pain associated with gout hits at night, turning the skin red-hot and leaving the pretentious joints swollen and tender for 5 - 10 days at a time.
Typically, the big toe is what gets affected, but almost any joint can become tender. Gout is usually seen in overweight middle-aged men who may have a family history of the disease.
If you are suffering from gout here are some natural things you can do.
1. During an attack, rest and elevate the affected joint.
2. The pain around the joint is caused by the tremendous inflammation, so the best thing to do is get a painkiller that reduces swelling. Ibuprofen is recommended.
3. Try applying ice on the affected joint, ice has a numbing effect.
4. Water in large amounts can help flush out excess uric acid before it can get worse.
5. Stay away from foods that are high in a substance called purine. Purine contributes to higher levels of uric acid. Foods you should avoid include high-protein animal products such as anchovies, animal organs, sardines, and sweetbreads.
6. Stop drinking alcohol if you have a history of gout, especially beer. Beer has a higher purine content than many others.
7. If you have high blood pressure and gout, you have big problems. That is because certain drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure actually raise uric acid levels. Try lowering your blood pressure naturally.
8. be careful when taking vitamins, too much of certain nutrients can make gout worse. Niacin and vitamin A can bring on attacks.
It is easy to control mild cases of gout with certain dietary changes. However, if you continue to have attacks please see your doctor, because it can cause permanent kidney and joint damage.
Jason Hunter is a natural health advocate. He is webmaster of a natural health web site called Home
Health and Natural Remedies. He gives advise and alternative treatment options for treating gout
naturally. You can visit his website at: http://www.hhesonline.com/natural_remedies/gout.htm
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