Gout is a type of painful arthritis, affecting more males than females. It occurs when uric acid – one of the body’s natural waste products, build up excessively in the blood and as a result, crystallise out around joints as uric acid crystals. These then irritate the joint leading to inflammation and pain in the joint. Generally, gout begins with the big toe or another foot joint. However, it can also affect the ankle, knee, hand, wrist and elbow joints.
If you suffer from gout or know someone that do, these symptoms may be familiar to you:
- Inflamed joint that is swollen, painful and hot
- Extremely sensitive to touch causing severe pain
- Fever may or may not be present (If so, you must consult your doctor as soon as possible)
Gout attacks can last up to one week and if measures are not taken to treat or prevent it, then the time between these attacks can get shorter and the attacks can last longer, extending to more than one joint. At worst, kidney stones may develop.
SELF CARE TIPS FOR PREVENTING ATTACKS
1. Avoid foods high in proteins and purines as these can increase blood uric acid levels. These foods include: sardines, herrings, anchovies, shellfish, organs (liver, kidney, brains), Vegemite, Marmite, Promite, dried beans and peas, asparagus and mushrooms and excessive amounts of meat.
2. Limit alcohol intake, especially beer. Opt for lighter options instead and avoid binge drinking at all costs, as this may bring on a sudden gout attack
3. At the first sign of an attack – you may want to consult a doctor and start on ‘gout reliever’ medicine depending on his/her professional opinion.
4. Keep well hydrated daily (at least 2L of water as a rough benchmark)
5. Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure as both these factors increase the likelihood of getting gout
6. Let the joint get plenty of rest!
7. If you are already taking gout relieving and preventing medicines, take these as per the intention of your doctor in order to decrease the likelihood of further attacks and length of time
NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
Cherries
According to a 1950 study of 12 people with gout, eating one-half pound of cherries or drinking an equivalent amount of cherry juice prevented attacks of gout. The active ingredient in cherry juice remains unknown, but a study in healthy volunteers found that eating about half a pound of cherries per day for four weeks decreased levels of C-reactive protein (a measure of inflammation).
Vitamins
In one small study, patients taking at least 4 grams of vitamin C had an increase in the elimination of uric acid in the urine within a few hours. Those who took 8 grams of vitamin C per day for several days had a reduction in serum uric acid levels. However, there is some evidence that taking too much Vitamin C can also trigger a gout attack but abrupt changes to the level of uric acid in the blood. If you are taking other regular medications such as aspirin, paracetamol, warfarin, blood pressure medications, ensure you seek advice from your doctor first.
Quercetin
There is some evidence although limited, that quercetin may help diminish the inflammation occuring in gout, by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the development of gout. Although clinical trials has not been conducted on humans, some physicians prescribe 150-250 mg of quercetin three times per day between meals.
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
This herb is the herb from which the gout reliever medication – Colchicine, is derived from. They both have strong anti-inflammatory properties but have significant toxicity profiles. Therefore, it should not be taken without the guidance from a physician.
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