Gout is a hereditary metabolic disease caused by excessive amounts of uric acid in the blood
and deposits of urates of sodium in and around the joints. Any joint may be affected, but it
usually begins in the big toe, foot, or knee. Crystals of uric acid feel like ground glass
in the joints. It is usually filtered out of the body by the kidneys, but when it becomes
excessive, it accumulates in the joints. Individuals who live with gout may be asymptomatic
between acute attacks, but when one does develop, it generally begins during the night, with
the pain worsening to almost unbearable by the daylight hours. Nine out of 10 people
affected by gout are middle-aged men. Most of those have a genetic predisposition to the
disease. Those suffering with obesity and high blood pressure are also at higher risk.
Attacks of gout may also be accompanied by hypertension, low-grade fever, back pain, and
joint inflammation. Tophus may also be present on the ears, hands, and feet.
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Gout
ince gout is caused by an
excess of uric acid in the blood, the first step to preventing its development is to correct
those factors which give rise to high uric acid levels. Foods high in purines, which raise
levels of uric acid, should be avoided. These include liver, tripe, shellfish and scallops,
excessive amounts of red meat, and peas and beans. Obese people are more likely to develop
gout, so weight loss is important as well. Alcohol intake, primarily beer, should also be
reduced. In a study of 61 men with gout, about 40% of them drank more than a 12-pack of
beer a day.
A number of herbs have a history of traditional
use for joint comfort. Turmeric
contains a compound called curcumin.
Devil's Claw
has traditionally been used as a digestive stimulant.
Nettles
has been examined in animal studies of uric acid secretion,
and White Willow Bark
contains salicylates, the compound from which aspirin is made.
Dandelion and
Juniper also have a long history of
traditional use.
A number of herbs have a history of traditional
use for joint comfort. Turmeric
contains a compound called curcumin.
Devil's Claw
has traditionally been used as a digestive stimulant.
Nettles
has been examined in animal studies of uric acid secretion,
and White Willow Bark
contains salicylates, the compound from which aspirin is made.
Dandelion and
Juniper also have a long history of
traditional use.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.