Health Topics > Bone and Joint health > gout
GOUT
What is gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis in which uric acid, a waste product, appears in excessive quantities in the bloodstream and may be deposited in the joints and tissues. Gout is associated with inflammation, swelling and extreme pain in a joint/s during an attack. In 90% of acute gout cases, the most common site is the big toe. Gout mainly affects feet and ankles.
These attacks can last days or even weeks and not return for many months or years. If symptoms are not addressed, over time a state of chronic joint inflammation may develop into progressive cartilage and bone damage. People with gout are at increased risk of heart attacks.
What causes gout?
Gout develops because of a build up of uric acid. Usually it is dissolved in the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Uric acid forms crystals then settles into the joints often causing inflammation, redness and/or swelling. It is more common in men than women, however women are at a greater risk after menopause.
Causes of gout can include: inherited tendencies, a side effect of chemotherapy, impairment of clearance due to anti-hypertensive drugs, high intake of alcohol, high intake of foods containing purines (organ meats etc), high intake of sugar and/or caffeine and some kidney diseases. Gout is common in people who are overweight and suffer with the condition known as Syndrome X.
Approximately 70,000 Australians suffer with this form of arthritis.
How is gout treated?
Treating gout is very easy and should begin with changing one's diet. Healthy lifestyle choices are important, with the correct eating program to rid the excess levels of uric acid.
- See Cant Lose Weight? You Could Have Syndrome X --- and follow the eating regime outlined on pages 244-5. Maintaining ideal weight is important. So if overweight, begin with Stage 1 in this book until you reach your ideal weight.
- Ensure you drink plenty of fresh water throughout the day.
- Aim for moderate regular exercise. Consult with your healthcare physician first if you have injuries.
- Aim for more alkaline foods such as avocado, corn, dates, most fruits and vegetables to help deal effectively with excess uric acid. Cherries and other dark berries will help to lower uric acid. Celery helps your body excrete uric acid.
- Avoid or limit acidic foods such as alcohol, coffee, white flour and sugar. Restrict beef, goose, organ meats, sweetbreads, mussels, anchovies, herring, mackerel, and yeast.
Is there a test to measure levels of uric acid?
Yes. This blood test measures the amount of uric acid in the blood. Normal uric acid levels can be found on page 45 of the Syndrome X book.
NORMAL RANGE IN (mmol/L) - Australia
| MALES | 0.0 to 0.4 (blood levels) |
| FEMALES | 0.1 to 0.3 (blood levels) |
| URINE LEVELS | 1.8 to 40 per 24 hours (in a 24 hr collection sample of urine) |
Raw juicing
Consume a raw juice daily if possible and use any or all of the following: celery, carrot, garlic, parsley, grapefruit, pineapple and Lebanese cucumber. See "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life"- for other recipes to help reduce pain. Raw juices can be diluted with water if desired.
Recommended supplements:
Flaxseed capsules
- Take 2 capsules daily flaxseed is useful for a wide variety of conditions where cell membrane function is impaired, including arthritis symptoms. Flaxseed exerts an anti-inflammatory and healing effect.
Bone & Joint Nutrients
- Take 2 capsules twice daily with meals. Bone and joint formulas assist in the reduction of pain, inflammation and swelling associated with arthritis symptoms such as gout.
Fish Oil capsules
- Take 2 capsules two to three times daily with meals supplementing with fish oil helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
Other useful supplements:
Cod Liver Oil
Vitamin E - take 1000IU daily
Conventional treatment:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and swelling.
- Corticosteriods
- Allopurinol is used for the long term prevention of gout. It reduces the body's production of uric acid.