Gout, once nicknamed “the disease of kings,” is a painful form of arthritis where excessive uric acid in the blood forms needle-like crystals in joints. It affects more than 3 million people in the United States and if untreated, can lead to infection, amputation, and even death. In the past, gout was associated with affluent living and rich foods, but these days, anyone can become afflicted with the condition. The underlying causes are also linked to kidney stones, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes, alternative approaches, and supplements can play a role in reducing gout discomfort and alleviating underlying causes.
Spotting Gout Symptoms
Gout is most commonly found in the foot and ankle joints and can cause acute, sudden pain and inflammation. Symptoms may include:
- Sudden onset of joint tenderness, typically at nighttime.
- Sudden swelling in the joints.
- Redness on joints around the affected area.
- Painful swelling in the joints where the toes and foot meet, especially the big toe.
The pain can persist for days, weeks, or even months. To treat it, people generally turn to ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nevertheless, sometimes getting a doctor’s prescription for more potent drugs might be necessary to reduce inflammation and control the pain.
Leverage a Healthy Lifestyle
Research has shown that maintaining a healthier lifestyle is critical in the overall solution to gout. The following lifestyle changes are known to help reduce the risk of gout:
- Reduce the amount of animal protein in your diet and increase vegetable consumption, especially cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and kale which contain compounds known to reduce inflammation.
- Eat whole grains and drink plenty of fresh water.
- Consume alcohol in moderation or avoid it entirely.
- Low-fat dairy products may help reduce uric acid levels.
- Avoid fructose-laden products as fructose can worsen gout symptoms.
- Regular exercise promotes a healthy life and aids in preventing gout.
Supplements for Gout Relief
The right supplements can help reduce Gout discomfort by alleviating some of the underlying causes. Focusing on these three areas is important for gout relief: inflammation, circulation, and metabolism.
- Inflammation: Gout is known to be an inflammatory disease, and therefore, it is necessary to find ways to reduce chronic inflammation. One way to combat inflammation is by blocking a protein called galectin-3 which has been associated with chronic inflammation in the blood. Modified citrus pectin derived from citrus peels can help block galectin-3, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular health. Sticking to a low-glycemic, alkaline diet can also address inflammation.
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Circulation: Poor circulation can also be a significant factor in developing gout. A sluggish circulatory system allows uric acid to build up in the joints. Using natural ingredients that promote circulation, such as hawthorn berry, nattokinase, medicinal mushrooms, and other botanicals, can help reduce inflammation and promote healing and recovery.
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Metabolism: As previously mentioned, gout is related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome, so supporting a healthy metabolism is crucial. A low-glycemic diet along with natural herbs and nutrients may help balance blood glucose and insulin to address metabolic syndrome. Ingredients such as lipoic acid, alginates from seaweed, cinnamon, holy basil, fenugreek, American ginseng, and other herbs and nutrients work together to support healthy glucose and fat metabolism, reduce inflammation, and promote metabolic and overall health.
Gout can be excruciatingly painful, but it is preventable. By addressing the underlying causes with a healthy diet and exercise habits, we can prevent disease, extend our life span, and, most importantly, improve our health.
