Chronic painful conditions like gout can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, conditions such as this can often be treated and prevented with natural remedies and lifestyle changes, making them manageable on a day-to-day basis. Naturally treating gout starts with understanding its causes, symptoms, and effective methods of prevention.
Understanding Gout
Gout is an arthritic condition characterized by painful swelling around the joints, with symptoms being caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This excess uric acid accumulates in the fluid surrounding joints, tendons, and soft tissue, often in the region of the big toe, although any joint may be affected.
Some common causes of gout include genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, high consumption of alcohol and animal protein, stress, and dehydration. It is worth noting that gout is often associated with other health conditions such as kidney stones, diabetes, and hypertension, all of which are preventable and typically linked to lifestyle factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Gout
Symptoms of gout closely resemble those of rheumatoid arthritis, including painful swelling around the joint, dark red skin in the affected area, and warm skin to the touch. Over time, uric acid crystals can build up in areas where repeated gout has flared, resulting in nodules beneath the skin.
Gout usually flares in the evening, causing severe pain that can be aggravated by even the light pressure of a sock or the weight of a bedsheet. The pain typically intensifies rapidly and may last several days at a time. During a flare-up, individuals may also experience stiff joints, itchy skin around the joint area, and sometimes fever and chills.
Controlling Gout
If left untreated, gout can recur throughout a person’s lifetime, potentially leading to serious joint health issues, associated diseases, and a diminished quality of life. It is crucial for individuals to manage their gout quickly and effectively. One effective approach is prevention, but symptom reduction is also key.
To prevent gout, it is necessary to understand how uric acid builds up in the blood. Purines, a subclass of proteins that produce uric acid when metabolized, are naturally found in human tissue and also in certain foods. Some medications and supplements can also contribute to excessive uric acid production.
By controlling diet, lifestyle, and the medications and supplements linked to gout, one can reduce the onset frequency of this debilitating condition. While corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and the prescription Zyloprim are commonly used to control gout symptoms, there are also natural solutions that carry zero or unknown side effects.
Diet – The Best Control
Diet is a critical aspect of any natural program to reduce gout, as the condition largely results from uric acid accumulation caused by the metabolism of proteins found in food. It’s crucial to know which foods to avoid and which to consume more of to manage gout symptoms.
Foods and beverages to avoid include:
- Organ meats
- Beef, poultry, pork, and lamb
- Sardines, anchovies, mackerel, herring, and tuna
- Scallops, shrimp, and lobster
- Lentils, beans, and peas
- Asparagus, mushrooms, cauliflower, and spinach
- Coffee, soda, and alcohol
- Fatty and fried foods
Foods and beverages to increase consumption of:
- Water (staying hydrated is key)
- Tart cherries (fresh, juice, or extract)
- Alkalizing liquids, such as lemon juice and apple cider vinegar
- Aromatic spices, such as ginger, turmeric, and fenugreek
- Whole grains and fresh organic fruits and vegetables
- Low-fat dairy foods (if consumed at all)
Helpful Supplements
In addition to diet, supplements can be beneficial for individuals dealing with gout. Some options to consider include:
- Boswella
- Bromelain and other digestive enzymes
- Curcumin capsules
- Omega-3 fish oil
- Flaxseed oil
While these supplements can help during the process of changing diet and lifestyle, they should not be used as a substitute for such changes.
Conclusion
For most people, gout is a preventable condition, and for those who do experience it, there are natural ways to treat and prevent its return. This involves making necessary lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity, managing stress, and adhering to dietary restrictions. Utilizing supplements can also aid in managing gout, but they should not be relied upon in place of other preventative measures.
