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Gout
Gout is a common type of arthritis caused by an increased concentration of uric acid (the final breakdown product of urine metabolism) in biological fluids. In gout, uric acid crystals (monosodium urate) are deposited in joints, tendons, kidneys and other tissues, where they cause considerable inflammation and damage. Gout is associated with affluence and is often called the ‘rich man’s disease’. Through out history, the gout sufferer has been depicted as a portly, middle-aged man sitting in a comfortable chair with one foot resting painfully on a soft cushion as he consumes great quantities of meat and wine. In fact, the traditional picture does have some basis in reality, as meats, particularly organ meats, are high purine foods, while alcohol inhibits uric acid secretion by the kidneys. Furthermore, even today, gout is primarily a disease of adult men; over 95% of sufferers of gout are men over the age of 30. Normally, the first attack of gout is characterised by intense pain, usually involving only one joint. Commonly, the first joint of the big toe is affected in nearly half of the attacks and is at some time involved in over 90% of individuals with gout. If the attack progresses, fever and chills will appear. The first attacks usually occur at night and are preceded by a specific event such as dietary excess, alcohol ingestion, trauma, certain drugs or surgery. Subsequent attacks are common, with the majority having another attack within one year. However, nearly 7% never have a second attack. Chronic gout is extremely rare, due to the advent of dietary therapy and drugs that lower uric acid levels. Some degree of kidney dysfunction occurs in nearly 90% of subjects with gout, and there is a higher risk of kidney stones.
Although there are periods without symptoms between acute attacks, symptoms include:
Acute onset of intense joint pain, typically involving the first joint of the big toe (about 50% cases).
Elevated serum uric acid levels.
Uric acid kidney stones.
Identification of urate crystals in joint fluid.
Aggregated deposits of ‘salt crystals’ (tophi) in and around the joints of the extremities, but also in subcutaneous tissue, bone, cartilage and other tissues.
Familial disease – 95% males.
Nutrition
Elimination of alcohol intake. – Alcohol increases uric acid production, and very often, elimination of alcohol from the diet is all that is needed to reduce uric acids levels and prevent gouty arthritis in many individuals.
Low purine diet. – Foods with high purine content should be omitted from the diet. These include organ meats(liver, kidneys, etc), meats, shellfish, yeast (brewers and bakers), herring, sardines, mackerel and anchovies. Foods with moderate levels of protein should be curtailed as well, which includes dried legumes, spinach, asparagus, fish, poultry and mushrooms.
Achievement of ideal body weight, if overweight. – Weight reduction should involve the use of a high-fibre, low-fat diet, as this type of diet will help manage the elevated cholesterol and triglycerides levels within the body … and provide a more alkaline pH, which increases uric acid solubility.
Liberal consumption of complex carbohydrates. – Refined carbohydrates should be kept to a minimum, as they increase uric acid production
Low fat intake. - Saturated fats should be kept to a minimum, as they increase uric acid retention
Low protein intake. – Protein intake should not be excessive; as it has been shown that high protein intake may accelerate uric acid synthesis within the body.
Liberal fluid intake. – Plenty of fluids (water), preferably with fresh lemon or lime juice added, helps keep the urine diluted and promotes excretion of excess uric acid and toxins from the kidneys and urinary system, thereby also reducing the likelihood or risk of kidney stones.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) supplementation is very useful in the treatment of gout. EPA limits the production of the pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, which are the mediators of much of the inflammation and tissue damage observed in gout.
Vitamin B6 & Zinc; Calcium & Magnesium; Vitamin E and Selenium; Folic Acid (Shown to inhibit xanthine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for producing uric acid). Also found in certain foods like wheat germ, avocados, cauliflower, sprouts, sesame seeds, All these compounds are found in ‘The Green Stuff’ vitamin & mineral food concentrate.
Eat fresh pineapple, which contains Bromelain, an effective anti-inflammatory agent. For best results it should be taken between meals.
Quercetin: Quercetin may offer significant protection in treatment of gout, by inhibiting leukotriene synthesis and release, inhibiting xanthine oxidase (in a similar fashion to the drug 'allopurinol’. For best results, Quercetin should be taken with Bromelain between meals).
Amino acids ‘Alanine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid and Glycine’: These amino acids have been shown to lower serum uric acid levels, resulting in an increase of in uric acid excretion via the kidneys.
Natural Healing
Certainly in cases of arthritis or gout, it is recommended that a full five day kidney cleanse or several mini ‘one-day’ kidney cleanses be carried out, together with a reduction of above mentioned proteins and fats.
Daily intake of homemade barley water should also be consumed at least 2 cups daily. Enquire for details.
Herbs
Devils’ Claw has been used for many years in the treatment of gout and rheumatoid arthritis – it is a wonderful anti-inflammatory herb relieving joint pain, serum cholesterol and uric acid levels.
All dark red-blue berries like cherries, hawthorn berries, bilberries are rich sources of anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, which help to prevent attacks of gout by lowering uric acid levels in the body very effectively. They are also potent anti-oxidants preventing free-radical damage. They also prevent the release and synthesis of compounds that promote inflammation, such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. They also have the unique ability to cross link collagen fibres, resulting in reinforcement of the natural cross-linking of collagen that forms the collagen matrix of connective tissue (cartilage, tendons, etc). Basically, liberal amounts (1/2 – 1 lb or ¼ - ½ kilo) of red berries should be consumed or 1 tsp (5ml) 3 x daily of bilberry fruit extract/tincture.
Dr Christopher’s Bone Flesh & Cartilage Ointment has been used for over 60 years to heal, support and repair all bone, flesh, nerve, tissue and cartilage damage – and offer excellent pain relief, when used daily.
Herbal Formulae suggestions
Kidney cleanse & support formula
Water Balance tea for kidney detox
Ache Away herbal tea for pain relief
Pain Relief Formula (stronger than Ache Away Tea)
Gout formula (please enquire) or Devils Claw tincture
Bilberry fruit extract
Dr Christopher’s BFC Ointment
Natures Harvest vitamin & mineral food concentrate (rich in easily asborbed and digestible plant protein)
Metaphysical
Gout represents ‘a need to dominate, impatience and even anger over a situation’.
Affirmation to correct this mental thought pattern (thereby helping to heal the physical symptoms) is: ‘I am safe and secure. I am at peace with myself and with others.’
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