Gout Is A Type Of Arthritis

Gout is a form of arthritis that has been with us through recorded history.

gout is a direct result of excess uric acid in the body. Why is it that some suffer and others don't? The answers lie in the basic five, weight loss, stopping smoking and other tobacco related habits, controlling alcoholic consumption, changing the diet and beginning an exercise program.

Uric acid is produced by the body during the breakdown of purines. Bacteria in the intestinal tract eliminates about one third of the uric acid and the balance is passed out of the body as urine. Urine derives its' name from uric acid.

People who suffer from gout either produce excess amounts of uric acid or are unable to eliminate normal amounts. The accumulation in the blood forms sodium urate crystals. When viewed through a microscope the crystals look like needles and when in the joint feel like them. Sodium urate crystals are very abrasive and can cause inflammation and destroy the joints. Crystals in the kidneys can cause kidney stones and may require surgical removal. Crystals in the ears can form painful nodules called tophi. Gout can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome and the condition called "trigger finger." Gout sufferers have a higher incidence of diabetes and clogging of the arteries in the heart, kidneys and brain.

Gout Medication can often trigger more severe attacks of gout and aspirin can interact with different drugs causing severe gout attacks. Aspirin, and many over the counter medications, cause the retention of uric acid. Blood pressure medication, especially diuretics, can be a problem for gout sufferers, since they increase uric acid and sugar levels in the blood, aggravating gout and are suspect causes of diabetes. Drugs for gout usually need to be taken on an ongoing basis.

Obesity exacerbates gout. Crash diets or sudden weight loss increases uric acid levels. Excess uric acid levels rise when we're under stress, overworked or harboring suppressed anger and hostility. Direct trauma to a gouty joint can release crystals causing inflammation and gout attacks. Low blood ph levels (when the body is too acidic) can cause gout attacks. Some calcium supplements can make gout worse. Hypothermia or cold temperatures cause uric acid crystals to form.

Foods that are high in purines, the precursor of uric acid, are: Red meat (beef), sardines, anchovies, herring, all organ meats (liver, heart, kidney, etc.), brains and sweetbreads, caffeine is broken down by the body into uric acid, high salt levels make it easier for uric acid to crystalize, yeast products contain RNA which is broken down into uric acid, the byproducts of alcohol breakdown interfere with the excretion of uric acid.

A higher blood alkaline condition helps eliminate gout. Cherries and cherry juice help to alkalize the body. Cherries can be fresh, frozen or canned but be sure they contain no added sugar. Since most gout sufferers are overweight, whole cherries with the added fiber are more effective than cherry juice. Most juices also contain added sugars. Eliminate or reduce acid causing foods. Some acidic food actually alkalize the body (this is an entire subject by itself).

B-vitamins help reduce stress induced gout. B1 (Thiamin) and B5 (Pantothenic acid) aid in the excretion of uric acid. Make sure your B-vitamins are not yeast based and when taking any B vitamins, be sure to include a multi-B vitamin supplement. Single B vitamins scour other B-vitamins from the system. Excessively high doses of Vitamin C can aggravate gout conditions. Excessively high doses of any supplement can cause "nutrient scouring, " the elimination of other nutrients from the body.

Vitamin E has shown to be helpful in combating gout. One woman relieved her gout by soaking her affected foot in warm water for 30 minutes and, after drying, rubbed vitamin E into her gouty toe three or four times a day. After the condition lessened she did this procedure only twice a day for maintenance.

Since gout is a form of arthritis, a good arthritis diet is highly recommended. Herbs specific to arthritis and gout include, alfalfa, Cat's Claw, feverfew, ginger, burdock root, buchu leaves, celery seed, licorice, horsetail, nettle, parsley tea, yucca, hyssop, juniper, parsley tea and devil's claw tea.

I've personally found a combination of fresh parsley and licorice tea to be very helpful for relief of aching joints from athletics or arthritic type problems.

Copyright 2007 Larry R. Miller