Keep Gout At Bay With A Low Uric Acid Diet

                

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Does a low uric acid diet bring relief from gout symptoms? This question is, like most health questions, answered with both a yes and a no.

However, it is worth noting that it is not a low uric acid diet that will make a difference, but a diet low in purine that can reduce Gout symptoms.

Gout can usually be identified by the sudden onset of swollen, red, painful joints, usually in the foot. This excruciating pain and swelling is due to hyperuricemia; a state developed when there is a high level of uric acid in the blood.

Uric acid is the by-product the body produces when metabolizing purine - a compound that is found in a lot of protein based foods. It is dissolved in the blood stream and excreted via the kidneys in our urine.

Our bodies are designed to produce and process uric acid, the problems arise when there is either over-production in the body, or the body is unable to eliminate uric acid at an appropriate rate.

Eliminating insufficient amounts of uric acid can often be linked to a person?s genetic makeup and over production is normally linked to eating too many purine-rich foods in the diet.

Uric acid floats around in the blood and when levels rise too far, crystals are deposited in the joints and soft tissues that connect joints. These sharp, jagged crystals are the cause of the pain and swelling.

It can take years for uric acid levels to build up and a lot of people never experience a gout attack. However, when the tipping point is reached and the uric acid levels are too high to be carried by the blood, deposits are made and the uric acid crystallizes in your joints. This is why the initial attack usually comes on extremely suddenly.

Once the initial gout attack is over, further episodes are normally experienced, as the uric acid level remain high.

Having high levels of uric acid can lead to other complications such as the development of kidney stones. Left untreated, kidney stones can cause a lot of damage to the kidneys, impairing their functions. Kidney stones can lead to severe cramping and pain, and sometimes vomiting.

If you think you have kidney stones, it is important to make an appointment with a doctor and get yourself checked out.

To stop further gout attacks and avoid the possibility of developing kidney stones, you need to reduce the amount of uric acid in your blood. To do this you either need to slow down production or increase expulsion.

Following a low purine diet is a great way to slow down production and helps to normalize uric acid levels in the body.

The key to a low uric acid / low purine diet is to avoid foods high in purine, such as red meat, organ meats, processed meats, yeast extracts, shellfish and gravies. Instead, swap these foods for low-purine foods such as: cereals, fruits, rice, tomatoes, corn and some types of green vegetables.

It can take a little time for your uric acid levels to drop, however, once they have been stabilized at a position where your kidneys can keep up with processing, you can start to reintroduce some higher purine foods, but only in moderation.

More information about low purine diets and naturally treating gout can be found in our free newsletter.

While following a low purine diet it is important to keep your body as hydrated as possible. Drinking lots of water helps to dilute uric acid and flush it through the kidneys.

So, a low uric acid diet can make the difference to someone with gout symptoms, and reduce the chance of future flare-ups.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how a low uric acid diet can be an effective natural cure for gout.

Does A Gout Prevention Diet Work?

                

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You've woken in the small hours of the morning in screaming agony - your big toe is red, hot and extremely swollen. So painful that the weight of your bedding is unbearable. It could be gout and what a lot of sufferers want to know is will a gout prevention diet stop a further attack?

Doesn't seem very likely does it, that what you eat can cause such excruciating joint pain? However, for a lot of gout sufferers this is the case.

To understand why diet can bring on and also prevent an attack you need to first understand what causes gout.

Gout is caused by the build up of uric acid crystals in the spaces and inter-connecting tissues between the joints. It usually flares up in the feet and ankle joints. This is because uric acid is sensitive to temperature and will form crystals in a cooler environment. Your feet are the furthest point from your heart and therefore cooler than the rest of your body. This is why your feet and ankle joints are the most common spots for gout, although it can strike in any joint.

Uric acid is a natural by-product that is found in the blood. It is produced when a compound called purine is broken down. Purine is found in the body and also in a lot of food that we eat, but mainly animal protein.

The body is designed to deal with uric acid by dissolving it in the blood stream and eliminating it via the kidneys or bowels. Gout becomes a very real possibility when the production of uric acid exceeds the levels that are being eliminated from the body.

A raised uric acid level in the blood is called hyperuricema and this is what leads to the crystallization of uric acid, and the deposits in the joints.

So, how can gout prevention diet help?

One of the ways to control gout is to control the amount of uric acid produced. As mentioned earlier, uric acid is formed during the breakdown of purines and this is where diet can play a big part in your gout prevention strategy.

Limiting or avoiding foods that have a high purine level will allow the levels of uric acid in the blood to stabilize and the kidneys to catch up on the elimination process.

The key concept behind a gout prevention diet is to bring the body back into balance and to minimize uric acid production. This means a low fat, low protein diet.

Proteins are high in purines, and should be avoided. But there are some that are higher purine that others, like animal proteins, organ meats, fish, gravies, pulses and yeast extracts.

Also, avoid low carb diets and going on 'crash' diets as these will have the opposite effect and raise uric acid levels; an open invitation for a gout flare-up to strike.

For more information about gout prevention diets and some sample recipes please visit our site and sign up for the free gout prevention newsletter.

Gout prevention diets don't have to be boring. Once you have your gout under control you can start to reintroduce some more protein based foods, but the trick is to do it in moderation.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how a gout prevention diet can be an effective natural cure for gout.

The Atkins Diet And Gout ? Do They Mix?

                

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Here is a question we are asked quite a lot. Does The Atkins diet and gout mix? or for that matter does any low carb diet and gout mix?

The problem with the Atkins diet and gout is that the Atkins Diet is based around the theory that a low carbohydrate, high protein intake allows the body to burn fat more easily. Great for losing weight, not so good for gout sufferers ? Let me explain!

One contributory factor to gout is being overweight and 'losing the extra pounds' is usually one of the first suggestions that a doctor will make. As gout is such a painful condition most sufferers are looking for a weight loss program that will take the pounds off quickly without leaving them feeling deprived. This is where diets such as Atkins fit the bill. However, there is a problem...

Your body develops gout when it is not processing uric acid effectively, because of either hereditary reasons, or an increase in production of uric acid through increased intake of purine rich food, or above normal rates of cell degeneration.

Uric acid is a natural waste product that the body produces. Uric acid is dissolved in the blood stream and is eliminated via urine. If there is elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream due to the body being unable to process and eliminate uric acid effectively, Hyperuricemia can develop.

Although, not dangerous in itself, hyperuricemia has the side effect of depositing excess uric acid, which then crystallizes, into the spaces between joints and the soft connective tissue which links the joints. The crystals are sharp, jagged needles that cause intense pain, swelling, redness and heat in the joint.

Excess uric acid can result from a number of factors such as: not drinking enough water to keep the levels dilute, drinking too much alcohol and eating a diet high in purine-rich foods.

Purine is found mainly in protein dense foods, and predominantly animal protein foods. However, these protein rich foods tend to form the backbone of the Atkins diet and other low carb diets.

The rationale for adopting a high-protein Atkins diet, and other similar 'low-carb' diets is to burn of fat quickly by cutting back on carbohydrates. The theory is that carbohydrates turn to sugar and the body will target sugars first when looking for fuel to burn. As you remove or heavily restrict carbohydrates in your diet, the body has no choice but the burn the reserves of fat.

This then gives the result of quick weight loss. However, this process of burning up fat produces lactic acid as a by-product, which then has to be processed by the kidneys before elimination; keeping uric acid levels in the blood stream higher and the likelihood of a gout attacks is subsequently increased.

Another risk of following a low carb diets, if you're predisposed to gout, is they can lead to a build up ketones in the blood stream, another compound which can push uric acid levels higher.

So, gout sufferers are usually better to follow a gout-friendly diet rather than a low-carb diet. Although the weight loss may be slower, your chances of suffering another gout attack is very reduced dramatically.

There is the option of adopting a tailored low carb diet that takes into account your gout risk, combined with other treatments to increases the expulsion of uric acid from the body.

For information and advice on choosing the right diet, between an Atkins diet and gout friendly diets sign up for a free newsletter on our site.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover more about atkins diet and gout diets, plus other natural cure for gout options.

Understanding Gout Symptoms And Solutions You Can Really Use

                

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Gout is on the increase, but most people don't realize that it's a form of arthritis. When people are told this they can often get annoyed with the suggestion that they have arthritis, especially if they are on the young side ? Assuming that only more mature people get arthritis.

Proportionally gout effects more men than women, and women who are effected by it, most are post menopausal.

Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body, which leads to a state called hyperuricemia. This condition is not dangerous in itself, however the knock on effects of the excess uric acid can cause health problems.

Uric acid build up can be caused by a number of factors. I can be a hereditary condition whereby the body doesn't process uric acid efficiently, or it could be simply that too much uric acid is being produced.

There are four stages to gout, during the first stage sufferers are unaware that they have gout as it involves the increase of uric acid in the blood without any physical symptoms.

The second stage is when the first gout attack happens. Gout attacks can come on extremely suddenly, even overnight. The effected joint becomes hot, swollen, red and painful. Gout usually strikes at the joints in the foot and ankle, most commonly the big toe. During this stage sufferers can become incapacitated, as often the joint is too painful to walk on.

The third stage is where sufferers have symptom free periods between gout attacks. It is common to have a second gout flare-up within 6 - 24 months of the first attack. It is important to seek treatment during this stage to reduce gout attacks, as the final stage of gout is serious.

The fourth stage is the chronic stage and involves consistently swollen sore joints, with sores developing on the skin over the joints. These can leak whitish pus. Mobility is often impaired too due to stiffness and pain. Most cases of gout do not develop this stage. To avoid any long term problems take a look at the natural solutions that you can implement right now:

Lose Weight
If you are overweight, losing the extra pounds can help to reduce the amount of uric acid produced by the body. Avoid the popular low-carb diets as these encourage a high consumption of protein, which will increase uric acid production.

Keep Hydrated
Drinking at least 6 - 8 eight ounce glasses of water a day will help to dilute the uric acid in the body, allowing the kidneys to process and expel it more easily. Limit your alcohol intake, as alcohol, especially beer, will raise your uric acid levels.

Gout Friendly Diet
Uric acid is produced naturally by the body from the breakdown of purine. Purines are found in a lot of our foods and especially protein. Following a gout-friendly diet involves avoiding foods that are high in purine and swapping these for moderate or low purine foods. Find out what not to eat by signing up to our free newsletter.

Understanding gout symptoms and solutions means that you will know what steps to take to avoid having another gout attack.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover more about gout symptoms and solutions. Discover simple lifestyle changes that get rid of gout

Gout And Exercise Some Surprising News

                

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One of the best ways to prevent kidney stones and the recurrence of gout is to exercise. Aside from helping you stay in shape and maintaining a healthy body weight, exercise provides your body with many benefits, some of which include:

- Strengthening, building and maintaining healthy bones, muscles and joints
- Improve mobility and flexibility
- Improves circulation
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and premature death
- Reduces the risk of cancer
- Reduces the risk of developing diabetes
- Reduces the risk of high cholesterol and lowers high cholesterol
- Reduces stress and improves your mental state of mind
- Gives you more energy

All of the exercise benefits listed above help to prevent the recurrence of gout. This is because regular exercise combined with a healthy controlled diet, helps to lower and control uric acid levels. Thus, engaging in regular exercise is particularly important for those who are overweight or obese, as both of these conditions can cause high uric acid levels. That being said, one should not engage in rapid weight loss by overexercising or taking part in crash diets. Losing weight too quickly can have the reverse affect and actually cause the uric acid levels in the blood to rise.

In addition, it is imperative that you learn how to do exercises correctly. The last thing you want is to injure your joints or cause inflammation as a result of excessive exercise or improper movements. Your goal when exercising is to protect your joints at all time.

Exercises for gout ? The following are exercises that are particularly helpful in preventing gout. Note: Always remember to consult your doctor before starting an exercise regimen.

- Range of motion exercises ? This type of exercise is designed to keep your joints flexible and mobile and reduce stiffness. An example, involving your foot, would be rotating your ankle in a circular motion.

- Strengthening exercises ? These exercises are designed to increase and/or maintain the strength of your muscles. Strengthening exercises are usually performed using weights. However, they can also include resistance exercises such as holding a giant rubber band in your hands and stretching it. This type of exercise helps to build muscles.

- Endurance exercises ? These exercises are designed to strengthen your heart, increase circulation, boost your energy and control weight. Exercises include aerobics, walking, cycling, swimming, etc

- Stretching exercises ? Stretching exercises help to increase flexibility and muscle strength. Good exercises including yoga, pilaties and tai chi. However, it is important that you engage in moderate stretching exercises, especially in the beginning, so you don?t risk pulling, twisting or injuring a joint. You should receive proper instructions before doing any of these exercises on your own.

Important information about exercise and gout - Although exercise is ideal for gout sufferers, it is imperative that one knows when it is best to exercise and when it is not. It is also important that one understands what exercise can and can?t do for gout.

First of all, you should never exercise a joint that is inflamed, regardless if the inflammation has been caused by gout or not. Exercising an inflamed joint can worsen the condition by causing more pain and prolonging inflammation. Only begin exercise after the inflammation has eased and take it slow.

When a joint is inflamed you need to focus on easing the inflammation by ensuring the joint is well rested and relaxed. You can also treat the inflammation by applying warm and cool compresses, or with anti-inflammatory medications. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment during this time.

In addition, exercise has no effect on breaking up uric acid crystals, stones or tophi. Exercise helps to control uric acid levels and prevent gout; it can?t do much during a gout attack.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how to treat your gout symptoms with a exercise as an effective natural cure for gout

Gout Symptom Beyond The Big Toe

                

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In its first onslaught, gout usually attacks the big toe. In fact, approximately 90% of people who develop gout develop gout symptoms in their big toe. However, it is possible for gout to affect other joints. Whether it occurs in the initial attack or in later recurrences, gout can also be present in the:

- Instep
- Heel
- Ankle
- Knee
- Finger
- Wrist
- Elbow

Why does gout affect other joints? Gout occurs in other parts of the body for the same reason as it occurs in the big toe. Essentially, the body has a build up of too much uric acid. The excess uric acid develops into crystals that are often deposited into joints.

Regardless of what joint gout affects, the first attack almost always strikes at night and the infected area becomes inflamed, red, swollen and incredibly tender and painful. Most initial gout attacks clear up with in 3 ? 10 days and more than half of the people, who have experienced an acute attack of gout, will have another attack within the year. If action isn?t taken to prevent gout, over time, the recurrence of gout may become more frequent, last for longer periods of time and affect more joints.

For those gout sufferers who experience frequent lingering attacks, their gout condition will eventually become chronic. Chronic cases of gout involve more joints, and the constant presence of uric acid crystal deposits within the joint, and the soft tissues that surround it, leads to persistent inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a sign that destructive changes have occurred within the joint.

Furthermore, long-term cases of severe gouty arthritis will affect the fingers and can cause different joint to be inflamed simultaneously. This often occurs in elderly gout sufferers, and is a type of gout classified as polyarticular gout. In addition, those who failed to treat their gout condition, and experience regular attacks, will usually develop the most serious case of gout known as Chronic Tophacerious Gout, which usually occurs 10 ? 20 years after the initial attack.

Chronic tophacerious gout is characterized by the formation of tophi. Tophi are crystallized uric acid deposits that can be found directly under the surface of the skin in the joint area that is affected. The presence of tophi creates a lump. Small tophi may not be obvious, but they often appear as mobile lumps. Larger tophi make its presence known by poking through the skin and forming hard chalk-like nodules. Tophi nodules can appear on the: Outer ridge of the ear, forearms, elbows, hands, fingers, knees and feet.

Tophi nodules can become painful, especially if they are close enough to a joint that they restrict movement and cause stiffness. However, they usually are not sensitive to touch. Tophi within a joint will eventually cause the bone and cartilage to erode. Moreover, if the tophi are particularly large, permanent deformities can result. Chronic tophacerious gout is the most difficult form to treat.

As you can see, even though it isn?t common during the initial attack, gout symptoms can affect almost any joint, and the risk of it going beyond the big toe increases with recurrences and age. Therefore, if you suffer or have suffered from gout, you need to make sure that you keep your uric acid in check to avoid future attacks and protect the health of your other joints.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how to treat your gout symptoms with a natural cure for gout

Nutritional Therapy A Natural Cure For Gout

                

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Acupressure can provide wonderful relief for gout attacks and it can be used as a complimentary treatment with medication or with other natural remedies like nutritional therapy. Nutritional therapy is type of natural cure for gout that is based on the belief that food contains the natural medicines our body requires in order to obtain and sustain health.

How can nutritional therapy help gout? Although it is often used as a complimentary treatment with medication, nutritional therapy can help gout sufferers find relief from gout attacks by reducing inflammation. It can also prevent gout from recurring by lowering and controlling uric acid levels in the blood. In addition, proper nutritional therapy is safe to use for most people.

What is proper nutritional therapy? The term ?proper? has been used to clarify that like any other treatment; nutritional therapy can produce negative effects or be ineffective if used incorrectly, such as ?
- Ingesting too little or too much of one substance
- Ingesting something with ingredients you are allergic too
- Combining different products that may not be compatible

How is nutritional therapy taken? Nutritional therapy primarily includes vitamins and minerals and is usually taken in the form of a supplement.

What is the nutritional therapy prescribed for gout relief and prevention? The following is a list of some nutritional therapy recommended for gout sufferers, and includes the benefits and precautions associated with each ?

Folic Acid ? This is the synthetic version of Folate (a water-soluble B vitamin that is naturally found in dark leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits) that is used in supplements.
Benefits ? Studies have found that high doses of folic acid may help reduce uric acid levels.
Caution ? Extremely high doses of folic acid can lead to digestive stress and may not be safe for pregnant or nursing women, or those who suffer from seizures, kidney or liver disease.

Vitamin C ? This is an essential antioxidant water-soluble vitamin (found in citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables, etc.)
Benefits ? Studies have found that high doses of vitamin C can increase urinary excretion of uric acid, and lower uric acid in the blood.
Caution ? Taking extremely high amounts of vitamin C may change uric acid levels in the body which can result in an acute gout attack. High doses can also cause other side effects.

Bromelain ? A proteolytic enzyme (found in pineapple)
Benefit ? Studies have found Bromelain to be effective in reducing inflammation. It appears to be a more suitable choice over other prescription anti-inflammatory meds used to treat gout.
Caution ? Not recommended for those allergic to pineapples, pregnant women, those with high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease. This nutritional therapy may not be compatible with other medications and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is designed for short-term use.

Quercetin ? A bioflavonoid that acts as an antioxidant (found in onions)
Benefit ? Restrains xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that creates uric acid. Studies have found it to have anti-inflammatory affects.
Caution ? More studies need to be conducted to find out the true benefits and side effects of this nutritional therapy.

Other nutritional therapy that is recommended which may prove effective in relieving and preventing gout include:

- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
- Selenium
- Evening primrose oil
- Fish oil
- Aspartic acid

Keep in mind that you can obtain the above nutritional therapy by naturally incorporating them into your diet, as they exist in many foods.

Before starting a nutritional therapy regimen for as a natural cure for gout, you should consult your doctor about your decision and ask for specific recommendations and about proper dosage. It is also a good idea to have your doctor monitor your condition when taking anti-inflammatory supplements.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how diet can be used as an effective gout home remedy. You'll also find gout recipe options

Gout And The Risk Of Kidney Stones

                

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Despite what joints may be affected by gout, this particular form of arthritis can cause another complication ? kidney stones.

What are kidney stones and what causes them? Kidney stones are small masses that are rock-like in substance. They can be small enough to be passed through urination, or large enough to block the flow of urine. Passing kidney stones is often an extremely painful experience that most people don?t soon forget. Kidney stones can occur for different reasons. However, in the case of gout, kidney stones form as a result of too much uric acid in the urine.

Who is most at risk for developing kidney stones? Essentially, anyone who has recurring cases of gout is at risk for developing kidney stones. However, middle aged men, and the elderly (both women and men) are more likely to develop kidney stones, due to the fact that they are the primary gout sufferers, and have higher levels of uric acid.

Furthermore, kidney stones are most likely to occur in those who suffer from secondary gout and primary gout. Approximately 42% of those diagnosed with secondary gout will experience kidney stones. However, only 10 ? 25% of primary gout sufferers will develop stones.

Why is the risk so much higher for secondary gout sufferers? The reason is because unlike those who have primary gout - high levels of uric acid without a known cause, those with secondary gout have high levels of uric acid because of their long-term medication (IE. diuretics, aspirin, levodopa, etc.) or health condition (IE. alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, etc.)

Additionally, people who have experienced kidney stones are more likely to develop stones again in the future.

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney stones? Although in some cases there may be no symptoms at all, most people who suffer kidney stones report the following:
- Sudden extreme painful cramping that occurs in the lower back, side, groin or abdomen.
- Nausea or vomiting caused by severe pain
- Blood in urine
- Fever and chills may occur if there is an infection in the urinary tract

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should visit your doctor or the emergency room to make sure that what you are experiencing is indeed kidney stones.

How are kidney stones treated? Although the sudden onset of pain may compel you to take a trip to the emergency room, the chances are after you?ve been x-rayed and diagnosed, a doctor will likely prescribe you pain medication and tell you to drink plenty of water and wait for the kidney stone to pass naturally. Most stones pass within 48 hours when significant fluid is ingested. Symptoms should stop as soon as stones pass.

If the stone will not pass naturally due to its size, a doctor may perform:
- Lithotripsy ? A common procedure that uses a shock wave to break up the large stone into small pieces so they can be passed.
- Surgery ? there are a few techniques used to surgically remove the stones. These surgeries are often uncomplicated.

How to prevent uric acid kidney stones ? The following are ways a gout sufferer can reduce their risk of developing stones:

- Avoid or limit alcohol intake
- Eliminate or limit foods in your diet that raise uric acid levels such as: organ meat, red meat, shellfish, mushrooms, asparagus, dried peas and beans, etc.
- Drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated all the time
- Exercise regularly
- Loose weight realistically ? If you are overweight or obese avoid crash diets to lose weight quickly. Losing weight too fast can cause a rise in uric acid levels and increase the risk of stones.
- Medication ? Talk to your doctor about medication that can help lower and control uric acid levels.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover whether you are experiencing a gout symptom. On the site you'll also find more on proven gout remedy options

Can Acupressure Relieve Your Gout Attack?

                

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Exercise is excellent at preventing gout, but it isn?t the best treatment when it comes to easing a gout attack. However, this doesn?t mean that you need to turn to medication to ease your pain and discomfort. There are plenty of alternative and complimentary remedies out there you may want to try first. One such alternative or complimentary therapy is acupressure.

What is acupressure? Acupressure, also known as a Shiatsu massage, is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that is based on the same principles as acupuncture. Essentially, the belief is that the body has approximately 2000 trigger points that are linked throughout the body via 20 different meridians. Qi (life energy) flows throughout the meridians between the surface of the body and its internal organs. Qi uniquely affects all of the trigger points it flows through bringing balance to both the mind and body.

When the body suffers injury or illness, qi becomes unbalanced. Thus by performing acupressure on the particular points of the body related to the affected area, these points can be used to direct the nervous system to release muscular tension and increase blood flow to the injured parts. In other words, balance is restored.

The main difference between, acupuncture and acupressure is the application. Acupuncture uses needles, while acupressure primarily uses fingers or thumbs to apply pressure to the trigger points to encourage circulation and self-healing in the body.

What are the benefits of acupressure for gout sufferers? Acupressure provides many gout sufferers with relief from pain, resulting from inflammation of gout-infected joints. Acupressure can also:
- Increase circulation
- Reduce tension
- Relieves stress
- Enables the body to achieve deep relaxation
- Maintain health

How to perform acupressure ? Acupressure is performed by applying gentle, but firm pressure to a specific trigger point with the finger, thumb or knuckle. Pressure is usually applied for 15 ? 30 seconds. You will know when the trigger point has been found as you will feel a sharp jolt, immediately followed by a tingling or numbing sensation. This sensitivity is normal, and usually decreases over time. When pressure is released, there is often immediate pain relief.

Although acupressure is a treatment that requires no equipment, oils, etc. to work, it is important that you know how to properly perform acupressure before applying it to yourself or others. There are plenty of online resources and self-help guides that can educate and teach you how to perform acupressure, but it is recommended that you seek treatment and instruction from a qualified and experienced acupressure therapist before engaging in acupressure on your own.

For instance, even though a diagram can show you every acupressure trigger point on the body, not all points can help you achieve relief from gout pain and discomfort. Every illness has its own specific trigger points that need to be targeted based on the ailment and the area of the body where one is experiencing symptoms.

For example, if you were to visit http://magnecare.co.uk, you would find a diagram of acupressure points and discover that the recommended trigger points to relieve gout pain are -
41 ?Located just above the inside ankle
63 ?Located on the lower back near the spine
65 ? Located in the middle of the buttock
66 ? Located on the backside of your hip
67 ? Located directly behind your knee
68 - Located in the middle of your calf

However, depending on where you are experiencing gout pain, not all of these trigger points need to be addressed.

To find a local qualified acupressure therapist, ask your doctor, a physiotherapist, the local hospital, or check the yellow pages. You can also search online by using your city name and ?acupressure therapist? as the keyword search.

Remember, if you want effective pain relief from a gout attack, acupressure must be performed properly.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover the cause of gout treatments. You'll find out about both traditional and gout home treatment.

 

Discover Gout Pain Relief Methods

                

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Sick and tired of the side effects of prescription medication for gout? Here is a natural gout pain relief option that is available to anyone.

A study carried out by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), an arm of the United States Department Of Agriculture has made an amazing discovery.

They found that there are some natural compounds in cherries that reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.

As Gout is a form of arthritis bought about by an excess of uric acid, this study points to a natural way to relieve the debilitating pain of gout symptoms.

The study even goes on to suggest that eating cherries can also reduce the severity of other inflammation causing diseases such as cancer and heart diseases.

ARS is one of the first institutions to scientifically research the effects of cherries in a controlled environment, in this study Bing cherries were used. And this study was interesting as it did not try and analyze extracts from the fruit in a test tube. ARS actually used test subjects - Real people who ate the cherries - and checked the levels of important inflammatory disease or markers in blood samples.

Each person, as part of the test, was fed an exact serving of fresh cherries for breakfast. No other fruits, teas, vegetables, or red wine was allowed prior to and during the study as these foods are also high in anti oxidants, and may have interfered with the results of the study.

To measure the effects of the cherries, they took measurements of the amount of plasma urate, which is basically the level of uric acid in the blood. They also measured the amount of uric acid passed through the kidneys in the test subjects urine.

The results of the test where astonishing. The test subjects? urate levels decreased significantly after the meal of cherries, and levels of uric acid in the urine increased over the first 5 hours after the "bowl of cherries" was eaten.

So, this shows that eating cherries may have a significant effect in the battle against gout symptoms.

Further studies are being conducted into the effects of cherries on other diseases, but the results are promising.

This is great news for anyone suffering from gout and who wants to choose a natural solution to relieve the symptoms of their condition. It reduces the possibility of side effects (unless you are allergic to cherries) and means that not only is the "treatment" good for relieving gout symptoms, but also great for boosting the levels of anti oxidants.

So, now you can get the benefit of gout pain relief and an improved immune system, all packed away in fresh and tasty ripe cherries.

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Prevent And Treat Gout Symptom Complications

                

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Gout is a form or arthritis, which can attack very suddenly. When a gout attack occurs the inflamed joint becomes very red, swollen and painful. To treat gout symptom issues there are a number of steps that you can take which are effective.

Firstly, you need to have the gout diagnosed. It is important to know that the pain and swelling you are experiencing is indeed gout and not another form of arthritis or infection.

The procedure to check if you have gout is straightforward, and involves a medical professional taking a sample of fluid from the effected joint and checking for uric acid crystals.

Once you have the gout diagnosis confirmed by a medical professional you could start to consider ways to treat the condition.

Many doctors will recommend one of the following medication options:

NSAIDS will often be prescribed to reduce the pain. It is a group of anti-inflammatory medications that helps to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.

The other options are medications that focus on preventing rather than treating the symptoms. These medications, such as allopurinal and probenecid, target the production and removal of uric acid from the body.

If using drugs to manage your gout does not appeal to you due to the potential side effects, then you can adopt a gout-friendly diet that limits foods with high levels of purine.

Consuming too much purine is one of the most common reason for developing gout. As purine is a compound found in much of our food and in our tissues in or body, and when it is broken down and metabolized, it produces uric acid.

It is excess uric acid that causes gout symptoms, as rather than being eliminated as waste via the kidneys, the extra uric acid stays in the bloodstream. This results in a build up of uric acid crystals in the spaces between the joints, usually in the foot and big toe joints. It is these sharp crystals which cause the painful inflammation and redness.

Foods with very high purine levels such as offal, meats, gravies, shellfish and dried legumes should be avoided. Try replacing them with gout-friendly foods such as cereal based food, corn, eggs, dairy products and fruit.

If you're a gout sufferer and overweight, now is the time to really get serious about losing those extra pounds. Being overweight can add to gout complications as carrying excess weight impacts on the kidneys ability to process the increased levels of uric acid.

Drinking sufficient liquids is also vital for optimum liver function. You need to be drinking 6 - 8 eight-ounce glasses of preferably water a day. Or if you do not like to drink water, tea and fruit juices are okay to include in your quota. Staying hydrated is important and means that your urine is diluted, allowing your kidneys to expel the extra uric acid.

When suffering from gout it's also worth limiting your alcohol intake, particularly beer as it contains high purine levels. And, it is worth noting that any alcohol will impair the ability of the body to process and remove excess uric acid.

These tips should be able to see how to prevent and treat gout symptom complications. For more information on all aspects of gout please visit our site.

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4 Tips You Must Know About Low Purine Diets For Gout

                

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If you have been living with the painful symptoms of gout for a while or this is the first time you have suffered from swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints, you have no doubt come across people telling you about low purine diets for gout.

Gout is relatively common, and can usually be treated successfully, without having to resort to pharmaceutical drugs. Some quick and simple changes to your lifestyle can reduce and even eliminate your gout symptoms.

Following a low purine diet has been shown to reduce the level of purine in the body, and this in turn reduces the levels of uric acid being produced.

Uric acid is a natural by-product that is produced when the body breaks down purine, so less purine in the body means that the kidney's can work to get the body back into balance by eliminating the excess uric acid as waste.

It is interesting to note that purine is naturally present in the tissues of our body, and it is only when there is an excess of purine, often caused by a diet rich in foods with high purine levels that the uric acid builds up.
A further danger of excess uric acid is the formation of kidney stones. These can be very painful and can also further reduce the ability of the body to expel waste uric acid.

So, when starting out on a low purine diet for gout, there are a few things that you should bear in mind.

1. Eat a balanced diet, which should be high in complex carbohydrates, low in protein and fat.
2. Eat food that have a moderate to low purine levels, such as most vegetables, fruit, cereals, white breads and avoid foods that are high in purine like meat extracts, shellfish, offal (liver, kidney's, brains, sweetmeats), gravies, dried beans.
3. Avoid alcohol as much as possible, as alcohol consumption can this can cause gout flare-ups.
4. Drink 2 - 3 liters of water per day, as this will help dilute the uric acid in the body and allow the kidneys to regain control.

Further information about natural gout diets can be found on our web site.

Of course, the adoption of a low purine diet may seem like quite a sacrifice, especially as it can be different to the typical western diet. However, many gout sufferers see the inconvenience of a new diet as a small price to pay to relieve themselves of the pain and discomfort of gout.

Indeed, many gout sufferers change their diet for life so that they never again suffer a gout flare up.

So, when creating low purine diets for gout sufferers you love, or changing your lifestyle to include a new gout diet, keep in mind that the sooner that the above strategies are adopted the sooner you can get relief from relief from gout symptoms.

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In Search Of A Delicious Low Purine Diet Gout Recipe

                

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If you or a loved one suffers from gout, you will already know the importance of having a low purine diet gout recipe at hand to improve the gout symptoms, but also to satisfy the appetite.

After all, even though someone is suffering from gout, the last thing they want to add to their misery is a dish that makes you feel that your taste buds could go on vacation.

A gout diet will help reduce the levels of purine you take into your body, and the knock on effect will be that there will be less purine breaking down, therefore producing less uric acid crystals in the bloodstream.

These uric acid crystals are what cause the swelling, redness, stiffness and pain in the joints - Usually the feet, and most commonly in the big toe.

So, a good gout diet will reduce the levels of purine in the body, and also should be nutritious and tasty, otherwise you run the risk of getting distracted and bored and lapse back into non-friendly gout food habits.

When the levels of purine being eaten are reduced, then the kidneys have a fighting chance of removing the normal levels of uric acid production from the body, and so relieving the gout symptoms and pain.

The key then, is to find ingredients that are low in purine and that you like to eat, which when combined create a healthy meal that will help put your body back into balance, and lower the levels of your uric acid in your blood.

Knowing the foods to avoid, so that they are not added to a gout diet is key to the process of creating good healthy recipes. Foods that are high in purine include offal (liver, kidneys, heart), dried beans, fish and shellfish and gravy and meat extracts. These items, along with others should be avoided when creating your ideal gout diet.

However, avoiding these foods does not need to make your diet boring. There is a long list of food items that can compliment your gout diet. These include, most vegetables, cereals, noodles, mile, cheese, fruits and fruit drinks, and many other items.

If you want a more comprehensive list of gout friendly, and gout unfriendly foods, you can find a more comprehensive list of items on our web site - see link below.

You will be able to create healthy and tasty low purine dishes quite easily once you know what is an acceptable ingredient.

The route to recovery once diagnosed with gout does not need to be plagued with bland, untasty food. A little imagination, and the low purine diet gout recipe you create will be wholesome and interesting, with the added benefit of knowing that you are getting better, bite by bite.

In Our Free Newsletter You Will Discover New Insight Into Low Purine Diet Gout Recipes , and Learn Methods For Eliminating gout symptom naturally

Discover How To Cure Gout Quickly With Only Natural Gout Cures.

                

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If you or a loved one has suffered from gout you will know that finding out how to cure gout with natural gout cures is a question that comes very quickly to mind. There is often embarrassment about gout as it is generally a condition that is self-inflicted through the food eaten.

So, finding a natural way to deal with the gout, without having to go to the doctor or rely on prescription medication, some of which could have harmful side-effects, is something that is often searched for.

Natural cures for gout come in a number of shapes, but the most common one is based around changing the diet of the person suffering with the symptoms.

Changing a gout sufferer?s diet can quickly reduce the levels of purine in the body, and so reduce the volume of uric acid crystals being produced by the body. Uric acid is produced through the breakdown of purine, and if there is too much uric acid in the system the crystals of uric acid form in the spaces in the joints ? Often the foot, and most commonly the big toe.

Excessive uric acid can also encourage the development of kidney stones, which can then lead to a less efficient kidney functions and in turn and other complications.

So a reduction in the intake of purine, reduces the production of uric acid, which in turn allows the kidney?s to regain the upper hand and restore balance to the body. It manages this by removing excess uric acid as waste in urine.

Over time, the reduced production of uric acid, along with the elimination through urine, will allow the body to reduce, and eventually remove the painful gout symptoms naturally.

So, how does someone suffering from gout reduce the levels of purine they eat? Well, the key here is to understand that different foods have different levels of purine in them. Foods such as shellfish and fish, kidney?s, liver, gravies and dried beans have very high levels of purine, and should be avoided as much as possible.

Whereas, most vegetables, fruit and fruit drinks, white bread, mike, cheese etc have moderate to low levels of purine, and should form the staples of the diet if you are serious about relieving gout symptoms as quickly as possible.

More information on the gout friendly and unfriendly food can be found on our web site and blog.

So, one simple solution to finding relief to gout symptoms through natural is not complex, it does not mean mixing potions or visits to the drug store, or swallowing a bottle of supplements.

So, you now know how to cure gout with natural gout cures, and your next step should be refining that knowledge and creating a low purine diet.

In Our Free Newsletter at You Will Discover New Insight Into How To Sure Gout With Natural Gout Cures, and Learn Methods For Eliminating gout symptom naturally

Idea Hangouts: Where To Find Hot Product Ideas To Use For Creating Your Next Best-selling Ebook

                

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46,094.

That?s how many times I?ve been asked ?Where can I find hot product ideas to write about in my next eBook??

Really. I?ve been keeping count. :o)

OK, so it?s probably not quite that many times, but you get the idea.

I get asked that question a LOT.

And so, I?ve decided to share my favorite ?idea hangouts?.
That?s right ? ?idea hangouts.? It?s been my experience that there are specific places where hot product ideas are always gathered. I call them ?idea hangouts.?

*** Idea Hangout #1 ***

One of the ?idea hangouts? that I?ve identified is Amazon.com.

Amazon.com is the web?s largest bookstore.

It?s also a community center for new product ideas. I use it as one of my top brainstorming resources. Again and again I visit this site to come up with topics to write about.

What makes Amazon.com so useful as a research tool for getting new ideas is their searchable database of books. There are thousands of great ideas lurking in there if you just know how to use it.

And that?s what I?m here for. :o)

I?m going to show you how to find hot product ideas with Amazon.com anytime you want.

It?s really a matter of three simple steps ?

STEP 01 : >>> Decide Upon A Broad Category. When brainstorming ideas, you must begin with a broad category to work with. Some examples might be: weight loss, marketing, dating, travel, baseball.

So, you need that ahead of time. Figure out a broad subject that you know is popular (I.E. You know that losing weight is ALWAYS going to be a popular subject, as is ?making money.?).

As an example for this article, I?m going to choose GOLF.

STEP 02 : >>> Search Amazon?s Database. After picking your broad topic to research, it?s time to visit Amazon.com.

Specifically, you?re going to SEARCH their database of books they are selling.

Upon arriving at their site, locate their SEARCH form. At the time of this writing, it was in the upper left hand corner of their main page. Pull the menu down and select BOOKS from the options.

In the space provided, type in whatever broad category you chose. I?d type in ?Golf?. (You don?t need quotation marks)

If you did indeed start with a broad category, then hundreds (or even thousands) of book listings should appear as a result of the search.

STEP 03 : >>> Brainstorm Ideas From The Listings. Let the brainstorming session begin! Now it?s time to look at the books that are listed and write down as many possible ideas as you can find.

Look for the different TYPES of books written about the subject, identifying different THEMES, STYLES and SUBCATEGORIES.

Let?s look at an example ?

When I searched for ?Golf?, I was able to immediately spot dozens of great ideas. Here are a handful ?

1. Becoming a better golfer. There are many golf books available in this area, covering everything from ?A-Z of Golf Shots? to specific topics such as ?Improving Your Short Game.? There were lots of different themes from ?learning to break 100? to ?shaving 10 shots off your score? to ?7 shots that will change your golf game forever.?

2. Guides to Golf Courses. Again, we have many different ideas here. Specific golf guides like ?Florida golfing?, ?golfing in Tennessee? and ?golfing the Robert Trent Jones trail? appear, as well as books on ?the best golf courses in America,? ?best kept secrets: great golf courses you?ve probably never played,? and ?golf vacation guides.?

3. Profiting from Golf. More ideas pour in with ?opening a golf repair business,? ?becoming a golf retailer,? ?learning how to caddy? and ?buying & selling used golf clubs.? What about ?running an online golf auction?, ?organizing a golf tournament for profit? or even ?writing information products about golf!?

4. Golf and Business. There are millions of dollars in business deals negotiated on the golf course every single year. And there are books available to teach folks how to get it done. ?How to negotiate business deals during golf outings,? ?Legal golf tax deductions for businesspeople,? and ?business seminars and golf: how to mix training and fun for maximum profit? are just a few more ideas worth exploring.

5. Golf Products. My, my, my there are so many ideas floating around in here! Everything ranging from reviews of the latest golf equipment to ratings of golf courses to discounts on golf packages. Resource guides to finding the best deals on golfing products, how to negotiate discounts, and how to find the best products for your specific golf game also come to mind as product ideas.

One Broad Category (Golf)
+ Amazon.com Searchable Database of Books
= 28 Potential Product Ideas

See how easy that was? I found TWENTY-EIGHT potential new product ideas (and there were MANY MORE that I didn?t mention in this article) from a simple brainstorming exercise using ONE ?idea hangout.?

There?s got to be a best-seller in that bunch somewhere. And certainly with a little ?mix -n- match? I can come up with a hit product with these ideas.

Not bad, eh?

So, now it?s YOUR turn. It?s a simple system for coming up with product ideas anytime you want.

Like right now.

Jimmy D. Brown is the author of "Small Reports Fortune" - if you can write 7-15 page small reports, you can earn a living online working just a few hours each week from your home. Look for his EXCLUSIVE formula "Creating A Six-Figure Income With Small Reports" at http://www.SmallReportsFortune.com

Gout vs Pseudogout

                

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Sometimes, even if a person lives a healthy lifestyle, abstains from alcohol or drinks it modestly, they can experience a condition that mirrors gout, but is in actuality, a different arthritic condition altogether known as pseudogout. To help you understand the differences between these two, the following is a breakdown of the causes, symptoms and treatments for each condition.

Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs suddenly, usually affecting the big toe, and causes severe painful attacks, tenderness and redness in the affected joint. An attack can last days or weeks. Gout is caused by a build up of uric acid which turns into uric acid crystals that are deposited into the joints causing them to become inflamed. The first attack of gout often occurs late at night.

A build up of uric acid that develops into gout can result from:
?High alcohol consumption
?Eating excessive food rich in purines such as organ meats
?Crash diets
?Joint injury
?Surgery
?Chemotherapy

The symptoms of gout include:
?Sudden intense joint pain
?Inflammation and redness in the affected joint.
?Swelling
?Difficulty moving affected joint within its normal capacity.

Treatment for gout includes:
?NSAIDs - The most common treatment for gout includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, indomethacin and naproxen. They are used to help alleviate paint and reduce inflammation
?Colchicine ? prescription med that prevents gout attacks from recurring
?Diet ? By controlling what you eat, staying well hydrated and exercising regularly, you can help reduce your uric acid levels and prevent gout.
?Surgery ? This is very rare treatment and is only required if there is significant joint damage from frequent attacks.

Pseudogout
Pseudogout is a form of arthritis that occurs when calcium pyrophosphate crystals accumulate in joints. Although it is sometimes referred to as calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPDD), the disease is called pseudogout due to the fact that its symptoms and crystal build up are similar to gout.

Like gout, pseudogout causes a sudden extreme attack of pain and swelling to specific joints, which can last for days or weeks. However, unlike gout that usually attacks the big toe first, pseudogout is usually present in the knees, but can also affect the shoulder, elbows, wrists, hands, or ankles. Furthermore, pseudogout can become a chronic arthritic condition that feels more like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

It is clear that the development of calcium pyrophosphate crystals is what causes Pseudogout. Eventually, crystals can be deposited into the cartilage of a joint and then begin to damage it, a condition known as chondrocalcinosis. Although medical researchers are not sure why the calcium pyrophosphate crystals occur, it is suspected that the condition may be hereditary or related to:
?Hypothryroidism (underactive thyroid)
?Hemochromatosis (too much iron storage)
?Overactive parathyroid gland
?Low levels of magnesium in the blood
?Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood)
?Joint injury
?Surgery (either related to a joint or not)

Unlike gout, pseudogout is not necessarily gender specific or diet related, and usually affects 3% of people in their sixties and approximately 50% of those in their nineties.

The symptoms of pseudogout include:
?Swelling of the affected joint
?Severe pain
?Warmth
?Redness

Treatment for pseudogout includes:
?NSAIDs
?Cortisone injections
?Ice therapy, mild exercise and rest
?Surgery ? only occurs if severe damage has been done to the joints.

As you can see, both gout and pseudogout are incredibly painful conditions that result from the build up of crystal deposits in the joints causing inflammation. Essentially, the main difference between the two is the type of crystals.

For more information about Gout diets take a look at Cure Gout Now.

The Missing Link Between Gout And Alcohol Consumption

                

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Although there are many factors that can contribute to a build up of uric acid within your system, alcohol consumption appears to be a leading factor in gout development. However, this doesn?t mean that people who drink alcohol modestly on a regular basis will develop gout. Furthermore, research has discovered that different types of alcoholic beverages have different impacts on uric acid levels.

For hundreds of years, medical researchers have suspected that gout is linked to specific lifestyles such as diets high in red meat, salt and alcohol, combined with little to no exercise. This type of lifestyle, which many people in Western countries tend to adopt as they become older and closer to middle age, is very much like the lifestyle that was once led by English kings. In fact, gout is often called ?the disease of kings?.

Today, researchers that have conducted studies on men in relation to alcohol consumption and its link to gout, have found that men who drank excessive amounts of certain forms of alcohol ? especially beer ? greatly increased their risk for developing gout.

What has been discovered is alcohol may not only affect the production of uric acid, but also its removal from the body. It appears that when alcohol is changed into lactic acid, it decreases the quantity of uric acid that the kidneys are able to remove from the body. The reason is because uric acid has to compete with the lactic acid in order to be removed by the kidneys.

In addition, researchers have found that certain types of alcohol have less risk of causing gout than others. Of all the alcohols studied, it appears that Beer poses the highest risk of gout, while moderate consumption of wine or spirits has little to no increased risk of gout.

What?s so risky about beer? Some researchers believe that beer has a non-alcoholic ingredient that makes the increase of gout even higher than other alcoholic beverages. Beer is apparently the only alcoholic beverage to include purines, and an excessive amount of purines in the system can lead to higher production of uric acid. Conversely, other researchers do not believe it is the purines in the drink that increase the risk of gout. These researchers don?t believe that having too many purines in the diet increase the risk of gout. Their reasoning is based on a study that was conducted on vegetarians from Taiwan who indulged in a diet that was high in purines. The study revealed that theses individuals actually had a lower risk of developing gout.

So, if it?s not the purines in beer then what is it? Some experts have a hunch that excessive beer drinkers have a higher risk in contracting gout due to their lifestyle. For instance, a person who drinks wine usually has their alcoholic beverage with a meal, or with healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, crackers and cheese. A beer drinker, on the other hand, will often indulge in eating salty and fatty snacks such as peanuts and chips, while they sit and watch TV on the couch hour after hour. Thus, enthusiastic beer drinkers are likely to have a more sedentary lifestyle.

Regardless of the alcohol beverage you enjoy, you can dramatically reduce your risk of developing gout by drinking modestly (IE a glass of wine or beer per day). Overindulging in alcohol on occasion isn?t going to have a dramatic effect on your chances of getting gout, but regular overindulgence may eventually lead to a serious pain in the big toe.

For more information about Gout diets take a look at Cure Gout Now.

Can Low Carb Diets Cause Gout?

                

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Even though it?s unclear on how someone can decrease their risk of pseudogout, as far as gout is concerned, the best way to reduce the risk is to control your diet and your weight. If you are overweight, it is imperative that you know there is a ideal method to utilise when it comes to shedding pounds for gout prevention.

There is no question that obesity is a major risk factor for gout. Studies on overweight men have shown that the more weight they gain, the higher their risk of developing the condition.

How does obesity contribute to gout risk? Think about it, people who are obese, or considerably overweight, usually lead a sedentary lifestyle, have a diet rich in fatty foods, alcohol and caffeinated beverages that are dehydrating.

Studies have concluded that men, who are overweight, are two times as likely to develop gout, while obese men are three times as likely. It was also discovered that when the overweight men lost only 10 pounds, they decreased their risk of gout by 40 percent!

Now that you know the role weight plays in gout risk, it?s time to take a look at the right way of losing weight to prevent gout, and the wrong way.

The ideal weight loss method
First of all, when it comes to losing weight, it?s not about ?going on a diet?, it?s about making a lifestyle change by transforming what you eat and the amount you ingest. For instance, a healthy diet for the average individual should consist of the following:

? Fresh fruits and vegetables
? Nuts
? Whole grain products (brown rice whole grain cereal/breads/pasta)
? Low fat dairy products
? Fish
? White meat (chicken and turkey with no skin)
? Lots of water

When the above foods are consumed on a regular basis, they lower your intake of cholesterol, saturated fats, trans-fats and high sugared foods such as fried foods, chips, cookies, cake, white rice/pasta/bread, red meat and organ meat. Furthermore, healthy foods provide your body with fish oils, and calories from mono unsaturated fats and poly unsaturated fats. As a special bonus, healthy foods also help to suppress your appetite.

Avoid the low carb weight loss method

One of the most popular diets to be introduced to society over the past few years, as a method to lose weight fast, is the famous low carb diet. Low carb diets, such as the Atkins diet, are about dramatically reducing the daily intake of carbohydrates and replacing them with protein. Although the low carb diet certainly does achieve excellent weight loss results in a short period of time, whether or not it is a healthy choice for your body, is questionable.

Some low carb diets contain high amounts of animal protein, cholesterol and saturated fats, but lack fiber, nutrients and complex carbohydrates that are necessary for the body to maintain ideal health. This has lead many medical researchers to believe that low carb diets actually increase certain health risks such as gout.

Why? Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the body, which can occur from eating too many foods rich in purines - foods that essentially make up a low carb diet. In addition, it is believed that by eating less than 130 grams of carbs per day can cause a build up of ketones in the blood, which can also result in higher levels of uric acid.

Thus, adopting a healthy diet, in combination with regular exercise (IE, daily 20-minute brisk walk), is a great way to lose weight. Sure the results may not be as fast as a low carb diet, but at least you will stay healthy and prevent gout while you?re at it.

For more information about Gout diets take a look at Cure Gout Now

Gout vs Gender

                

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Gout is an acute form of arthritis that results in sudden and chronic attacks of severe pain and inflammation in the joints; primarily the big toe, feet and legs. Although anyone can develop this condition, gout is more common among men than women. In fact, compared to women, men are four times more likely to develop gout. It is estimated that of the one million Americans who have gout, more than 80% are men.

Why are men so much more susceptible to gout than women? Gout is linked to hyperuricemia (abnormally high uric acid levels). Men have a substantially higher amount of uric acid in their system than women. During puberty, uric acid production increases in males and continues to climb. Therefore, by the time men reach their 40?s, their uric acid levels have been high for a prolonged period of time and can result in gout.

Women, on the other hand, tend to only become more susceptible to gout after they experience menopause, and are more likely to develop the arthritic condition in their 60?s. This is because after menopause, uric acid levels in women reach the levels of men, due to the fact that their estrogen levels have dropped. Estrogen helps to keep uric acid production under control.

What is uric acid? It is a waste product your body forms after it has broken down purines, which are natural substances, found in every cell within our body and are in virtually all the foods we eat. Purines are essential to the body because they provide the chemical structure that creates genes. In addition, uric acid functions as an antioxidant in the body, as it protects blood vessels and prevents their linings from becoming damaged. Therefore, a certain amount of purines and uric acid are essential to maintain the health and wellbeing of our bodies.

However, if uric acid levels become too high within the blood or in other parts of the body, it can build up and accumulate and form uric acid crystals. These crystals can be deposited into the joints, and organs.

What causes high uric acid levels? There are different causes for high uric acid levels including:

? Overproduction of uric acid ? The kidneys are in charge of filtering uric acid and releasing it through urine. However, if the body is producing too much uric acid the kidneys cannot expel enough of it. On the other hand, uric acid build up can also result if the kidneys are diseased and don?t function properly; if the person has an inherited enzyme abnormality; or blood cancer.

? Over consuming foods high in protein ? Foods high in protein are also high in purines and include organ meats (IE kidney, liver etc.) fish (IE sardines, mackerel, herring, muscles and anchovies), and food containing yeast.

? Medication ? Certain medications, especially diuretics, have been known to cause high levels of uric acid.

Obesity, eating lots of salty foods and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can also contribute to high uric acid levels. Therefore, as you can see, due to the fact that men already have high levels of uric acid in their system, it doesn?t take much for a build up of uric acid to develop over time and progress into gout.

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Gout Linked To Diabetes

                

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Gout and diabetes have been together longer than peanut butter and jelly. These two sinister diseases have been wreaking havoc on the human population for many years, but why?

Before we discuss the connection between diabetes and gout, let?s review exactly what diabetes is. Diabetes is a disease where sufferers inject insulin to treat high levels of sugar in the body. A diabetes sufferer doesn?t make enough insulin by themselves so they need injections on a daily basis. Sometimes, patients need multiple injections per day to remain healthy.

While this may not sound like such a big deal, the major headache associated with diabetes come from the practically endless list of long-term problems that result from it.

The list of complications associated with diabetes reads like a laundry list of debilitating diseases: cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, severe eye damage, nerve damage, sexual dysfunction and possible gangrene, which can lead to amputation.

It?s here that gout shows its ugly face. The connection between gout and diabetes is linked to poor blood circulation in the limbs. The chances of coming down with gout increase when poor circulation in the feet result in a build-up of uric acid in the joints. Poor circulation is a hallmark of diabetes, so the two illnesses are closely associated.

So, what can be done?

While there is no cure for diabetes, there are some treatments available to help increase blood flow to parts of the body.

One of the most basic treatment methods is the application of a warm, wet cloth or towel to the infected area. The heat and moisture can help dilate blood vessels in the foot, therefore increasing blood flow.

If this rudimentary treatment doesn?t work, there are other options.

Exercise is a common way to help increase blood flow to the limbs. This may be difficult, however, for sufferers of gout, since standing or putting any pressure on a gout-ridden foot tends to be excruciating. So this works best as a preventative measure.

Drinking an extra glass or two of water per day has shown to help blood flow problems.

There are also many all-natural supplements that you can add to your diet to help put an end to gout outbreaks associated with diabetes.

Cayenne tincture has been a long-used cure all for anyone suffering from circulation problems. The herb has shown in studies to not only increase circulation, but also help in clearing the arteries and strengthening the muscles around the heart.

Ginkgo biloba is another herb that has many benefits for the body beyond simply improving circulation. While it does a fine job in that, ginkgo can also help improve memory, help with asthma symptoms and helps strengthen blood vessels.

If you?re looking to improve your circulation, keep gout away and scare off vampires, than garlic is the herb for you. Not only will it help your blood move easier, it is an excellent blood cleanser and helps with high blood pressure.

In conclusion, diabetes and gout are inexorably linked. While you may not be able to fully avoid gout if you suffer from diabetes, there are ways to help lessen your chances of coming down with this painful joint condition.

If you are looking for more help for Gout symptoms please visit CureGoutNow.com and sign up for a free newsletter.

Gout vs Cherries?

                

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Every disease that is faced by man has a colourful history behind it. Stories such as ?Your brother?s best friend?s cousin beat leukemia by eating a dozen raw eggs a day? or ?A guy in Kentucky woke from a 30-year coma after listening to nothing but William Shatner records for 2 days? litter the rich, social fabric of human history. Is it true or is it all an old wives tale? And if it is true, was this miracle cure just a coincidence or was it actually due to the unorthodox treatment?

One such tale that has been around for decades is the ?connection? between cherries and gout. It is believed that if you dine on these ruby red orbs as soon as you begin to show the painful signs of gout, it will speed healing.

The tale goes as far as to say that if you incorporate cherries as part of your daily fruit intake, you may never even get gout to begin with.

While this medical rumour sounds like it was started by the Worldwide Cherry Federation in an attempt to boost sales, the connection between gout and the cherry can be traced back to 1950 and a doctor who cured himself of gout.

Dr. Ludwig Blau discovered that by eating between six to eight cherries a day, you could stave off the return of gout indefinitely, but was the doctor a quack or was he on to something?

As it turns out, cherries do help battle gout on two different fronts. The first is based on what cherries keep together. The collagen in the body is used to create connective tissue and it?s this tissue that gout damages. Cherries help keep collagen strong and less susceptible to attacks of gout.

Cherries also contain a natural enzyme that helps the body to lower the uric acid levels in the blood. High levels of uric acid cause outbreaks of gout.

If that wasn?t enough, cherries also have unique antioxidant properties that can assist in the body expelling larger amounts of uric acid than normal.

A recent study at the University of California ? Davis bears out Dr. Blau?s findings. The ten women who took part in the study enjoyed a breakfast of 45 cherries and then the testing began.

The study, performed by the Agriculture Research Service with the United States Department of Agriculture showed that the amount of uric acid that was expelled from the body after a breakfast of cherries was significantly higher. Scientists were able to measure the amount of uric acid present in the body before the subjects dined on their cherry-only meal, and then measured it a second time. The findings were matched by blood samples that were also taken.

While not all myths and legends about diseases and cures are accurate, you do find an occasional truth among the old wives tales, and in this case, cherries might not only be the most effective way to treat gout, but they are certainly one of the tastiest!

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9 Methods For Effective Gout Treatment

                

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Gout is mainly a condition connected to arthritis which occurs when uric acid crystals amass in certain joints. Gout usually affects the large toe, but it may also appear in other joints such as the ones in the foot, hand, ankle, knee, wrist, hand and elbow. The symptoms of gout can cause so much discomfort and even unbearable pain, and thus adequate treatment is needed to manage the pains and discomforts caused by gout.

Gout is caused when people's uric acid levels go above normal due to the breaking down of waste products called purines. Normally, uric acid can easily be dissolved into the blood and then filtered by the kidneys to be passed out through urine. But in some cases uric acid solidifies in the form of crystals and then accumulating in joints and tissues. This causes severe pains, inflammation, tenderness, warmness, and redness.

Gout Treatment

The treatment of gout aims to stop the attack of gouts, relieve the pain and the inflammation it causes, avoiding further attacks, and preventing complications such as the formation of kidney stones, tophi and the destruction of joints. The usual course of treatment involves altering the diet, providing medication to alleviate pain, prescribing medicine to manage inflammation, and finally, dispensing medication to lower the uric acid level. Normally, the treatment can be administered without much complication, but the process may be more difficult if the patient has other conditions that can be affected by gout.

Dietary Treatment

Gout treatment normally begins with alteration of the diet. Purine rich foods are eliminated as fluid intake is increased. Alcohol consumption is also decreased and weight loss is recommended to prevent gout attacks from worsening. But dietary treatment is usually not enough to treat gout, other steps are needed for full treatment of the disease.

Medical Treatment

There are many medications usually prescribed for gout treatment. Here are some of them:

1. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs) - these drugs, particularly indomethacin, are usually first prescribed to reduce the symptoms of gout, particularly pain and inflammation. Normally, maximum dosages of NSAIDs are used for 48 hours to immediately help diminish the symptoms.

2. Colchicine - this is another medicine prescribed to alleviate symptoms of gout. It is helpful in preventing further gout attacks. Colchicine may either be taken in small amounts regularly for some months or in large dosages over a much shorter period for acute attacks. Colchicine works best when taken in conjunction with the other facets of gout treatment.

3. Corticosteroids - patients who are not able to take colchicines or NSAIDs are prescribed adrenocorticotropic hormones like predisnone, to alleviate the symptoms of acute out. These hormones are administered through intramuscular injections starting doses of 20 to 40mg during the first onset of gout and then tapering off for subsequent treatments.

4. Allupurinol - this is most popularly known as the brand Zylprim and is prescribed to lower uric acid levels by controlling the system that creates the substance in the body. This is more helpful for preventing gout, instead of treating attacks.

5. Probenecid - sold as Probalan or Benemid, this is usually prescribed for gouty arthritis and chronic gout. It is also helpful in preventing gout attacks rather than treating actually occurrences. The medicine helps the kidneys eliminate more uric acid out of the body.

6. Colbenemid - sold as Proben-C or Col-Probenecid, this medicine treats gout direcly and also lowers uric acid. This drug contains Colchicine and Probenecid.

7. Sulfinpyrazone - sold as Anturane, this drug also lowers uric acid levels in the blood and is thus a preventive treatment for gouty arthritis.

8. Losartan - sold as Hyzaar and Cozzar, this drug also helps lower uric acid levels, although it is not solely a medicine for gout. It is more used as an antihypertensive drug and an antagonist for angiotensin II receptor.

9. Analgesics - the levels of pain and discomfort brought about by gout varies from patient to patient and according to the gravity of the disease. Analgesics are also used to manage fevers that may accompany gout attacks.

Gout can cause so many inconveniences in one's life and it is thus important to administer proper treatment right away. Of course, as it is often said, prevention is better than cure and it is thus important to decrease chances of gout attacks by maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://gout.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about gout treatment and symptoms

Iberian Cool - The Hip Hangouts In Spain

                

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FROM BARCELONA TO BILBAO, THE SPANISH LANDS ARE THE PLACE TO CHILL IN STYLE

Budget airlines have brought us a step closer to Europe and the climate has always been a pull for us pasty northerners, but recently, the Iberian cities don?t seem to be out of the press. A whole new world of style has been born in Spain.
Chef Ferran Adria leads the Spanish cullinary scene with his globally revered, triple-Michelin-starred restaurant, El Bulli, situated on a remote, rocky beach 2 hours from Barcelona. His vociferous support for Spanish produce, Sherry and wines has made the rest of the gastronomic world sit up and take note and has propelled Spain to new heights of international respect. The list of fantastic restaurants and bars within Spanish borders is endless, but we?ve put together a selection of not-to-be-missed venues for a weekend in the sun.

IBIZA
Ibiza or Eivissa, depending on where you emanate from, is Spain?s most famous island and its double name is mirrored in a peculiar split personality that has developed over the last ten years. It is known as the clubbing capital of the world, drawing music connoisseurs from across the globe for its jaw-dropping DJ line-ups and its range of superclubs that hold thousands. At the same time, thanks to reality shows like ?Ibiza Uncovered?, the so-called Isla Bonita is burdened with a reputation for attracting the worst element of Brits abroad. Lary lads and loose lasses stumble through the streets of San Antonio wreaking havock, making mischief and collapsing in a heap at the end of the night. But beyond all of this, there is a very sophisticated element of Ibizan life ? a third personality that escapes most of the tourist trade. A new generation of bars have evolved into world class venues with slick interior design, atmospheric lighting, extensive cocktail menus and some of the best resident DJs in Europe.

When the Warhol bar opened in December 2001, its mission was to attract the stylish and beautiful, and now anyone who's in the know in the music, fashion or media worlds can be found flocking to it for album launches, catwalk collections or photoshoots. The Base Bar continues to draw the music buffs and Caf? Mambo on the opposite side of the island has stolen the glory from Caf? Del Mar next door as the best place to watch the sun go down. Wine Bar is a new development, whose proximity to Pacha nightclub has sealed its future as an all-year fashion hang-out where you can dump vodka lim?ns in favour of fine wines and Fino. Then there?s cushion-strewn Mao Rooms, from London?s Chinawhite crew, which has become a first class lounge on the Ibiza scene.

For food, L?Elephant is the island?s top French restaurant, located in the small town of San Rafael just outside of Ibiza Town. Sa Capella is a beautiful and impressive restaurant housed in a 16th Century church resplendent with stone statues, foliage and faultless service.
La Casita in Cala Llonga is a sleek and stylish terrace restaurant serving gastronomically inventive dishes from its old farmhouse location.

BARCELONA
Physically compact, yet culturally enormous; bohemian, and at the same time ultra chic. Barcelona is one of those cities that is all things to all men. It?s hub of creativity, with internationally renowned art galleries, designer shops and architectural delights that are second to none. Glitzy modern fa?ades juxtaposed with the unique contorted architecture that is Gaudi?s legacy. Delightful squares and meandering boulevards that invite you to amble along for hours, glancing in the designer shops north of Pla?a Catalunya. Then break your journey in the basement bodegas and tapas bars of La Rambla. In the summer, you can relax beachside at one of the scores of bars and restaurants along the Mediterranean coast of the Olympic port, dining on morning fresh seafood with a cold Manzanilla at your side. Aqua is a favourite hangout with bleached wooden tables and chairs spilling onto the beach front. For something more urban, Lupino, in one of the grafitti-ridden backstreets of the Raval district, is a fashionable spot with an alfresco terrace in similar style to one of London?s Hoxton haunts. Its slick, warmly lit interior is in direct contrast to the industrial carpark and the boqueria market that it looks out onto. The gourmands would prefer to venture into the commercial district to critically acclaimed Comer? 24 (closed in August), where the El Bulli trained chef, Carles Abellan, serves fantastic modern style tapas to a well-to-do professional crowd. For those of a more adventurous nature, a trip into Mount Tibidabo will provide views over the bustling city. A day at the theme park on high can be followed with drinks at Mirabelle and then completed with cocktails and dancing at the converted mansion known as Partycular. The sophisticated Eixample area offers a number of trendy escapes such as lounge bar Smooth, with its awesome selection of wines and Sherry, and velvet-clad Snooker, which won design awards when it opened a decade ago. El Ascensor in Ribera attracts the beautiful young things and with any luck you?ll be caught in the lift with one of them as you ascend to the modern designer club.

MADRID
It?s big and bustling, it?s loud and crowded, lascivious characters skulk in dark corners, and taxi drivers will try to rip you off. It?s a capital city and no mistaking it. Slap bang in the middle of the Spanish mainland, Madrid is hot ? and with none of the forgiving sea breeze that blesses Barcelona, the teracotta cityscape looks practically kiln-baked. But it?s not all stress and strife. The best place to start relaxing is in Paseo del Prado, the expansive promenade that puts all of the city stress on hold. Down the spine of the Prado are three gurgling fountains that are fed by a subterranean stream. Adjacent to Prado is the beautiful, landscaped Retiro park, alive with street performers, bandstand and boat rides on its artificial lake. Sandwiched between the two is the botanical garden, an oasis of peace at the nucleus of the city. Caf? Miranda captures the spirit and colour of Madrid. Modern European cooking accompanied by a vampish dinner show with drag queens and a psychadelic decor. Drag queens feature at Gula Gula (Gran Via 1) too, where eating at the self-service buffet is a colourful and entertaining experience. A more sophisticated option is La Vaca Veronica where market-fresh ingredients are combined to terrific results.
For something on the fashionable tip, Larios Caf? is a glamorous spot and its delicious Cuban cuisine is popular with the arty designer crowd. But if you?re looking up-market then Salamanca is the area to head for. The Beverley Hills of Madrid, Salamanca is awash with high class restaurants and glitzy bars. El Mentidero de la Villa (C/Santo Tom? 6) or grandiose Pedro Larumbe (C/Serrano 61) for exquisite fish, Estay for contemporary tapas or Boulevard for quaffing with any A-listers that are in town. Another trendy getaway is El Viso Madrid (C/Juan Bravo 31) set on a number of floors with a beautiful terrace bar, basement club and a very well-heeled young clientele.
For a change from the norm, La Ida is a funky, chilled bar with no signage to give it away and an unconventional interior design. Frequented only by those ?in the know?, it?s definitely worth seeking out.

SEVILLE
It is the flamboyant heart and soul of Spanish culture and a city that lives for tradition. From religion, which is embedded in its very essence, to football, politics, food and drink, the Andalusian capital thrives on its roots. Bull-fighting and flamenco are at the centre of its cultural calendar. And tapas is simply the done thing, for it was in Seville that the global obsession was born.
Languishing at Spain?s southern tip, the sun-baked streets bask in the glory of a near-tropical heat. It is explosively colourful and architecturally stunning, its foundations carved from a multitude of occupations that span three millennia. The people smile, things move ever so slowly and ma?ana never seems to come.
A weekend is simply not enough in Seville. You need time to stroll around from tapas bar to tapas bar, soaking up the atmosphere and the locally made Sherry; to meander along the river at sunset, stopping to crack open a bottle of Amontillado to mix with the rays of a sinking sun; to wander through the charming squares and the winding, cobbled streets of the Jewish quarter; and to drift from one hip bar to the next in trendy Alameda.
Restaurants are less commonplace than in Barcelona or Madrid and Tapas bars take precedence. Ega?a Oriza (C/San Fernando 41) combines bar and restaurant with elegance blending Basque and Andalusian cuisine in an expansive early 20th Century terazza.
Another magnificient dining experience is La Albahaca ? an exclusive townhouse which serves imaginative Spanish fusion dishes. Casa Robles serves gourmet Sevillian cuisine and is favoured by the Spanish royal family. Its sister restaurants Robles Placentines and Robles Tapas offer a less formal environment. La Colonial de Vinos y Viandas (C/Valpaiso 13) is the place to head for Spanish wine lovers ? an amazing array of wines are accompanied by Cuban cigars and tasty tapas. Or try the inventive Mediterranean cuisine at La Madraza (C/Peris Mencheta 21), where you can titilate your taste-buds while gazing at the artworks on the walls which double as a gallery space.

BILBAO
Fifteen years ago, Bilbao was just a busy port and an old iron mining town. Fondly called ?Botxo? by the locals (Basque for ?hole?), Bilbao escaped becoming a hole (literally) in the 90s with the gentrification of the dock area and the creation of such cultural magnets as the Guggenheim Museum and the concert hall, the development of the park, and the Sir Norman Foster designed metro system. The best way to get the most out of Bilbao is by way of a Txikiteo (the local version of a pub crawl) with a glass of Sherry and a plate of tapas in each bar. Alternatively, go top-end with Michelin-starred Zortzika ? the lunch menu is best value. There?s also relaxed, but fashionable El Perro Chico, which looks out onto the recently cleaned river. Tapas bars tend to be more on the dark traditional side, but Harizki (Ledesma 7) goes against the grain offering gourmet style dishes in a slick, bright interior. As with other bars around Calle Ledesma, this place stays open a little later than the rest of the city. Worth a visit too is Artajo (Ledesma 4), where locals swear by the mussels in anchovy sauce.

JEREZ
The people of Jerez live for Sherry. Flamenco is a favourite pass-time and while drinking and dancing are woven into the fabric of life, it still remains a relatively peaceful and unspoilt part of Spain. Beaches and mountains are within reach at either side, vineyards and orange groves surround it and the ruins of once magnificent castles punctuate the landscape. It is a beautiful and ancient city, which despite being serviced by the no-frills airlines, still manages to evade mass tourism.
The wide avenues of the city centre are full of shops and tapas bars are everywhere. Pass by Las Bridas for the kind of portions that you can share around or head for La Abacerio (Plaza Rafel Rivero) for a lively evening in alfresco surrounds. Good tradicional cuisine is to be had at Gait?n or El Gallo Azul (Calle Larga) for something a little more experimental. And whatever you do, make time to visit one of a many bodegas that are open for Sherry-tasting tours. It?s an unforgettable experience and one that will ensure you go away itching to come back.

SAN SEBASTIAN
One of the most fashionable places in Spain to holiday, San Sebastian couldn?t be further removed from the cheap resorts of the south. Golden beaches are beautifully maintained, landscaped parks and gardens, majestic mountains and the thrashing seas of the Bay of Biscay combine to dramatic effect. Designer shops keep the spendthrift upper classes happy as do some of the finest bars and restaurants in the country. Arzak is at the top of the list of restaurants to visit for the foodies (you are recommended to book at least a month in advance). Chef Juan Mari Arzak is often at your side to help you decide on dishes which change daily. Akelarre with its mountain location and views over the Atlantic offers a combination of traditional local cuisine and modern Basque interpretations and is not to be missed. All of the late night action happens in Parte Vieja, where tapas bars line the streets (try La Cepa, Martinez, Ormazabel and Gaztelu all on C/Agosto) and you can dance and drink until the very early hours.

Jeremy Mascarenhas has been editorial director of the seminal London Bar Guide magazine http://www.londonbarguide.com for 10 years. He is also global editor of The World Bar Guide, http://www.worldbarguide.com, publisher of The Big Directory (a bar industry bible) and a freelance drinks marketing consultant. He has worked with most of the leading drinks groups including Red Bull, Mo?t Hennessy, Diageo, Brown Foreman, Budweiser, Asahi, Tiger Beer and Grand Marnier. Through his publishing company Scene It, as well as the London Bar Guide, he has published guides to Sherry, UK nightlife, cocktails, Japanese restaurants, the much lauded London Restaurant Guide and much more besides.

Knowing Gout's Symptoms and Signs

                

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Gout is basically a condition related to arthritis that happens when crystals of uric acid amass in your joints, thus it is otherwise known as uric acid crystal-triggered arthritis. The symptoms of gout normally manifests in the joint of the large toe, but it may also show up in the foot, wrist, hand, elbow, ankle and knee. There are some rare occurrences where gout is found on the shoulders, spine or hips. Gout is usually localized, so it does not spread from one joint to another.

Gout occurs when people have high levels of uric acid, a substance that results from the breaking down of body waste products known as purines. In normal quantities, uric acid would just dissolve in one?s blood to be filtered by the kidneys and then passed out through urine. However, when the level of uric acid goes too high, crystals form and accumulate in tissues and joints. This causes symptoms such as the inflammation of joint linings, severe pains, redness, tenderness, and localized warmth.

Gout can sometimes be confused with pseudogout, another condition with similar symptoms. However, pseudogout is caused by crystals made of calcium, not uric acid, and thus may require different approaches in treatment.

Usual Gout Symptoms

The typical symptoms for bouts of gout are sudden occurrence of pain, redness, stiffness, warmness, and redness in the affected joint. Some patients develop a slight fever. The pain usually comes from two sources ? first, the uric acid crystals that pricks the area when moved, and second, the inflammation of the affected tissues, causing the skin to swell even when it is just touched. This is why even a sheer blanket covering the area may already cause excruciating pain.

The symptoms of gout usually affect the large toe first (around 75 percent of initial gout occurrences), but gout can also manifest in other joints like the spine, fingers, elbow, wrist, knee, instep, heel, and ankles. There are certain cases when gout may affect the smaller toes, especially those that have poor circulation of the blood due to immobilization caused by a previous injury.

Another important symptom of gout is hyperuricemia, or the excessive production of uric acid. Extreme levels of uric acid in the blood are indicators of increased propensity to develop gout. This could further lead to the development of tophi in other areas such as the ear or even in the kidney.

Stages of Gout

The symptoms of gout gradate throughout for different stages. During the first stage, known as asymptomatic, uric levels go beyond normal level, however the symptoms of gout may not yet be that evident. The occurrence of out usually only becomes noticeable during the second stage, known as the acute stage. During the acute stage, symptoms are still mild and can go away within a few days up to some weeks.

After the first attack of the acute stage, the patient may then undergo a symptom-free stage known as the intercritical stage, which could last for some months up to years. The symptoms may recur within six months to about two years from the first attack. Eventually, the patient would reach the chronic stage of gout when attacks become quite frequent, while affecting different joints at the same time. Big tophi may now be located in different joints. This could then lead to kidney damage, kidney stones and hypertension.

How Gout is Diagnosed

Gout symptoms are not enough to confirm the occurrence of the disease as the signs may be confused with other conditions. Medical tests are needed to confirm that the disease is indeed gout. One of the most common tests for gout is measuring uric acid levels. However, this is not really accurate as people can still have gout even if their urate levels are normal, conversely people with high urate levels do not always have gout. Urate level testing are usually performed in conjunction with tests for electrolytes, erythrocyte sedimentaton rates, full blood count, and renal function.

Perhaps the most definitive test for gout is the examination of joint fluid through light microscopy to show the formation of uric acid crystals in polymorphnouclear leukocytes? synovial fluid. However this test is very difficult to perform. An expert technician is needed to distinguish uric acid crystals from other kinds of crystals.

Gout is usually dismissed as a usual condition in life that some people even laugh about it. However gout?s symptoms can be quite serious and can even impede on one?s normal function. Thus it is important to treat this disease as early as possible.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://gout.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about gout and learn more about gout symptoms.