Cure Gout Instantly

How To Be Atkins Diet And Gout Friendly

2009-05-08T04:27:00.000-07:00

One of the first recommendations a doctor will give for an overweight gout sufferer is to lose the extra weight, so one option the sufferer often looks at is a comparison between an Atkins diet and gout friendly diet.

Obesity is one of the main risk factors for gout, with around half of all gout sufferers being classed as obese or overweight. So, considering the best diet to adopt will make a large difference to the success of the gout treatment you choose.

The Atkins diet is based on the theory that we eat too many refined carbohydrates which is why so many people are struggling to maintain a healthy weight. The extra carbohydrates that don't get used as fuel by the body are turned to sugar and stored as fat. Our bodies will burn both carbs and fat, however, they will always start with the excess carbs first as they are easier to process.

So the idea behind the Atkins diet is to severely restrict carb intake, forcing the body to burn its stores of fat. It may be a way to lose weight, but be careful if you're considering this diet as a gout sufferer.

Atkins and other low carb diets rely heavily on protein based foods and this is where the problems for gout sufferers start.

Gout is caused when hyperuricema occurs, this is a medical term for when the body has elevated levels of uric acid in the blood stream. Uric acid is a natural waste by-product that we produce, and which is normally eliminated mainly by the kidneys via urine. When this elimination process encounters a problem, or there is an unusually elevated level of uric acid in the body, uric acid crystals are formed and deposited in the joints.

It is the build up of crystals that cause gout symptoms - hot-to-touch, red, swollen and extremely painful joints. One of the main causes of hyperuricemia is eating purine-rich foods. When ingested, purine, is turned into uric acid.Normally the body can cope with this natural process, however, should the kidneys have impaired function or the level of purine intake increases dramatically, gout can be the outcome.

The foods that have the highest purine levels are animal based proteins. The very foods that make up the largest portion of the Atkins diet plan. So, you can see the problem that a gout sufferer may have by following Atkins or other low/restricted carb diets.

The alternative for gout sufferers may take a little longer to see results in terms of weight loss, however, the added bonus is the risk of potential further gout attacks is greatly reduced. The answer is to adopt a gout-friendly diet, drink more water and introduce as much exercise as safely possible.

A gout sufferer's weight loss should be gradual as rapid weight loss can actually have the opposite effect and make gout symptoms worse. Extreme dieting and rapid weight loss have the effect of raising uric acid levels in the body.

Gout friendly diets tend to be made up of complex-carbohydrates, low fat and low protein foods and, of course, foods low in purine. Protein is usually limited to no more than 100grams a day and it is best to avoid or limit alcohol, as this can increase uric acid production within the body. Aim to drink 8 - 10 glasses of water a day to help dilute uric acid and speed up elimination.

By following a sensible gout diet you will be able to lose excess weight or maintain a healthy weight and avoid further gout attacks at the same time. For more information about low carb, Atkins diet and gout friendly diets sign up for the free newsletter on the site.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover more about the pros and cons of an Atkins diet and gout friendly diets. Uncover the various proven natural cure for gout options that are available.

Gout Recipes

2009-04-30T03:19:00.000-07:00

A person's diet changes dramatically when he is diagnosed with gout. Red meat, organ meat, shellfish, beans, and legumes are not allowed. The use of salt and oil should be limited. Alcohol intake is discouraged. So what else is there to eat and drink, you may ask. The answer is a lot. It is all just a matter of preparing the food you are allowed to eat into a fantastic and filling meal. Let this article guide you to the food that you can eat and the delicious ways to prepare them.

Gout-friendly ingredients

There are still many foods that a person who has gout can enjoy. Fruits like watermelons, oranges, and grapefruit and foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates like brown rice and whole wheat bread should make up 40 percent of a gout sufferer's diet. Cherries in particular have been said to be very beneficial in lowering uric acid levels in the blood. Aside from red meat, fish, lean meat such as chicken breast, and soy products are also great sources of protein. Vegetable oil instead of animal fat should be used.

Since salt should be used sparingly, other food flavorings should be used. Replace salt with herbs and spices like basil, marjoram, and oregano. Use garlic in particular because it is also known to lower uric acid levels in the blood.

Food preparation

Instead of frying, bake or grill fish and lean meat. Marinate marlin or swordfish with crushed garlic, pepper, and other spices, and grill it over fire. Serve this with brown rice and grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, corn and squash on the side.

For drinks, water is best but it will not hurt to try something different once in a while. For a refreshing drink, make a smoothie out of bananas, apples, watermelon, and silken tofu. Silken tofu is a great additive to smoothies. To sweeten, add a little honey or maple syrup. These are invert sugars and not simple sugars so they are just fine.

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Gout Cures

2009-04-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Because of the significant medical advances recently, living with the maddening condition of aching of the joints known as gout has become more bearable. Many remedies, both herbal and pharmaceutical, are available to gout sufferers which will allow them to live normal lives. However, the recurrence of a gout attack is always a possibility so scientists have searched for a more lasting solution. This article is will guide you on the gout cures available today.

How gout cures work

Generally, gout cures work by breaking down the crystallized uric acid in the joints, allowing it to be flushed out of the body. They also prevent further crystallization of more uric acid in the joints. This is done by cleaning out the digestive system and ensuring the cleanliness of the kidneys which produce the acid. On the whole, gout cures are designed to restore proper working order to the digestive system, thereby eliminating the possibility of a gout attack.

The real thing?

Gout cures have only recently appeared on the market, so very little research has actually been done to test whether they are effective or not. However, consumer reactions have been positive so far. Gout cures claim to have allowed consumers to resume completely normal lives, and more importantly for gout sufferers, normal diets as well. Consumers have reported resuming their consumption of red meat, organ meat and alcohol, all of which are taboo on the gout sufferer's grocery list.

Most gout cures require that they be taken for an extended period of time in order to be fully effective. This could potentially mean high costs for medication. Also, manufacturers say that purine-rich foods which cause retention of uric acid in the bloodstream, are to be taken in moderation together with the healing foods. Therefore, instead of being a complete cure for gout, it would seem that these cures are simply more potent versions of the maintenance remedies already available.

However, if you feel that you absolutely must have a steak, then perhaps this is the instant cure you are looking for. It may be worth the cost.

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Gout Research

2009-04-13T23:02:00.000-07:00

Gout has been in existence for more than two thousand years, and in that time, some very notable historical figures have had it. Henry VIII, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson are but a few of the famous gout sufferers. Though excruciatingly painful, gout is one of the most easily treatable forms of arthritis and many sufferers live normal lives even if there are certain limitations. Here are some general information on gout--how to identify it and how it is treated today.

What is gout?

As mentioned, gout is a form of acute arthritis caused by a condition called hyperurecemia (sometimes hyperurecaemia). This condition, which causes an elevated level of uric acid in the bloodstream, can cause the crystallization of uric acid in the soft tissues of the body, usually in the joints. This acid is produced by the kidneys when shellfish, red and organ meats, and legumes are digested. The crystals from the acid can cause a great deal of swelling, inflammation, and pain to the sufferer. If it manifests in the feet first and it can prevent you from walking completely. Recent research has shown that gout's tendency to manifest first in the joint of the big toe is due to the fact that the feet is the coldest part of the body. Uric acid crystals form quicker at low temperature. Many gout sufferers describe an attack of gout as having to be made to walk with shards of glass in your joints.

How to identify gout

Usually, gout manifests as swelling, pain and tenderness in the affected joint. It could resemble a very large bunion if found in the big toe. However, to accurately identify gout, you will have to go to a laboratory. The lab technician will extract some fluid from the affected joint and look at it under a microscope. This is the only way to differentiate gout from another of its arthritis "cousins," pseudo-gout.

While gout is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals, pseudo-gout is caused by a completely different chemical--the calcium pyrophosphate. It is called pseudo-gout because it manifests in basically the same way and treatment for it is the same as well with only a few variations.

Modern treatment for gout

Thanks to modern medicine, gone are the days of tongue of toad and eye of newt as remedies for gout. Instead, there are many different kinds of treatments for that nagging ache in the joints, both herbal and pharmaceutical. In fact, many of the pharmaceutical remedies have a herbal base. Many of the potent cures for gout use ingredients such as turmeric, artichoke, and aged-odorless garlic. While these may not prove to be long-term cures (they require extended periods of usage), they do allow gout sufferers to enjoy the occasional baked oyster or piece of steak again. Without having to resort to external remedies, most people with gout have to remove such foods like sausages, beans, and spinach from their diet because they elevate the uric acid levels in the blood.

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Gout Medication

2009-04-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

Gout medications come in various forms used for treatment, control, and prevention. Gout itself is a condition that prevents the body from cleansing itself of monosodium urate, or uric acid, from the bloodstream, thereby causing the substance to crystallize in the joints. This can be excruciatingly painful for the patient that is why medicines are taken to alleviate pain or prevent the formation of uric acid crystals altogether.

Treatment of Gout

Since gout patients require immediate relief from the immense pain their condition causes them, there are medications such as corticosteroids (or simply "steroids") that quickly reduce swelling and inflammation. Because of the potency of these drugs, they are usually prescribed in small doses over a short period of time. Steroids have gotten a bad reputation over the years with athletes using them as a performance-enhancing drug, but as long as they are used as prescribed, no ill effects should be experienced.

Controlling gout

With the right combination of diet and medication, gout can be controlled even if the patient has already acquired the condition. Certain drugs such as allopurinol help prevent gout by reducing the uric acid levels in the blood, ultimately making the body more efficient in removing excess uric acid. As compared to corticosteroids, allopurinol and its "cousin" sulfinpyrazone (a drug that works in as much the same way as allopurinol), need to be taken over an extended period of time in order for the body to defend itself against an excessive build-up of uric acid. In most cases, these drugs are given together with corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medication for the first few months, particularly if the patient suffered an attack only recently. Research has shown that the frequency of attacks in users of these drugs has dropped remarkably after three to six months of treatment.

Gout provides detailed information on Causes Of Gout, Foods That Cause Gout, Gout, Gout Home Remedy and more. Gout is affiliated with Laser Printers.

The Effective Process Of Countering Gout Attacks

2009-04-01T23:34:00.000-07:00

The first step towards an effective treatment of gout is the successful diagnosis of gout. The various symptoms exhibited by the patient, blood tests that show excessive levels of uric acid, and the finding of urate crystals in the fluid surrounding the joints help in the diagnosis of gout. X-rays on chronic patients of gout reveal damage to the bones and the cartilage tissues.

A comprehensive treatment of gout would include rapid termination of the pain and swelling of the joints associated with gout, thwarting future attacks and preventing further complications like formation of kidney stones and damage to the joints.

Curing gout becomes a challenge if additional medical conditions exist along with gout, and if the patient fails to comply with the suggested mode of living and the prescribed course of therapy.

At present there is no definitive cure for gout, but the symptoms can be alleviated to a great extent and future gout attacks can be successfully prevented by means of a suitable diet, a healthy routine and medications.

The appropriate diet for gout can be briefly summed up under the following points:

- Restriction of food with a high purine content in order to prevent excessive production of uric acid in the body.

- Drinking at least 96 ounces of non-alcoholic liquids every day to dilute the body fluids and help the kidney in functioning properly.

- Avoiding food items that increase the pH level of the body fluid.

A healthy lifestyle can be adopted by:

- Reducing consumption of alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

- Losing excess weight through regular exercise.

The medication regimen meant for curing gout has to be designed to suit the needs of the particular patient and the medicines might have to be changed intermittently. The medications that are usually prescribed in the cure of gout include:

- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to assuage the pain and swelling of an acute attack. Colchicine, corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone may also be recommended.

- Colchicine, Probenecid, Sulfinpyrazone or Allopurinol may be advised to avert future attacks.

The patient needs to understand all side effects that might be involved in taking these medications. Following the doctor?s advice meticulously can successfully cure the sufferings of gout.

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What are the Best Diets for Gout?

2009-03-25T02:17:00.000-07:00

Gout is a pretty nasty form of arthritis that comes on suddenly and can leave the sufferer in a lot of pain. It's also the only form of arthritis that is directly affected by what you eat. But before we look at the best diets for gout, we'll take a look at how gout develops and why the wrong food choices can have such a devastating effect.

Gout is caused by an excessive build up of uric acid in the blood, which often leads to uric acid crystal deposits in the spaces between the joints and the soft connecting tissues around them. It is these sharp, rough edged crystals that cause gout symptoms; a hot, red, swollen, stiff and very painful joint.

Gout attacks can come on fast and often strike at night, waking you up with a throbbing joint, most commonly the big toe. Gout usually flares up in the feet or ankle joints, as uric acid crystals need cooler temperatures to form. As the feet, and in particular the big toe, are furthest away from the heart, they are the coolest parts of the body. However, this isn't always the case as gout can strike anywhere - wrists, fingers, elbows, knees etc.

The build up of uric acid in the blood is usually because the body is struggling to process it eliminate it at an appropriate rate. Uric acid is a natural product found in the body and is also produced whne the body breaks down purine - a compound found in animal protein and other foods.

The inability to eliminate uric acid swiftly and efficiently can often be a hereditary issue, or point to a compromised kidney function.

Uric Acid is dissolved in the blood stream and eliminated from the body via the kidneys in your urine. Should your kidneys not be running at optimum levels uric acid elimination slows down and increased levels of uric acid are found in the blood stream.

A person can have high levels of uric acid in their blood stream and not go on to develop gout, however for those people who do it can be a debilitating disease, impinging on your daily activities and even leaving some people housebound during a bad flare-up.

You can rely on medications to reduce your uric acid production, however, following a gout friendly diet can be enough for some people to stop gout from striking again. So, what are the best diets for gout?

Well, following a low fat, low calorie, low purine diet is a great way to reduce the level of purines intake, and therefore, reduce the amount of uric acid.

The worst offenders for high purine foods are organ meats, red meats, processed meats, and shellfish, legumes and yeast extracts. By avoiding these foods or dramatically reducing them in you diet, you'll lower the purine entering your body and thereby reduce the amount of uric acid your body produces.

While following a low purine diet you should cut out or heavily restrict your consumption of alcohol, especially beer and wine, as alcohol increases uric acid production. Alcohol also puts a strain on the kidneys; as they are busy processing the alcohol, the uric acid elimination is delayed, leading to a build up in the blood stream.

If you want to have a drink or two, ensure that you alternate with water or fruit juices to keep your body hydrated. Avoid soda though, as that can impact on your uric acid levels.

Alcohol aside, it is really important as a gout sufferer to keep your body hydrated at all times. Drink at least 8 - 10 eight glasses of water a day. If you find water too boring, try adding some fruit juice to it. By staying hydrated you are diluting uric acid levels in the bloodstream and also making it easier for your kidneys to expel excess uric acid via urine.

By getting your uric acid levels to an acceptable level the probability of suffering further gout attacks diminishes. You'll find more information on the best diets for gout on our site and by signing up for our free newsletter.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover which are the best diets for gout and how they can be an effective as a natural cure for gout.

Coping With Gout - Home Treatments

2009-03-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Gout is a disease involving inflammation of the joints and usually it occurs recurrently. The disorder is very painful and if proper care is not taken, serious complications like deformity of the bones and other critical diseases may ensue.

Unfortunately, there is no absolute cure for gout. The best method to combat gout is to alter the manner of living, and to take some preventive measures. In case of a gout attack, some home remedies can help alleviate the pain and provide some relief.

Application of elm leaf tea is said to reduce the inflammation and the pain.

The healing process is quickened if safflower is taken in capsule form.

The intake of a few teaspoonful of baking soda in water increases the blood pH and helps lower the possibility of crystallization of uric acid ? the primary cause of gout.

Celery seeds infused in water and simmered until soft, when taken several times a day help eliminate gout by increasing excretion of uric acid. The celery seeds are believed to contain several anti-inflammatory agents that are supposed to be beneficial in reducing the swelling of the joints. However, this should not be consumed by pregnant women or by patients suffering from kidney troubles.

The leaf of cabbage is believed to contain an enzyme that eliminates the crystals formed around the gout-affected joint. At the time of a gout attack, some cabbage leaves should first be chilled in the freezer and then be placed around the affected joint. Then the leaves should be covered with a piece of cloth and left until the leaves have thawed. This will help reduce the pain.

A ginger bath, prepared by mixing ground ginger with water, can be used as a home remedy for gout. The affected joint should be soaked in the bath for about an hour and then a hot shower should be taken to completely remove all ginger from the skin. Otherwise, ginger sticking to the skin may cause skin irritation.

Mullein leaves soaked in a mixture of hot vinegar and water and applied to the affected area has been shown to allay the sufferings produced by gout.

If the symptoms of gout persist and increase in severity, then a doctor should be consulted.

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Symptoms of Arthritic Gout

2009-03-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

Gout can happen to anyone from young to old, from male to female. Arthritic gout can occur at any time after puberty until the age of seventy-five. Researches have shown that arthritic gout is more common in men than woman. It is caused by painful attacks in the joints due to the deposition of uric acid crystals. Arthritic gout attacks can last for a few minutes to a few days and the intensity of these attacks usually varies as well. There are various avenues for arthritic gout patients to treat their gout symptoms. Arthritic gout patients can consult professional doctors to get medications to help reduce the pain during an attack or even prevent gout attacks from occurring. There are also natural remedies, which arthritic gout patients can consider to help cure them of gout. Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly is also very important in the process of curing arthritic gout.

For some patients with mild arthritic gout, they can easily control the number of gout attacks experience by changing their daily diet and exercise more regularly. By eating foods that produce less uric acid is a good starting point. Since arthritic gout is caused by the excess production of uric acid in the body, by controlling the uric acid in the body, one can easily control the gout symptoms. Arthritic gout patients should try to cut down on their meat intake and eat more fruits and vegetables instead. The reason for doing so is because meat has been found to increase the uric acid in the body. Taking note of the different types pf food items, which will cause the body to produce uric acid and incorporating a regular exercising schedule can control arthritic gout controlled effectively.

Arthritic gout has become a very common illness. There are some patients who just simply live with the pain while others seek medical help or use a natural remedy to help ease the pain. There are some people who try to improve their arthritic gout conditions by changing their daily diet with healthier food choices, which are recommended for arthritic gout patients. There are some cases where arthritic gout patients just ignore the pain they experience as they feel that it is not a serious problem and deals with it only when it comes.

Arthritic gout attacks are unpredictable and can come anytime and last for even up to a few days. It is crucial for arthritic gout patients to be well informed of their situations and explore helps to prevent further attacks from occurring or at least lower the amount of pain experience. At the initial stage, arthritic gout might seem like a small problem but over a long period of time exposed to frequent gout attacks, the patients might actually experience joints deformations. To prevent arthritic gout from becoming a more serious problem, it is important to seek help as early as possible.

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Gout And Its Symptoms

2009-03-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

Gout is also known as crystal-induced arthritis. It is a medical condition that sets in when uric acid crystals collect on the joints. Uric acid is a metabolic end product that is formed at the time the body breaks down purines present in certain food items. In normal conditions, the uric acid gets dissolved in the blood and gets eliminated from the body through the kidneys into the urine. However, people having a propensity for gout have such high levels of uric acid in their blood that the acid precipitates out in the form of crystals. The crystals get accumulated on the joints and other tissues, leading to inflammation and excruciating pain.

The disease can be hereditary. It is caused mainly by a sedentary lifestyle and by the excessive intake of high-seasoned animal food, and alcohol. The signs and symptoms of gout are as follows:

- Gout seldom occurs before the age of thirty and is much more common in men than in women. In almost 90 percent of incidences of gout, men over the age of 40 and menopausal women are affected. The attack is more liable to occur in the spring or during the fall season than in the summer or winter.

- The first attack of gout generally commences suddenly during the night. The patient experiences acute pain in the first joint of the great toe of one foot, and awakens. By the morning the toe joint becomes much swollen, assumes a bright red tint, and feels very sore to touch.

- Slight chills followed by fever and restlessness may ensue.

- Remission of the pain and the fever occurs towards the morning, and the patient wants some rest. However, in severe cases, there is little relief until the second morning when the pain abates but the joint becomes more swollen.

- When the swelling is pressed by the tip of the finger a depression remains even after the pressure is removed.

- During the fever the patient feels heightened thirst and the urine is scanty.

- The pain, fever and restlessness may recur the following night, but again subside in the morning, and thus the disease continues and lasts from five to ten days if not arrested sooner by treatment.

- The swelling usually persists for some time, and the skin peels off, along with constant itching.

- The first attack heralds the return of the disease after a few years, if the patient does not entirely change his manner of living. Afterwards, the attacks become more frequent. Gradually gout can spread to other parts of the body, like the ankles, the instep, the heels and the knees, the wrists and fingers of the hand and the elbows. Several joints may be affected all at once. In severe cases, after the patient has suffered from repeated attacks, even the shoulders, hips or spine can be affected. Gout does not spread from one joint to the next.

- The very first attack may not always commence in the first joint of the great toe, but may sometimes affect the ball of the foot or the ankle, and occasionally one of the fingers of the hand or the wrist.

- Patients suffering from gout are subject to abject heartburn and sour stomach.

- A chronic condition can lead to the formation of tophi ? lumps formed under the skin due to large deposits on severely affected joints of the elbow, fingers and toes, and even on the external pinna.

- Due to the deposition of the chalky uric acid crystals within and around the joints, movement is hampered and deformity of the joint occurs.

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5 Simple and Effective Gout Home Treatment Ideas

2009-03-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

Gout home treatment may be another alternative remedy you can use instead of, or as a compliment to tissue salts. There are different home remedies that can help treat gout, and many of them are practical treatments that are easy to use and follow.

Here are 5 gout home treatment options you can consider:

1. Low-purine diet ? One of the best natural gout treatments you can follow is to control your diet by eliminating foods that are high in purines, which are known to trigger and worsen attacks of gout. In fact, it is estimated that half of uric acid produced by the body is a result of purine rich foods consumed in the diet.

Studies have found that by following a low purine diet that focuses on eliminating high purine foods (I.E. organ meats, wild game, meat extract, gravies, sardines, anchiovies, scallops, mackerel, sweetbreads, etc.), and encourages vegetable protein, dairy products and increased water intake, can effectively decrease and prevent sudden painful gout attacks.

Keep in mind that some foods high in purines contain certain essential nutrients your body requires such as protein. Therefore, you will need to ensure you replace them so your body is receiving adequate nutrients to stay healthy. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about what foods contain the nutrients you need and are safe for your condition. You may also want to consider taking a multivitamin.

2. Water ? Believe it or not, but water is actually an excellent gout home treatment. Not only is water safe to drink and side-effect free, but drinking plenty of it daily aids in proper digestion and will actually help you flush excess uric acid out of your system. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water can help prevent kidney stones and help those suffering from an uncomplicated case of stones pass them.

It is important to lower your intake of beverages that cause dehydration such as alcoholic and caffeinated drinks (I.E. soda, coffee, tea). Stick to hydrating beverages including water (8 ? 10 glasses daily), herbal tea and fruit juice.

3. Cherries or cherry juice ? Cherries are an effective gout home treatment. Cherries, in all their forms (I.E. Fruit ?canned, dried, fresh, black, red sour and sweet yellow cherries or cherry juice), have been found to prevent gout attacks and help alleviate inflammation during an attack.

If using cherries as a natural remedy for gout, here are some guidelines:
Cherry fruit ? eat at least 10 cherries and no more than half a pound daily...or
Cherry juice ? 1 6 oz glass of cherry juice 1-2 times daily.

Note: Although cherries have no known side effects, eating too much of one food can cause stomach distress (I.E. constipation, diarrhea, etc.). Therefore, while you should keep the above guidelines in mind and not exceed them, you should ingest the amount your body is comfortable with.

4. Charcoal poultice - Charcoal poultice is a gout home treatment remedy that reduces inflammation. It is created by mixing half a cup of activated powdered charcoal with 3-7 tbs. of grounded flaxseed. When the mixture becomes mealy, warm water is then added to turn it into paste. The paste (charcoal poultice) is placed on the inflamed joint and covered with a plastic or cloth dressing. Dressings should be changed approximately every 4 hours and can be left on over night.

Be advised, charcoal poultice will stain virtually any fabric it touches. Check online or at your local nutritional store for active charcoal powder.

5. Rest and Relaxation ? Resting a gout-inflamed joint is a mandatory home gout treatment if you want the joint to heal faster. Keep the affected joint elevated and stay off it as much as you can so you don?t aggravate the inflammation further. In addition, make sure you keep the joint warm or cool ? whatever makes it feel most comfortable and less tense to reduce joint stress.

Although most gout home treatment remedies are safe and effective, they shouldn?t replace your doctor?s advice. Make sure you consult your doctor first before staring any gout treatment plan.

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. Discover how home gout treatment ideas can get rid of gout.

Natural Cures For Gout, Also Known As Metabolic Arthritis

2009-02-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

Gout is one of the over one hundred forms of arthritis, and is triggered by excessive blood levels of uric acid.

Gout, otherwise known as gouty arthritis, is commonly accompanied by sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and inflammation. Post-menopausal women may experience an elevated risk of developing this form of the rheumatoid disease. Middle-aged men, between the ages of forty and fifty feature the usual face of a gout sufferer. Nine out of ten gout patients are men over the age of forty.

The Four Stages of Gout

Gouty arthritis is marked by four stages. The four stages of gout are asymptomatic, acute, intercritical, and chronic.

The first stage of gout is the acute stage. Generally accompanied by no symptoms, this stage of gout marks the onset of the excess uric acid crystals, which is responsible for the irritation and inflammation associated with the advanced stages of the condition.

The first attack of gout occurs in the acute stage of the disorder. This second stage of gout sports both mild and severe bouts with gout. Gout attacks can last as long as one or two weeks.

The first gout attack is followed by a period of several months, or possibly years, without a single symptom of gout. This is known as the intercritical stage of gout. The majority of gout sufferers experience their second attack within two years of the first episode.

The final stage of gouty arthritis is the chronic stage. Episodes of gout attacks become more frequent during the chronic phase of the condition. Chronic gout can cause damage to other areas of the body; damage to the kidneys and the development of high blood pressure are signature features of gout's chronic stage.

Gout is a highly treatable form of arthritis. There are a number of home remedies for gout and it's natural treatment.

Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine is one of the holistic home remedies for gout treatment. The pantry may be the optimum spot for snagging some of the staples of home remedies for gout. Cherries, juniper berry, bilberry, nettle root, and celery.

Nutritional Therapy: Nutritional therapy is one of the home remedies for gout. Vitamin B12, vitamin E, folate, and the B family of vitamins are a part of nutritional home remedies for gout treatment. Implementing nutritional improvements is one of the home remedies for gout used to reduce the occurrence of metabolic arthritis flare-ups. Many of the vitamins included in the therapy have been proven beneficial in preventing gout.

Regular Exercise: A buildup of uric acid plays a pivotal role in the development of gouty arthritis. Regular exercise is one of the home remedies for gout episodes that has been documented as useful in both treatment and prevention. Exercise routines that improve circulation include stretching, dancing, yoga, Tai Chai, and aerobic.

Metabolic arthritis, or gout, is one of the one hundred forms of arthritis that characteristically features severe and sudden attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and warmth afflicting the joints.

Gouty arthritis is a treatable condition that most commonly affects the joint of the big toe, but may also occur in feet, ankles, knees, hands, and wrists. The first onset of gout generally occurs at night and continues on for a week or two before the symptoms subside. Seventy-percent of first gout attacks occur in this part of the body.

Gout is one form of arthritis that made it's debut as early as the eighteenth century. Gout was historically linked to overweight, lazy, middle to upper class, middle-aged men. This perception of gouty arthritis sufferers was born from the fact that many of the foods the influence the onset of gout were routinely reserved for the rich-earning the rheumatoid condition the nickname of "The Disease of Kings." Queen Anne, John Hancock, and American founding father, George Mason are some of history's most noted gout sufferers.

Gout occurs as a result of the body hosting uric acid in elevated levels. Only designed to carry trace amounts of uric acid, the human bloodstream turns excess uric acid into crystal deposits that lodge themselves into the joints of the body, sporting a chalky white-colored material. Uric acid buildup occurs during the body's breakdown the waste product called purines. Purines is commonly found in foods like liver, brains, and kidneys, as well as sweetbreads, mushrooms, and asparagus.

Natural Cures for Gout

Since highly treatable, implementing a number of lifestyle changes can serve as one of the effective natural cures for gout. Adopting a low purine diet is one of the natural cures for gout suggested by some medical professionals. Cherries, strawberries, and blueberries have been identified as some of the staples of a diet low in uric acid. Limiting consumption of fish, poultry, and tofu is also a part of a low purine diet. Other foods to avoid to discourage a gout flare-up include:

Sardines

Sweetbread

Scallops

Alcohol Beverages

Diet Soda

Who's At Risk For Developing Gout?

The condition is most common among middle-aged men between forty and sixty years old. Women are at an increased rate for developing gout following menopause. African-American men are twice as likely as White men to suffer the onset of gout.

For more natural gout cures and natural arthritis relief tips try visiting http://www.quickarthritispainrelief.com for arthritis relief tips, advice, resources to include important information on arthritis pain, arthritis symptoms and the causes of arthritis

Best Known Treatments For Gout

2009-02-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Gout therapy is two pronged:

? The management of acute gout attacks

? The prevention of further attacks and other related complications

Treatment of gout involves two distinct approaches

? Therapy for reducing inflammation

? Therapy for controlling hyperuricemia, which is a life-long commitment.

Drugs that are to be used to manage hyperuricemia depend on:

? The number of previous attacks ? drugs that lower urate levels should not be administered after a single gout attack. These should be used only after the second or the third attack.

? The presence of tophi ? tophaceous gout needs the administration of antihyperuricemics.

The first step of the therapy should be absolutely aimed at alleviating the immediate symptoms of the acute attack. Only after these are eradicated, treatment of hyperuricemia should be considered, if the condition is indicated. The condition can either be targeted at source, by preventing excessive formation of uric acid, or the elimination of the metabolite can also be beleaguered. The antihyperuricemic medicines should never be introduced at the time of an acute attack, because these have the potential to aggravate the symptoms and prolong the attack. Only when all signs of inflammation have resolved, reduction of urate concentrations in the blood should be aimed.

Treatment of Acute Gout

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), followed by Colchicine, are the medicines of choice in the treatment of acute cases of gout. Intramuscular injection of corticosteoids or adreno-corticotrophic hormones can effectively terminate a gout attack within 12 to 24 hours of application. Patients with renal troubles or intolerances to the other rugs are benefited by this mode of treatment.

Treatment of Chronic Gout

The goal of the therapy for chronic gout is to prevent the recurrence of gout attacks. The chief procedure is to ebb the uric acid levels in the blood. The types of medications used include:

? Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors, as for example, allopurinol. These function by diminishing the amount of uric acid metabolized in the body.

? Uricosuric Agents, for instance, Probenecid or Sulfinpyrazone. These drugs act on the kidneys to aid elimination of the excess uric acid synthesized in the body.

Treatment of Tophaceous Gout

The underlying principle in the treatment of tophi is to lessen the level of plasma urate to such an extent that urate can be reabsorbed from the exterior of the tophi. Production of uric acid is made to be lesser than the amount excreted. This results in effective loss of uric acid from the blood. Development of kidney stones must be prevented as well.

Want to learn more about Gout Treatments?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-goat.info/Articles/Arthritic_Gout.php

Gout - Know The Causes And Improve Your Situation

2009-02-16T04:10:00.000-08:00

Arthritis can become a problem when we get older. There are various types of arthritis, one of it is gout. While arthritis is common in women, gout is dominating in men. Although arthritis and gout have been known to the scientists for decades, the causes are still debated and unknown.

Gout is a inflammatory form of arthritis which affects the joints, causing severe and sudden pain. The affected area can get swollen and red. It is suspected that the cause of gout lies in the crystallization of uric acid and that genetics play a role. High blood levels of uric acid can be inherited.

The uric acid stores in the joints where it causes the painful gout. But there can also be other causes of gout as well. Your lifestyle can be important, especially your nutrition. There are many foods which seem to trigger gout symptoms and others which seem to ease the symptoms.

If you suffer from gout then trying to change your eating habits can be helpful. It is known that certain foods can increase the complaints. To this list of gout foods belongs seafood and meat for example. It is also supposed that alcohol consume and artificial sweeteners are bad for gout.

There are different remedies available but a clear diagnosis is needed before treatment can be started. The real problem is the variety of possible causes and that it is still unknown how the damage can be reversed which was caused by gout or arthritis.

Against common believe, gout is not a natural cause of aging. There are also younger people suffering from it. The first step is the right diagnosis. A blood and urine test can measure the uric acid levels and the x-ray of the joint can show additional information. But the diagnosis still does not disclose the real cause of gout.

So what can you do against it? A change in lifestyle can do wonders. Healthy food, much water and the avoidance of gout food triggers can help. It might be painful, but exercise is better than doing nothing. A positive mental attitude has improved the situation for many patients as well.

Gout or arthritis needs a proper diagnosis in order to know what treatment could help. A switch to a healthy lifestyle can never bee disadvantageous. When you change something in your life then you can expect changes in your illness as well. Maybe your changes alter the cause of your gout and you can improve your situation significantly.

Consult with your doctor and then take the necessary steps. It is better to do something than to give up, which will just make your gout worse.

Jake Plymel as published many helpful articles about the causes of gout, foods that cause gout and diet for gout. Contact Jake for more information.

Arthritis - Gout

2009-02-13T22:42:00.000-08:00

Gout is a common type of arthritis that results from uric acid crystal deposits in the joints. The body's reaction to these deposits causes inflammation, swelling and pain. The condition usually affects just a single joint a time and most commonly the joint of the big toe. It does however affect other joints such as the ankle, foot, knee, hand, wrist and elbow with sudden painful attacks.

Uric acid is a byproduct produced from the breaking down of proteins and cells in the body. Also a small amount enters our bodies from the foods we eat. When elimination of uric acid from the blood is not effective, excess may form needle-like sharp crystals that find their way into joint spaces and surrounding tissue.

Gout is a complex disorder. Usually the first attack occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and although it affects mostly men it can attack anyone at any age. Women become more susceptible after menopause. The condition can also be inherited. However, gout is a treatable condition and there are steps that can be taken to prevent it from recurring.

Symptoms of gout are acute, sudden and include: Intense pain of a joint. Gout most commonly affects the big toe. Pain can last up to 10 days and then subsides leaving the joint normal. Inflammation, heat and redness - The joint becomes red, painful and swollen. Crystal deposits can cause also a condition known as false gout but in this case the composition of crystals is calcium phosphate dehydrate and not uric acid. False gout does affect the big toe but it is more likely to attack joints such as ankles, knees and wrists.

The trigger for initiating gout is substances found naturally in the body but also certain foods such as organ meats, anchovies, mushrooms, asparagus and excess alcohol. Other factors include: not enough fluid intake, crash dieting, fluid tablets, anti-rejection drugs, medical conditions such as high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, genetics, age and sex. An initial attack it is not usually followed by a subsequent attack for months or even years. If the condition is left without correct management it can become more frequent and last for longer periods of time.

See your health care provider if you experience intense, sudden pain in a joint to obtain a diagnosis. Your doctor may test for levels of uric acid in the blood and urine and take a fluid sample from the affected joint to confirm a diagnosis. Proper diagnosis and management usually result in gout being well controlled.

The outlook for people with gout is mostly positive. A small number of people with gout can develop kidney stones and a condition called tophi. This is a chronic form of arthritis with discolored deposits under their skin.

Treatment for gout attacks is mostly based on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and in severe cases corticosteroid drugs. Once the condition under control your physician may recommend a preventative treatment with drugs to slow down the rate by which uric acid is produced and speed elimination. You can also make life style changes to help with symptoms such as intake of plenty of fluids, limited amounts of alcohol, avoid excessive animal protein and keep a healthy weight.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Arthritis

Eliminate The Painful Suffering That Gout Presents With Natural Remedies For Treating Gout

2009-02-04T23:33:00.000-08:00

The dangers of high uric acid levels which may have a disastrous effect on the body has led nutritionist and alternative medical professionals to seek a cure for gout. Gout is one type of arthritis that can be treated without the use of harsh dangerous drugs.

Some of the natural remedies available have no side effects and are part of a healthy diet regiment. These natural cures for gout use nature's bounty as a defense against the painful suffering the gout presents.

Some homeopathic and naturopathic practitioners pursue the idea that it is the toxicity level in the body that is the of all types of arthritis. With gout, the high levels of uric acids prompt the body to attack itself. These practitioners also contend that therapeutic nutrition can benefit the sufferer of gout and those who suffer with other types of arthritis.

Toxin accumulation in may be interrelated with other diseases including digestive Disorders, high Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Obesity, Gout and other degenerative diseases. The high uric acids in the joints of gout sufferers increase the risk of heart and circulatory problems. The crippling pain of gout only get worse if left untreated.

Stimulating the immune system to its natural state is the first step toward a cure for gout. The body needs to detoxify itself with a colon cleanse, juice fast or vitamin and mineral supplementation. Natural remedies will reduce the symptoms of gout. At the same time the remedies will deal with the cause of the condition,

A colon cleanse will rid the body of impacted fecal matter, a few pounds of filth and create a sense of well being all at the same time. Individuals who perform an at home colon cleanse report strange types of matter that is excreted from the body.

Sometimes there are years of accumulated matter trapped in the intestinal walls that create a toxic environment within the total digestive system.

Some people introduce gout curing agents into their diets in the form of a juice fast. Starting the fast by hydrating the body with 8-10 glasses of water daily will dilute the uric acid. The second step in the juice fast is to add gout curing foods to the diet.

Gout curing foods include:

*Pineapple is a natural way of getting bromelain. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory agent.

*Bing Cherries:

"Eating fresh bing cherries may help people who suffer from the pain of gout or other forms of arthritic inflammation", states a research paper from the Agricultural Research Service's Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, CA.

*Strawberries and blueberries have powerful ingredients that help in the treatment of gout.

*Omega-3 acids fatty acid limits the production of uric acid and reduces the inflammation and tissue damage. Essential fatty acids like tuna, salmon, flaxseed, nuts and seeds are good foods that help to reduce the uric acid in the joints

Adding lemon juice to water at room temperature and drinking after a meal of fruits and vegetables will help with uric acid release and provide relief from pain.

Foods to avoid include those high in purines

*Alcoholic beverages

*Anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes, herring

*Yeast

*Organ meat (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads)

*Legumes (dried beans, peas)

*Red Meat

*Asparagus, cauliflower

The result is that these treatments are more successful in helping gout pain than some of the traditional medical solution that involves harmful drugs with negative side effects.

For more information on what helps gout try visiting http://www.quickarthritispainrelief.com, a popular website that provides arthritis treatment advice, tips and resources to include information on the cause of arthritis, arthritis pain and natural arthritis relief measures.

10 Home Remedies for Gout Pain

2009-02-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

The best home remedies for gout are the old fashioned methods that grandparents used. To relieve gout pain and suffering, the "old timers" had to use products that were readily available at home. These products went out of vogue as medical scientist and researchers touted new remedies for this old problem.

Treating gout with old home remedies has come full circle. Now the old home remedies that grandma used are now gaining in popularity.

1) Apply Ice to the area. - To reduce pain, applying ice directly to the area was the first line of defense in most homes. Applying cold packs to the inflamed swollen joints for 10-15 minutes still works.

Applying ice will reduce the pain and the inflammation. This may feel uncomfortable for the first few minutes but be persistent.The pain of Gout

is worse the feeling of cold on the skin.

2)Take ibuprofen to help ease the pain.

3)Exercise the joints. Put each of the joint through a full range of motion. Try doing this exercise 1-2 times per day.

4)Soak the feet in Epsom Salt if the pain is concentrated in the big toe. Epsom Salt is a staple in almost every grandma's house. Older people use Epsom Salt for everything from a laxative to a bath salt to sooth aching muscles.

Epsom salts contains Magnesium. Raising your magnesium levels may improve your heart and circulation and lower blood pressure. It will also help flush away the toxins and heavy metals from the body. Most importantly it helps to reduce stress. Soaking your feet in a warm tub of Epsom salts will give you almost immediate relief from gout pain.

For a leisurely bathe: Add two cups of Epsom Salt to the warm water as the bathtub fills. Soak leisurely in the tub until the water starts losing heat.

For an extra treat, add a few drops of scented essential oil.

5) Eat strawberries fresh strawberries also help neutralize uric acid, as do nuts, seeds, and grains, although to a lesser extent. The berries contain high concentrations

of vitamin C as well as fruit acids and minerals, like potassium, magnesium zinc, manganese, calcium and iron.

6) Eat some cherries - Consume cherries and cherry juice often. Cherries are an old nutritional remedy known to help reduce uric-acid levels

7) Drink water in abundance 8-10 glasses per day will flush way toxins and dilute the uric acid levels.

8)Increase your consumption of foods such as citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, green peppers, and leafy greens, which are high in natural vitamin C and the bioflavonoids that reduce inflammation.

9)Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can relieve or prevent joint pain. Exercise is needed to nourish the joint cartilage. regular exercise helps the body remove waste products. Exercise strengthens the muscles around the joint. Developing strong muscles will support the joint more effectively and reduce injuries. Stretching your muscles helps you maintain a range of motion

10) Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful old-timers home remedy, cures more ailments than any other folk remedy. Try 2 tbsp of organic apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons of organic honey (2 times daily). within a few hours the pain of gout will start to subside.

Relieve Gout Pain Now Without Taking Toxic Prescription Drugs

2009-01-29T22:41:00.000-08:00

The description of a person who suffers from gout is a male over the age of forty years of age. In ancient times, the gout sufferer would have been royalty. Gout has been called the "king's disease" because only royalty could indulge in fatty food and alcohol to excess.

Gout is caused by a build up or uric acid crystals in the joint fluid. The immune system reacts to these crystals as if to a foreign invader. The joint, as a result, becomes inflamed and painful.

The symptoms are the sudden onset of burning pain and stiffness. The joints swell. The common areas affected by a gout attack are the big toes, ankle, knee, wrist and elbow.

Your medical doctor can diagnose whether you have gout through a blood test. Traditional treatment to help gout pain is NSAIDS to kill the pain. Allopurinol, is an anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits the formation of uric acid. Allopurinol has serious side effects that include:

*Skin eruptions
*Liver toxicity,
*Inflammation of the blood vessels, and
*Possible weakening of kidney function

To help gout pain without taking toxic prescription drugs, follow these medical recommendations:

1)Exercise

Recent medical advice supports the theory of regular exercise as a pain reliever for gout. The theory is that exercise nourishes the joint cartilage and removes waste products. Exercise also strengthens the muscles around the joint. Stronger muscles will support the joint. Stretching exercises maintains your range of motion.

2) Apply cold packs to inflamed swollen joint for 10-15 minutes,.

3) Put your joints gently through its full range of motion one to two times per day.

4) Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Drinking sufficient amounts of water, fresh juices or herbal tea daily will relieve gout symptoms. The fluids keep the urine diluted to help the body excrete uric acid.

Add fresh squeezed lemon juice to your water daily. Lemon juice stimulates the formation of calcium carbonate in the body. Calcium carbonate neutralizes uric acid.

Diet Recommendations: Eliminate these foods to help gout pain

People who have gout are unable to break down and excrete uric acid, a byproduct of digesting certain foods. Reducing the consumption of these foods is very often successful in reducing or eliminating gout. It is recommended that individuals who suffer from gout eliminate these foods from the diet.

*Anchovies

*Asparagus

*Legumes

*Mushrooms

*Meat organs

*Red meat

*Shellfish

Do not take aspirin for pain relief. Aspirin can raise uric acid levels Only use ibuprofen.

It is recommended that people who suffer from gout add these foods to their diet to help with gout pain. Baking Soda with meals will prevent gout attacks. Baking soda will help alkalize the body.

Take 2 grams of fish oil capsules 2x a day to reduce the chances of gout inflammation.

Eating 6-8 cherries daily will relieve the symptoms of gout.. Cherries are rich in compounds that prevent the destruction of collagen.

Mince garlic and add it to black cherry juice for a potent remedy to relieve gout pain.

Three to six shark cartilage tablets taken used on a daily basis can make the pain go away. Take 1000 mg of vitamin C 1,000 mg per hour at the very outset of a gout attack, then reduce to 500-3,000 mg daily for maintenance.

Vitamin C helps lower serum uric acid levels.

Get some natural, concentrated black cherry juice and drink several tablespoons daily. You should expect relief in 48 hours.

Blueberries are high in anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins, which help ease the pain of gout.

Boil one tablespoon of Cayenne pepper in 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water and dab onto the painful joint.

Grapes are high in alkalines which lessen the acidity of uric acid and aid in its elimination from the body.

Eating a cup of strawberries with each meal should bring quick relief. Strawberries neutralize uric acid.

Finding alternative treatment for gout pain is important. Gout sufferers are usually prescribed one of three types of drugs that have negative side affects. Finding a combination of natural ways to help gout pain will be beneficial for your long term health.

Nutritional Therapy - A Natural Cure For Gout

2009-01-24T03:10:00.000-08:00

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. On the site you'll also find gout recipe options and exactly what a gout joint symptom is.

How To Relieve Pain With a Gout Prevention Diet

2009-01-12T22:14:00.000-08:00

A lot of gout suffers are interested in following a gout prevention diet. Someone with gout can sometime be the butt of jokes, but it is no laughing matter. It used to be called the disease of kings, as it seemed to effect only royalty and the upper classes, as they were the only ones wealthy enough to eat a meat-rich diet. Nowadays gout can strike just about anyone, which is why a lot of sufferers are interested in following a gout prevention diet to ward off that next attack.

As we have become wealthier, our diets have expanded (along with our waistbands). Gout seems to be a by-product of all this 'good living'.

Gout is a particularly painful form of arthritis that tends to effect the foot and ankle joints and comes on extremely suddenly. Most sufferers are either woken up with a hot, inflamed and painful joint in the middle of the night or wake up in the morning wondering how their joint got to be so painful overnight.

Gout can be painful, debilitating and embarrassing, as friends usually don't understand just how painful a condition it is and the teasing can be pretty harsh. It also can lead to days off work as it can really effect your ability to get around. So unless you have an understanding employer, it pays to find ways to stop further attacks from happening.

There are medications that you can take for the initial attack, but these are aimed at reducing the swelling and taking away the pain rather than tackling the root cause, which is a build up of uric acid in the blood - A condition called hyperuricemia.

Hyperuricemia is not dangerous, however what it can lead to is deposits of uric acid crystals between the spaces and connective tissues in the joints. It is these sharp, jagged needle-like crystals that cause the extreme pain and swelling and explains how gout can come on so suddenly.

Uric acid is produced during the breakdown of purine - a natural compound in our bodies and the food that we eat. Normally our bodies process uric acid fairly efficiently by dissolving it in the blood and excreting it via the kidneys in urine.

Problems occur when the body can't eliminate uric acid quickly enough or production is stepped up. This can be down to eating a purine-rich diet, drinking too much alcohol or becoming dehydrated.

This is where a gout prevention diet comes into it's own. To rebalance your body and get uric acid production and elimination back to normality you should do the following:

1. Lose excess weight.
Around half of all gout sufferers are overweight or obese. Losing the extra pounds will decrease the strain on your kidneys and allow them to process uric acid efficiently.

2. Drink more water.
We all know we should be drinking around 8 - 10 glasses of water a day. Our bodies need this amount of water to function properly. When we don't drink enough water, we become dehydrated and our organs struggle to keep up with all that?s demanded of them. As a gout sufferer staying hydrated is vitally important as it helps to dilute uric acid in the blood, giving the kidneys an easier time of it during the elimination process.

3. Avoid or limit alcohol.
Ideally gout sufferers should avoid alcohol, however if you can't manage total abstinence then at least avoid beer. This contains high levels of purine that will elevate your uric acid levels. Keep all alcohol consumption to the bare minimum and alternate drinks with water.

4. Follow a low purine, low fat diet.
This is the key element to a gout prevention diet. By avoiding foods high in purine and sticking with low purine, low fat options you should return uric acid levels to a more normal level. This should stop crystals from forming and gout flare-ups from reoccurring.

For more information about following a gout prevention diet and other natural treatment options sign up for a free newsletter at our site - details below.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up now for a free newsletter & discover more information on following a gout prevention diet as a natural cure for gout.

Gout And Nutrition

2008-11-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

Gout is a disease that is due to an inborn disorder of the uric acid metabolism and is also referred to as metabolic arthritis. When you suffer from this disease monosodium urate crystals are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints and in tissues such as the tendons. Then also causes an inflammatory reaction to the tissue and the deposits get larger and burst through the skin to form sinuses discharging a white material.

The bloodstream usually carries only a tiny amount of uric acid but if there is an increased concentration then crystals are deposited on the cartilage and tissues that surround the joints. If you have high levels of uric acid in your bloodstream it can also result in uric kidney stones.

The common effects of gout include the sudden pain, swelling, redness, warmness, stiffness in the joint, and sometimes a low fever may persist. Those suffering from gout are in pain because of the crystals inside the joint that cause pain whenever the area is moved, as well as the inflammation of the tissues around the joint which tends to cause swelling and soreness.

Gout commonly affects the big toe but can affect other area such as the joints in the ankle, heel, knee, wrist, instep, fingers, and spine. There have been instances where gout appears in the joints of the small toes which have become immobile because of an impact injury which leads to poor circulation and gout.

Hyperuricemia is a uric acid level higher than 420 ?mol/L in males and 380 ?mol/L in females. High uric acid levels don't always lead to gout. If it is suspected that you are suffering from gout the serum urate test should be repeated once the attack has subsided.

To get an accurate diagnosis of gout you must have a light microscopy of joint fluid aspirated from the joint to show intracellular monosodium urate crystal in synovial fluid polymorph nuclear leukocytes. Only a well trained specialist can distinguish the difference from other crystals.

If you aren't able to get immediate medical attention there are a few things that can provide temporary relief to the pain and swelling commonly associated with gout. NSAIDS including ibuprofen can be used to reduce the pain and inflammation, but stay away from aspirin as it has been known to have adverse affects. You can also apply Preparation H ointment to the affected skin to reduce swelling.

You can also apply ice to the affected area for 20-30 minutes multiple times throughout the day. Some may think that uric acid crystallization is increased with low temperatures but a recent study proved that those who use ice packs experienced a relief in pain without negative effects.

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - information on health for you and your family. Read more about gout and nutrition. Get our health newsletter.

Gout - Causes, Prevention and Natural Pain Relief

2008-10-30T22:59:00.000-07:00

Gout isn't just the "disease of kings" and rich aristocrats. Gout is very democratic. In fact, over two million Americans from all walks of life suffer from this painful condition.

Why? Because in the modern world we live in just about anyone can eat like a king and overindulge in "rich" food and alcohol.

But modern science now knows the causes of gout, how it can be prevented and what to do for natural pain relief. And it's not difficult.

What causes gout?

Although red meat and alcohol are the main causes of gout, they're not the only cause.

This painful disease can also be hereditary or the result of joint injury, surgery or chemotherapy. Even a crash diet with rapid weight loss can cause gout to flare-up.

It was once thought that gout patients should avoid all high purine foods, but the latest research from the Harvard Medical School shows that the primary foods that cause gout are fatty red meats, certain seafood and all alcohol.

Researchers discovered that alcohol increases levels of uric acid in the blood and interferes with its elimination from the body. And each daily serving of meat increases gout risk by 21 percent.

How can you reduce your odds for gout?

The best way to prevent gout (and other degenerative diseases) is to eat a healthy diet.

Always take the initial attack of gout as a warning signal. If you don't immediately change your lifestyle, flare-ups can become more frequent, more painful and even crippling.

Begin by eliminating or seriously limiting all alcoholic beverages, especially beer. Instead drink ten or more glasses of water a day. Water helps to will flush uric acid out of the body and provides safe, easy, rapid relief.

Then cut way back on beef (particularly organ meats), pork, lamb and most seafood. People who eat the most meat and seafood have 50 percent more gout flare-ups

What should you eat?

Lean chicken and low-fat dairy are your best sources of protein. Harvard researchers found that and those who ate the most low-fat dairy had 50 percent less flare-ups.

Also eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, even those high in purines, such as asparagus and cauliflower. The research team found eating high purine vegetables didn't increase either the risk or the symptoms of gout.

Eating a diet low in fatty meats and high in whole grains, lean chicken, low fat dairy and fruit and vegetables can also help you reach and maintain your optimum weight.

Excess weight puts greater stress on joints as well as increasing uric acid levels. But avoid low carb diets, crash diets and fasting since they can increase the risk of gout.

What can you do for safe pain relief?

Dr. Hyon Choi, the lead investigator of the Harvard study, recommends supplementing the diet with fish oil for natural gout pain relief. Omega 3 fish oils DHA, EPA have been found to be nature's most potent anti-inflammatory agents and arthritis pain relievers.

Research shows fish oil is just as effective as and a lot safer than such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin and Aleve.

As Dr. Choi said, "By taking fish oil capsules, rather than eating a lot of fish, you can get all the omega 3 benefits without the problem causing purines."

By the way, fish oil fatty acids are also recommended by the American Heart Association to help prevent heart disease and sudden cardiac death.

Moss Greene is the Nutrition Editor for BellaOnline.

How To Be Atkins Diet And Gout Friendly

2008-10-24T03:13:00.000-07:00

Atkins and other low carb diets rely heavily on protein based foods and this is where the problems for gout sufferers start.

Gout Recipes

2008-10-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

Gout-friendly ingredients

Food preparation

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Gout Cures

2008-10-13T00:18:00.000-07:00

How gout cures work

The real thing?

However, if you feel that you absolutely must have a steak, then perhaps this is the instant cure you are looking for. It may be worth the cost.

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Gout Research

2008-07-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

What is gout?

How to identify gout

Modern treatment for gout

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Gout Medication

2008-07-11T23:05:00.000-07:00

Treatment of Gout

Controlling gout

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Herbal Remedies for Gout

2008-07-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

Millions of Americans suffer through gout, and the number keeps growing every year. An estimated two million Americans know the pain in the joints and the swelling of the extremities only too well. For many of these patients, medication is expensive. However, thanks to an increased interest in home remedies, there are now herbal remedies one can use to ease the pain.

Gout pains

Gout is caused by the deposition of monosodium urate, or uric acid, crystals in the joints of the body. Usually, this crystallization occurs in the outer extremities, specifically in the feet. Studies have shown that since there is less blood circulation in the feet, the purging of the uric acid crystals is less efficient in these parts of the body. Also, the feet are colder and uric acid crystals are more easily deposited in lower temperatures. Gout occurs as a result of the body's inability to cleanse the system of uric acid, and it happens more often to men than women.

Diet has a lot to do with getting gout. People whose diets consist mostly of junk food, shellfish, and organ meats run a higher risk of getting gout as compared to people who eat balanced meals regularly. It goes without saying that obese people are more at risk. Also, beer drinkers are more likely to get gout than wine drinkers.

How to control gout naturally

Many different natural remedies are available to those seeking a cheaper, more organic alternative. One example is the use of chickweed. Make tea out of one tablespoon of chickweed and one cup of boiling water. Allow it to sit for four hours then take a fourth of a cup four times a day. Be sure to filter out the chickweed before drinking it.

If you prefer ointments as immediate relief for gout, mix together one tablespoon of hops and one tablespoon of fresh unsalted butter. Use this mixture as an ointment and rub onto affected areas.

Finally, for those who like a little kick to homemade medication, try mixing two tablespoons of lilac blooms and seven hundred milliliters of vodka together to ease gout pain. Allow the mixture to sit for a week then take fifty drops three times a day before meals.

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Gout Diets

2008-06-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

One of the most difficult parts of having to live with gout is learning what you can and can not eat. Gone are the days of eating steak, oysters, and sausages. No more creamed spinach or buttered cauliflower either. It simply is not enough that you have to bear up under the pain of this condition, ou have to change what you eat as well! Here is a beginner's list of gout diet do's and don't's.

Gout food do's

Feel free to eat as many fruits as you can, particularly cherries and cherry juice, as they have been observed to lower uric acid levels in the blood. Fruits, some vegetables, whole grains and complex carbohydrates make up 40 percent of gout diets. Thirty percent of the gout sufferer's diet should come from fat, with only a third of that coming from animal fat. The final 30 percent of the diet should come in the form of protein. Soy, fish, poultry, and other lean meats are most highly recommended. All in all, the person with gout should be limited to about 1,600 calories depending on body frame type, according to leading dietitians.

The hard part: Gout diet don'ts

This could arguably be the most unpleasant part of having gout. Red meat is off the menu for you. A steak, a juicy burger, or bacon is just not good for you. Likewise for shellfish, so no more of those baked oysters or mussels. Sausages, which are usually made of organ meat encased in intestine, are probably not a good idea. It is the same with kidney, liver, and other internal organs. Finally, beans, cauliflower, and spinach intake should all be reduced if not eliminated altogether.

Yes, it may sound like a lot but for people who know the agony of waking up in the middle of the night with their joints swollen to the size of softballs, it should be no big deal.

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Gout FAQs

2008-06-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Over two million Americans are afflicted with the mind-numbing ache in the joints known as gout, and more continue to be added to their number every year. Here are the frequently asked questions and answers regarding gout.

Q: What is gout?

A: Simply put, gout is the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints caused by the body's inability to cleanse itself of uric acid. This retained acid then hardens in the joints, causing very severe pain and swelling. According to some patients, the pain is like having shards of glass embedded in the joint of your big toe.

Q: How do I get it?

A: You can get it several ways. The first factor has to do with diet. A high-protein diet promotes the build up of uric acid in the body. If the body is unable to rid itself of uric acid, then gout will set in. If your diet is rich in shellfish and organ meats, then you are more at risk of getting gout than a vegetarian. Even different cuts of meat within the same animal have different uric acid levels. Chicken legs are higher in uric acid than the chicken breast, for example. Also, beer drinkers are more prone to gout than wine drinkers.

Another potential risk indicator is your family medical history. You are more predisposed to it if either of your parents has gout, especially if your grandparents have it as well. Their genes could be weak against ridding the body of uric acid and they may have passed this weakness on to you.

Other potential risk indicators are weight, age, and gender. Gout attacks overweight people more often than people who are in good shape, and is more likely to occur in men in their forties or fifties than in women.

Q: How do I prevent it?

A: The best defense against gout is a healthy diet. Try to lay off the junk food, and limit your intake of shellfish, liver, and kidney. Eat a balanced diet of lean meat, vegetables, and fruits. Drinking plenty of water helps to rid your system of excessive buildup of uric acid.

It is also a good idea to know your family's medical history. Find out if your parents have gout so you can determine if you are more at risk or not.

In general, it is a good idea to get regular exercise, especially if you want to prevent gout. Some of the uric acid buildup is released in the process of sweating during strenuous activity.

Q: What do I do if I already have it?

A: Ben Franklin had it. Thomas Jefferson and Henry VIII also had it, but it did not prevent them from leading successful lives. It should not prevent you from doing the same either.

If you already have gout, then you should definitely follow the precautions discussed above and continue to have regular,consultations with your doctor. There are many remedies, both pharmaceutical and herbal, that are effective and safe for gout. One simple herbal remedy is boiling a teaspoon of chickweed in a cup of boiling water. Strain out the floating chickweed and take this tea four times a day to prevent the onset of gout attacks. Among pharmaceutical remedies, the generic drug anturane has done wonders for people suffering from this condition.

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Gout Nutrition

2008-06-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the most infuriatingly difficult part about having to suffer gout is the seemingly endless list of food you are not allowed to eat. Certain diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and of course, gout, require special diets that should be strictly followed. Gout is an acute form of arthritis that is caused by the crystallization of excess uric acid in the soft tissue of the joints. One can get uric acid from many different kinds of food. This article will guide gout sufferers on which foods are safe to eat and which ones that should be avoided.

Gout-friendly foods

Fruits are very good for people with gout. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, especially cherries. Drink its juice as well. Cherry juice has been reported to decrease the levels of uric acid in the blood, but there are still no official findings of its therapeutic effect. Fruits high in vitamin C like orange, lemon, and grapefruit are highly recommended. Complex carbohydrates should come from brown rice and whole wheat bread. Protein-rich foods like fish and lean meat like chicken breast are allowed. Soy products are a great source of protein, too. Water is the best beverage for gout sufferers. High water intake is necessary to flush out any excess uric acid from the bloodstream. Drinking eight to twelve (or more) glasses of water is highly advisable.

Avoid these at all costs

Unfortunately, there are many foods that people with gout should avoid. Red meat, organ meat, and shellfish are off the menu so pass up on the steak, baked oysters, and sausages whose casing is actually intestine. Steer clear of spinach, cauliflower, legumes, and beans because they are all notorious for causing a rise in uric acid levels. Alcohol intake should be regulated, or if possible, eliminated completely. Intake of simple sugars, oil, and salt should also be controlled. Removing all these foods from one's diet may be difficult, but if it means being able to walk normally and free from gout pain, then it may be worth it.

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Forms of Gout

2008-06-11T00:58:00.000-07:00

Strictly speaking, gout is caused by hyperurecemia, an elevated level of uric acid in the bloodstream due to the body's inability to dispose of this acid. This causes the uric acid to crystallize in the joints, usually beginning with the joint of the big toe. However, there are many misconceptions about gout. Sometimes just when you think you have gout, you have something else instead.

Pseudo-gout: When Gout Isn't Gout

Gout and pseudo-gout both have the same symptoms of aching, swelling, inflammation, and loss of range of motion but the similarity stops there. While gout is caused by crystallization of uric acid in the joints, pseudo-gout is caused by the calcification of the joints. These two conditions appear very different when fluid is extracted from the joint and looked at under a microscope. Also, the source of the pain is different. While gout may be compared to trying to walk with shards of glass in your feet, the pain caused by pseudo-gout comes from the body's natural attempts to protect itself. By sending out special cells called neutrophils to destroy the affected area, the body also destroys some of the live tissue surrounding it, causing pain and swelling.

True gout: Not just in the toes

Gout, if allowed to go untreated, could begin to cause pain in other parts of the body. Contrary to most people's understanding of this affliction, gout is not limited solely to the joint of the big toe. It attacks any of the soft tissues in the body so all the joints are at risk. Scientists have attributed the onset of gout solely on the big toe to the fact that this is the part of the body that receives the least amount of blood flow, and consequently the least heat. Uric acid crystals have been observed to form faster in cold environments. Eventually, if gout continues to go ignored, crystallization of uric acid could spread to the vital organs, affecting basic tasks such as digestion and urination.

Be sure to see your doctor regularly and have medical checkups done annually, particularly if you are above the age of forty. Being prepared against the agony of gout is your best defense.

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Gout Misdiagnosed: Pseudo-Gout

2008-06-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

The joints swell. The pain comes. Movement is limited. Yes, you have gout. Or do you?

Studies have shown that there is more than one explanation for the mind-deadening agony in the joints, and it is not always due to the high uric acid levels in the blood. This article will give you a run through of what gout is, and what is not.

Gout vs. Pseudo-gout: When gout is not gout

Gout is caused by the crystallization of monosodium urate, or uric acid, in the joints and soft tissues of the body. Generally, this is caused by elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream and by the body's incapacity to dispose of the excess of uric acid. This acid comes primarily from the food we eat.

In contrast, pseudo-gout, which has essentially the same symptoms (inflammation and pain in the joints), is also caused by the crystallization of chemicals in the soft tissues, but by a completely different chemical. The culprit- calcium pyrophosphate. Unlike in the case of true gout, the calcification of the joints does not cause any pain. What does cause the pain however is the body's natural attempt to destroy the calcium crystals in the joints. Called neutrophils, these microscopic soldiers do destroy the crystals, but in doing so they also destroy the live tissue around. This is the true source of pain for pseudo-gout sufferers. Also, because the crystals in the joints inhibit range of movement, muscles and tendons grow tender.

The difference can be seen clearly under a microscope. Fluid extracted from joints with uric acid crystallization looks very different from fluid with calcium pyrophosphate deposits. This makes the diagnosis easier.

Treatment of pseudo-gout: What to do

Since pseudo-gout is usually a byproduct of post-operative dehydration, patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids before and after surgery. If a patient already has pseudo-gout, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (pronounced en-seds) such as the generic ibuprofen are used to ease pain and swelling. For intense pain, the doctor may opt to inject a powerful corticosteroid directly into the inflamed joint. This will bring immediate relief, though excessive use of this may result in a weakening of the nearby bone that could cause more problems later on.

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Gout Relief

2008-05-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

You wake up in the middle of the night with pain screaming at you from your big toe. Even the weight of the blanket on it is unbearable. You look at it and see that the joint is swollen and red, and walking seems impossible. Does this mean that you have gout? Chances are, yes.

Luckily, gout which is a form of acute arthritis, is readily treatable by home remedies, diet changes, and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Here is a list of a few of them.

Do-it-yourself: Home remedies for gout sufferers

Many herbs, roots, and flowers have been known to effectively treat gout. They can either melt the uric acid that has already formed in the soft tissue, reduce the pain and swelling when used as an ointment, or prevent excessive buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, thereby preventing further gout attacks.

If the idea of drinking herbal tea appeals to you, try putting a tablespoon of chickweed in a cup of boiling water. Strain out the chickweed and take a fourth of the cup of the tea four times a day until the swelling subsides. If you want immediate relief in ointment form, try mixing a tablespoon of hops with a tablespoon of fresh unsalted butter. Rub this mixture on the affected area for immediate relief.

Gout-out diets

Since an imbalanced diet is one of the known causes of gout, it is imperative for gout sufferers to change the way they eat. Shellfish, red and organ meats (such as sausage and liver), spinach, and cauliflower can all lead to high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream.

Most people with gout resort to eating a great deal of fruits, other vegetables, limited amounts of seafood and chicken (usually grilled as excessive oil can also cause gout attacks), and drinking plenty of water in order to purge the body of uric acid. This treatment, though simple, can go a long way towards preventing those middle-of-the-night gout attacks.

Anti-Gout medication: Take two of these and call me in the morning

For those who want a more scientific approach to their gout remedy, store-bought drugs are readily available. The drug allopurinol, for example, has been used to great effect in reducing blood uric acid levels. Colchicine is also another drug used for this purpose.

For extremely severe cases, doctors may opt to inject the joint with a powerful corticosteroid which quickly breaks down the uric acid crystals surrounding the joint. However, this method of treatment is limited as excessive use could wear down the bone and tissue surrounding the affected area.

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Causes, Diagnose and Early Treatment of Gout

2008-05-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

The hyperuricemia known as Gout develops as a debilitating condition assembling arthritis with accumulation of uric acid crystals in the body?s joints. Over the past 20 years the incidence has doubled also accompanied by another debilitating condition called obesity. Gout is an inflammatory disease occurring especially in men over the age of 50 in countries with an unhealthy diet like Western Europe and the USA. A starches based diet seems to prevent the appearance of Gout in many countries.

Patients suffering from degenerative osteoarthritis complain of joint swelling, pains and high levels of blood uric acid. These patients usually think they suffer from Gout. The suspicion of Gout exists when a body-joint suddenly becomes inflamed, red and painful, but certain diagnose can only be established after several investigations like finding uric acid crystals and evaluating samples under the microscope.

The accumulation of uric acid crystals occurs because the kidneys cannot eliminate it successfully or because the body produces uric acid in excess. The most common cause is a high intake of the precursors found in food and called purines. Purinic bases are mainly contained in fish, meat, animal muscles, poultry and seafood. Vegetables containing purines do not contribute to the apparition of gout and also moderate consume of the mentioned food cannot trigger hyperuricemia. Alcohol products are also known to stimulate the accumulation of uric acid in the joints.

Gout can be triggered by high amounts of released body fats during diets as the uric acid is stimulated to crystallize and deposit into the joints. Although the risk of developing Gout in these cases is relatively small, physicians recommend the administration of an anti-gout medication with 0.5 mg Colchicines daily for about six months during the weight loss diet.

More cases of hyperuricemia have developed after a low-carbohydrates diet was recommended, that is known to contain high amounts of purines. Like the foods rich in proteins, these kinds of food determine a rapid loss of weight and trigger an increase of the uric acid levels in the blood. The caused stress will raise the seric uric acid as well.

An early treatment of Gout increases the chances of a rapid recovery. The primer Gout medication is based on Colchicines and also the less preferred NSAIDs due to their side-effects. Patients with high levels of uric acid in their blood can be treated with Allopurinol, but persons with normal uric acid can also suffer acute attacks of Gout. High levels of seric uric acid without a chronic arthritis will not require permanent medication but a good food diet would be helpful.

Gout diets recommend avoiding muscle food and high protein vegetables like beans, peas and lentils. Persons with high accumulated amounts of uric acid in their tissues require a longer period of treatment.

For more resources regarding Gout or even gout symptoms please visit this web page http://www.gout-info-center.com/gout-symptoms.htm

Gout Causing Factors

2008-05-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

Gout or hyperuricemia is a rheumatic condition causing swelling and pain in the joints. It affects more frequently men, but anyone between the age of 14 and 75 can get the disease. The arthritic symptoms usually last a few minutes but can extend up to a few days and produce major discomfort if no medication is administered. Patients must know there are several drugs that can help them prevent acute attacks or at least treat the symptoms in case of one. According to ones health and lifestyle, Gout may give a few acute attacks per year.

The main symptoms of hyperuricemia are actually caused by the accumulation of high amounts of uric acid in the joints, a consequence of an increased blood level. When high concentrations of uric acid get into the blood, a part of the acid is stimulated to settle in the joints in crystallized form and produces the painful symptoms. Gout can be easily misdiagnosed as it very much resembles other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Common symptoms of the diseases are inflammation, irritation, heat, pain and stiffness of the affected joints.

A way of getting rid of the pain at least for a while is the physician?s recommendation to drink higher amounts of water to dilute the seric uric acid. Alcohol must also be avoided as it leads to an increase of the uric acid in the blood; beer is the most dangerous alcoholic beverage.

Dieticians advise patients to avoid food with high content of purines like food rich in proteins or low carbohydrate food. Purinic bases break down into uric acid and may lead to the occurrence of Gout attacks. Such dangerous food is mushrooms, sardines, shrimp and beans.

According to the latest researches, the causes of Gout are more complex, as it can also be inherited or result as a complication of other medical conditions. The resistance to insulin can trigger Gout as well. The genetic cause of hyperuricemia may lie in an enzymatic defect interfering with the normal breakdown of the purines and causing Gout in several members of the family. About 20% of the new detected Gout cases are inherited from other family members.

Poor diets are usually rich in Purinic bases and may lead to the occurrence of gout, as well as obese organisms that contain high amounts of uric acid. Environmental factors are proved to play an important role in Gout as well. Low aspirin doses, ant cancerous drugs, diuretics, Niacin, Cyclosporine and anti high blood pressure pills also trigger Gout attacks.

The most common causes of Gout have been defined as resulting from the accumulation of uric crystals in the joints. As the condition may be hereditary, an early medical consult might help you control and cure the disease from the beginning of the attacks.

For more resources regarding Gout or even gout symptoms please visit this web page http://www.gout-info-center.com/gout-symptoms.htm

The Impact Of Environmental Factors On Gout

2008-05-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

The American College of Rheumatology has revealed the impact of environmental factors like humidity and heat on Gout affected organisms. Patients suffering from Gout attacks must know how these actions on their disease in order to be able to prevent further acute Gout attacks.

Gout or hyperuricemia is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the body?s joints as a result of an increased seric level of the uric acid. This acid is the waste substance in the breakdown of purines found in beer, fish, mushrooms and beans. The local symptoms of Gout are redness and swelling of the affected joint, pain, heat and starkness. Gout may also produce general symptoms like fever, chills, tachycardia and general sickness.

Dehydration caused by heat and humidity are known to be triggers of the Gout acute and recurrent attacks. Most common Gout debuts at the top of the big toe.

A scientific study was made on a number of 200 subjects with at least one Gout attack in the medical history of the past year. Patients were asked to complete an on-line Questionnaire on a specialty web-site and refer to the risk factors they have submitted to two days before the Gout attack. The same questions needed to be answered by the patients over a two day control period. The physicians supervising the test collected information the local temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and precipitations in the area where every subscribed patient lives.

The clime data of the hazard and control period were compared taking into consideration also possible alcohol consumption, diuretic use or high purine intake for every patient. High temperature and high rates of humidity proved to increase the risk of recurrent Gout attacks. The hyperuricemia acute attacks doubled when the medium temperature increased from 0-53 degree Fahrenheit to 87-105 degrees. An assembling rate of reoccurrence was found to be generated by an increased of the air humidity. Atmospheric pressure and precipitations proved to have no actual influence on the Gout attacks.

After the demonstration of the impact the two weather factors have on the recurrent attacks, physicians advised their patients to ingest high amounts f water during warm and humid periods, to stimulate the elimination of uric acid through the kidneys.

The main causes of Gout have proven to be genetic, obesity, hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. A strong influence seemed to have the environment factors heat and humidity. About 1 in 100 persons develop Gout; 6-7% of elder men are affected by it and the number of women suffering from Gout increases after menopause.

For more resources regarding Gout or even gout treatments please visit this web page http://www.gout-info-center.com/gout-treatments.htm

Useful Information On Gout Condition

2008-05-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

The medical condition known by most of the people as Gout is actually hyperuricemia, a disease occurring due to an increase of the uric acid blood level. It tends to appear more often in men at the age of 50 and over when uric acid crystals form irritating accumulations in joints all over the body. The uric acid deposits assemble a bump or a growth and firstly appear at the base of the big toe, in the heel, hand or knee. Ears are also susceptible to become irritated by the accumulation of urats. Main symptoms of the Gout are inflammation in the joint area and pain creating discomfort and lack of sleep.

The uric acid is in fact a waste product occurring during the breakdown of purine amino acids. In normal conditions, uric acid is being dissolved in the blood and eliminated by the kidneys. When kidneys fail to do their job or the amount of destroyed purine is very high, uric acid crystals accumulate and lead to the apparition of Gout. AN administration of water-soluble potassium product would create a balance in the amino acid metabolism and resolve the problems.

In order to prevent the occurrence of Gout in yourself, try to avoid food and products with high content of purinic bases like organ meats and yeast laden, sardines, broths, herring, mushrooms, fish, lentils, oat meals and spinach. High levels of amino acids are also contained in peas, beans and beer.

Recent studies on beer consumers have shown the real threat is represents in the development of Gout. Its alcohol content increases the level of uric acid in the blood and the fermented yeast doubles the actual danger for hyperuricemia. A clinical study on rheumatism patients showed a 41% of gout sufferers consuming more than 12 ounce of beer every day compared to only 17% in the control group with healthy subjects.

Those who want to try avoiding this gout condition must known what they should eat to prevent or treat it. A daily consume of fresh or canned cherries can really help you get rid of Gout. According to a clinical study in a group of gout sufferers, the daily use of half pound fresh or canned cherries returned the disturbed uric acid levels in the blood back to normal in just a few days. No further attacks of Gout were registered in these patients. Also helpful was proved to be cherry juice.

The scientific explanation is the cherries content in calcium, phosphorus and especially the 191 mg potassium content for every 100 mg sodium. Potassium keeps a healthy balance of the uric acid in our blood and prevents the crystallization in our joints. Cherries are also benefic for the high levels of malic acid, able to neutralize both uric and lactic acid.

A daily cure with strawberries, blueberries or hawthorn berries are considered to be helpful in getting rid of gout as well.

For more resources regarding Gout or even gout diet please visit this web page http://www.gout-info-center.com/gout-diet.htm

Recognizing Gout Symptoms

2008-05-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

The symptoms, and problems associated with gout affect a great many people. Although, it is rare in children and young adults, gout is still estimated to occur in approximately 840 out of every 100,000 people.

Adult men, between the ages of 40 and 50, are those most likely to develop gout. Adult women may also be affected, but rarely develop the disorder before menopause.

The symptoms of gout can be quite difficult for doctors to diagnose because they can be rather vague, and may often mimic other conditions. One of the conditions would be a joint infection. This can either be confirmed, or ruled out by checking for the presence of bacteria.

In order to confirm a diagnosis of gout, a doctor may draw a sample of synovial fluid (this substance lubricates the joint) through the use of a needle inserted into an inflamed joint. This fluid sample is then examined by a microscope with the technician looking for the presence of monosodium urate crystals. However, this is not totally conclusive. The absence of these crystals does not completely rule out the gout diagnosis. Additional gout testing may include the examining of the chalky, sodium urate deposits (tophi) located around the joints.

Common Gout Symptoms

* Severe pain in the area of a joint.

* The presence of uric acid crystals in the joint fluid.

* Multiple attacks of acute arthritis.

* A swollen, red, and warm joint that developed arthritis in one day.

* Hyperuricemia (a high level of uric acid in the blood).

* Arthritis attacks effecting only one joint, usually a knee, ankle, or toe. This is referred to as Monoarticular Gout, and 60% of the time will turn up in the big toe.

* Symptoms in the elderly will usually occur in the joints of the upper extremities; especially in the fingers. These gout symptoms will occur in multiple joints, and are referred to as Polyarticular Gout.

* Additional associated symptoms of gout may include, fever, chills, and a loss of appetite.

Should you be diagnosed with gout, it will be very important for you to take any prescribed medication regularly, adhere to any lifestyle changes that you have been advised to make, follow the necessary dietary changes, and maintain a healthy weight.

Recognizing gout symptoms, and controlling the condition will greatly enhance ones quality of life.

Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet's most popular topics.

To read more on this topic, please visit Natural Gout Treatments!

You may republish this article on your website, or e-zine so long as none of the content, or author information has been edited or changed in any way, and all links are left active and unchanged.

Effective Gout Treatment

2008-05-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

With proper gout treatment, most people will be able to control their symptoms, and lead productive lives. Gout can be effectively treated with one, or a combination of therapies.

The Goals Of Gout Treatment

* To ease the pain of acute attacks

* To prevent future attacks

* The prevention of tophi (deposits of uric acid)

* The prevention of kidney stones

* The prevention of disability, as a result of gout Acute attacks of gout should be treated as soon as possible. The most common treatments are daily high doses of nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) taken orally, or corticosteriods which may be taken orally, or injected directly into the joint.

The most commonly prescribed NSAIDS are Indocin, Anaprox, and Naprosyn. These drugs will work to reduce the inflammation caused by deposits of uric acid crystals.

The most commonly prescribed corticosteriod is Prednisone. This is a strong anti-inflammatory hormone. With this treatment, patients will often improve within a few hours, and the attack will completely subside within a week.

Should these two gout treatment methods fail to control the symptoms, the doctor may consider a drug called Colchicine. Most effective when taken within the first 12 hours of an attack, the doctor may request that the patient take this medication hourly until symptoms subside, or side effects make continuation uncomfortable. These unpleasant side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea. Doctors advise their patients to keep a supply of medications on hand, and to begin self-medication at the first sign of an acute attack.

To Help Prevent Future Attacks

* Carefully follow the instructions and take all medications prescribed by the doctor.

* Inform the doctor about all other medications, and vitamins you are taking. Some may increase your risk of hyperuricemia.

* Keep an eye on your progress with regular visits to the doctor.

* Eat a healthy and balanced diet avoiding foods that are high in purines.

* Help to remove uric acid from the body by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.

* Try to exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy body weight. If you are overweight, lose some weight, but do so without a diet designed for quick weight loss. These diets may increase the amount of uric acid in the blood.

For those who suffer from gout, the combination of effective gout treatment, along with disciplined prevention measures can restore your enjoyment of life.

Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet's most popular topics.

To read more on this topic, please visit Natural Gout Treatments!

You may republish this article on your website, or e-zine so long as none of the content, or author information has been edited or changed in any way, and all links are left active and unchanged.

A Few Facts That You Should Know About Gout

2008-05-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

High levels of uric acid in the body will form crystals in the joints, and the result will be pain and inflammation. In fact, this is a type of arthritis, which is named gout. Foods that contain high quantities of protein and purines were thought that raise the risk of developing gout.

There were made studies, to see what foods influence most the apparition of gout. It was revealed that persons that eat a lot of meat have a higher probability of developing gout than those who do not eat so much meat. Also the ones who consume most seafood have a higher risk to develop gout. Although it was thought that purine- rich foods increase the risk of gout, studies revealed that it is not always like that, not all the purine- rich foods raise the risk of developing gout. For example, it was proved that a diet containing cauliflower, beans, peas, spinach and mushrooms does not increase the risk of gout. In stead, it was discovered that low-fat diary products decrease the risk of gout and generally protein intake had no effect.

Consuming a lot of seafood is recommended for a healthy heart, but in the same time, a lot of seafood may raise the risk of developing gout. So, it is hard to say what is best to do, you must analyze the benefits and the consequences, there isn?t a generally available situation. Doctor?s decisions will be individualized, depending on each person.

High uric acid levels in the blood can be found in obese people. It is important that they consult the doctor and decide on a reasonable weight-loss program, because an improper diet may cause the uric acid levels to raise, and gout will complicate. People who have kidney stones that appeared due to the uric acid will have to eliminate purine-rich foods from their diet, because it is known that foods can raise the uric acid level. Alcohol is another factor that can contribute in raising the uric acid levels, and gout can appear. In stead, tea and coffee were not found causing problems.

A wise thing that should be done is to drink daily at least 10-12 eight-ounce glasses of non-alcoholic fluids. This is recommended especially to persons that have kidney stones, to help flushing the uric acid crystals from the body.

Here are some foods that are very rich in purines: mussels, yeast, herring, hearts, smelt, sardines, sweetbreads. It is also good to know a few of the moderately high in purines foods. Some of them are: grouse, mutton, veal, bacon, salmon, turkey, kidneys, scallops, partridge, haddock and trout.

It is important for everyone to know the risk some foods can develop, and to eat moderately the ?black-listed? ones.

For more resources about ulcer or especially Gastric Ulcer please visit http://www.ulcer-center.com/Gastric-Ulcer.htm

Gout - The Diet to be Followed

2008-05-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

Gout is a disease which currently has no cure. Fortunately, this affliction can be controlled by the intake of a proper diet and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, apart from taking prescribed medicines.

The primary cause of gout is excessive accumulation of uric acid in the blood. Purines are the substances found in food materials which are hydrolyzed metabolically to yield uric acid. So the key to alleviating gout symptoms is to avoid purine rich food.

The foods that are exceptionally abundant sources of purine are:

? Offal

? Red meats

? Organ meats like kidney, liver

? Shell fish

? Fish roe

? Scallops

? Pulses like lentils, peas and beans

? Anchovies

? Yeast

? Sardines, herring

? Mackerel

Foods with medium purine content should be taken in moderation. These include:

? Fresh and saltwater fish

? Poultry and eggs

? Asparagus

? Mushrooms

? Cauliflower

? Spinach

? Oatmeal, bran, wheat germ

? Wholegrain breads and cereals

Individuals suffering from gout need to eat raw fruits, fresh vegetables, seeds and grains. Low-fiber, refined grained cereals are acceptable. Other permissible food items include:

? Coffee, tea

? Gelatin

? Low fat cheese

? Nuts

? Peanut butter

Intake of cherries, blackberries and strawberries is suggested by some. This is because berries those are dark in color supposedly contain chemicals that help in lowering uric acid levels from blood and also lessen inflammation.

The most essential step that one can take towards prevention of gout attacks is to reduce the intake of alcohol. Alcoholic drinks, especially beer and wine must be restricted to one or two measures per day.

Intake of plenty of fluids, especially water, is vital. Fluids eliminate the uric acid from the body and prevent its build-up in the blood stream.

Obese and overweight individuals will do well to lose some weight. Gout seems to be more prevalent in people who have above normal body weights. Maintaining a healthy body weight is imperative. Exercise not only reduces the weight but also releases stress. However, sudden loss of weight must be avoided because this increases the levels of uric acid in blood.

Maintaining a ?gout diet?, keeping a strict control over the food intake not only reduces the symptoms of gout, but also lowers the risk of further gout attacks. Medical treatment and taking preventive measures in time can help gout patients lead a full and healthy life.

Want to learn more about Gout Diet?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-goat.info/Articles/Gout_Diet.php

Food Items That Help Combat Gout

2008-05-19T00:15:00.000-07:00

Cherry

It has been demonstrated that consumption of fifteen to twenty fresh cherries every day helps control the severity of the ailment.

Vegetable juices

A combination of vegetable juices like carrot juice, beet and cucumber juice, taken daily, is very effective in the treatment of gout. While 100ml each of beet and cucumber juice will suffice, the amount of carrot juice to be used is 300ml, for the best outcome.

French Beans

Daily intake of the juice of fresh French beans helps relieve the suffering of gout patients.

Apple

The malic acid present in apples is known to neutralize the uric acid accumulated in the blood stream of gout patients. Thus, the consumption of one apple after every meal is advisable for individuals suffering from gout.

Banana

Reportedly, a patient who eats nothing but eight to ten bananas every day for three or four consecutive days attains some relief from the pain of gout attacks.

Lime

The Vitamin C that is present in lime and other citrus fruits has the capacity to toughen the connective tissues of the body. Thus consumption of this vitamin in the form of fresh lime juice helps in easing the pain associated with gout. Moreover, the citric acid contained in lime dissolves the uric acid that gets deposited on the joints to cause gout. Hence, the freshly squeezed out juice of half a lime into a glass of water should be taken every morning and again some time in the evening.

Garlic

3 or 4 raw garlic pods engulfed with the meal every day has been found to be immensely effective in curing the symptoms of gout.

Herbal teas

Eminent nutrition experts advocate the use of herbs like rosehip, yarrow, peppermint and sarsaparilla, brewed with regular tea, as excellent remedies for gout.

Overweight individuals will need to lose weight in order to get some relief from gout, because uric acid production occurs more in heavier people. However, fad diets that tend to cause sudden and rapid weight loss must be avoided because fasting only triggers the secretion of uric acid. On a regular basis, large volumes of water and a balanced diet rich in organic food should be consumed, while items rich in purine content must be avoided at all events in order for gout patients to live a painless life.

Want to learn more about Gout Food?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-goat.info/Articles/Gout_Diet.php

Shock Your Gout Into Submission Cure Gout Fast & Easy

2008-05-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

I suppose the first thing you want to know is, do you have the Gout. How do you find out for sure and what are the symptoms. And last how to Cure the Gout.

Symptoms of Gout will most certainly drive you to your Doctor. Your family Dr. will make every attempt it find out if you have any genetic history of the Gout. And he/she will examine the afflicted area. Usually this is the area of the Big Toe. He/she will look for swelling and redness, along with tenderness of the area. Sometimes there will be a feeling of " hot" as well.

The next step is likely a very simple and quick blood test. This test will determine the amounts of uric acid in your system. If the levels are above 8.5 mg/dL for men and 6.6 mg/dL for women, in combination with the results of the physical examination will result in diagnosis of Gout.

If there is doubt, your Doctor may want to remove "synovial fluid" from around the inflamed area. The fluid is then examined with a microscope for uric acid crystals. These crystals are what has been deposited from excess Uric Acids. They have very sharp edges and are the source of the incredible pain of Gout.

Here is the good and the bad news. There are three stages of Gout that you really should know about. A quick explanation of them is in order.

Please do not panic if you find yourself on the list. Gout is possible to control and in most cases prevention of a recurrence is highly likely.

The first stage is Asymptomatic ( a really big word for you have no symptoms) and treatment is not needed, prevention is. This stage is sometimes referred to as hyperuricemia stage. Or you have an elevated Uric acid content.

The second stage is Acute Gout.. this stage needs treatment. It is when you have pain and swelling and are having a difficult time getting around on the foot or feet.

The third stage is "Chronic tophaceous gout" in this stage aggressive treatment may be called for to prevent permanent damage to the joints.

Once the diagnosis of Gout has been finalized you will be presented with the very difficult problem of determining the treatment of the Gout.

I am not a Doctor, so I cannot and will not spend time talking about prescribed drugs. Except to say that most drugs that are used for treatment of the Gout have been known to produce some significant side affects over time. Some of these side affects include, loss of bone density,weakened immune system, heart arrhythmia, migraines along with other less often discussed medical and health issues.

Some of the treatments often used are: anti steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicines ( an anti gout drug) oral corticosteroids or as a last resort injections of corticosteroids directly into the afflicted area.

But that should not stop anyone from pursuing alternate cures for the Gout. Treatment of the Gout is a must. Left untreated, it can become a very serious health issue. Joints can be severely disfigured, Kidneys can become overwhelmed with the effort of attempting to rid the body of excess Uric Acid. Kidney stones could develop. And that is nothing you want to deal with.

These are the things that need to happen:

You have to eliminate the pain and inflammation of Gout, Increase the ability of your body to eliminate Uric Acids Decrease the production of Uric Acid in your body, Boost your kidney function to ad in elimination of Uric Acid, Detoxify your cells that help fight off gout, And give these cells renewed strength to remain on point. Whew !

So not treating the Gout is absolutely not an option. There may be times when it will just seem to disappear. Symptoms subside and you will feel like you have weathered the storm. You may have. But not usually.

Cure the Gout.. that is an option. There are natural cures that will help

Search them out. Get rid of the Gout. I hope this has helped.

My name is Paul Macleod, I am, or was a Gout Sufferer, I have done my homework, searched far and wide to find a way to cure the gout. If you would like more informatioin that may help you or someone you know that struggles with the gout go here : http://www.ebooksbestbuy.com/Gout

What You Must Know About Gout And Arthritis

2008-05-15T22:48:00.000-07:00

A number of 4 million Gout patients live in the USA today and about 3 million and a half are men as women only develop Gout after menopause. It is generally known that high purines food like fish, mushrooms, beans, animal protein and seafood must be avoided to prevent Gout attacks. Alcohol, especially beer and also dairy products are believed to be implied in the variations of the seric uric acid. But no actual sustained clinical studies were made on how diet can influence the occurrence of Gout.

In one major health study made on different health workers such as dentists, pharmacists or pediatricians, a number of questions they had to answer about their medical condition revealed past Gout attacks in about 2500 of the total 50000 persons. The subjects found to have suffered further Gout attacks were removed from the study.

The food diet, weight, medications and medical conditions were recorded every two years to follow the medical evolution of the subjects. All the ones suspected from Gout were transferred to further testing.

The subjects were divided into study groups according to the amounts of meat, seafood, purine rich vegetables, dairy products and animal protein they ingested. In the next 12 years, 730 new cases of Gout appeared in subjects aged 55-64. Groups with higher consumption of meat and seafood seemed to have double numbers of Gout cases than the lower quintile groups. These products proved to have a major role in the development of Gout.

The groups with a high amount of daily consume in dairy products showed a 50% decrease of new occurred Gout cases than the group with a low dairy use. Subjects that drank at least two milk glasses per day or ate at least a serving of yogurt halved their risk of getting Gout.

The groups consuming high fat dairies, rich purine vegetables and total proteins were proved to have no real involvement to changing the risk of Gout development. Body weight and alcohol consumption did not affect the occurrence of Gout attacks.

The study proved the old medical presumption that meat and seafood products rich in purines strongly increase the risk of Gout. But other factors like alcohol or genetics are also implicated in the occurrence of Gout attacks. Dairy products seem helpful to prevent hyperuricemia as they stimulate the elimination of uric acid into urine. High protein vegetables have a minor protective effect towards Gout as it stimulates the uric acid excretion.

In conclusion, persons with cases of Gout in their families must avoid meat and seafood products and try to consume as many dairy products as they can.

For more resources regarding Gout or even foods that cause gout please visit this web page http://www.gout-info-center.com/foods-that-cause-gout.htm

Discovering Low Purine Diets for Gout Symptom Relief

2008-05-15T22:47:00.000-07:00

Developing low purine diets for gout sufferers can be a breeze if you follow some of the tips in this article.

So, if you have been told you have gout, or you are just curious on the matter, then you should first understand why you should adopt a low purine diet.

The body is an amazing system, and it can cope with many of the things we throw at it. However, there are times when it starts to go out of balance and needs some help to nudge it "back on the rails". If you have gout, this is one of those times.

When in balance, the body can cope with the levels of uric acid produced, and the kidney's can eliminate waste uric acid in urine. However, if the body gets out of balance, and the uric acid levels are high in the body, then this can encourage uric acid crystals to collect in the spaces in the joints, and this causes pain, swelling and stiffness.

The body, through the natural process of breaking down purine, produces uric acid. Now, many people get confused about purine, as they assume it comes from just the food we eat. In fact, purine is naturally present in the tissue of our body, and normally, the metabolic process of breaking down purine into uric acid is not a problem, as the kidney can cope with the levels in the body.

The big issue arises when the body cannot remove the excess uric acid produced from the purine, and this usually indicates one of two things:
1. Too much food high in purine is being eaten.
2. There are some issues with the functions of the kidneys and they are not eliminating waste efficiently.

So, one of the best ways to reduce the levels of purine in the body, and so reduce uric acid, is to introduce a low purine diet.

Low purine diets are not complex or difficult, but there are some things that should be considered before starting out on one.

1. Avoid alcohol as much as possible, as alcohol can cause gout flare-ups
2. Drink 2-3 ltrs of water per day. This will dilute the uric acid in the body.
3. Eat a diet that is high in carbs, low in fat and low in protein.
4. Eat foods that have a moderate to low purine level, such as cereals, most vegetables, fruit, white bread, cheese and milk.
5. Avoid foods that are high in purine, such as meat, meat extracts, gravies, offal and shellfish.

More comprehensive information can be found in our free Cure Gout Now newsletter.

So, if you have painful joints, swelling and stiffness, include these guidelines when creating low purine diets for gout relief.

Grab your copy of Lisa McDowell's Gout Newsletter dedicated to treating Gout at natural gout cures where you'll find more information about low purine diets for gout relief.

Diet That Can Help Allay Gout

2008-05-15T02:47:00.000-07:00

Diet plays a vital role in gout. We all know that a balanced diet can help eliminate the toxins and harmful metabolic end products from our system and improve the overall health pf our body. Gout is caused by the accumulation of crystals of uric acid, a metabolic end product of purine hydrolysis. When these crystals are deposited on the joints, an immune response is triggered that cause the inflammation and the bone-crushing pain associated with gout.

There are certain time-tested diets that can alleviate the symptoms of gout attacks:

A Fast of Orange juice and water
In case of an acute gout attack, a fast of orange juice diluted water can prove to be an excellent remedy. A series of intermittent fasts every three days until the symptoms subside is advisable in case of severe attacks.

Warm water enema
At the time of the gout attack, a warm-water enema should be used daily throughout the period of fasting to rinse out the bowels.

An All fruit diet
This diet comprising only of fruits can be followed after the acute attack passes. This can be maintained for three to five days.

Everyday Natural food diet
A person having a tendency to gout attacks should at all times follow a well-balanced diet of natural and organic foods, particularly constituting fresh juicy fruits, raw or steamed vegetables, and sprouts. Foods high in potassium such as potatoes, bananas, leafy green vegetables, beans and raw vegetable juices should be consumed liberally.

Foods that have been proved to be beneficial for people afflicted by gout include:

? Dark berries that may contain chemicals which lower uric acid and reduce inflammation.

? Tofu which is made from soybeans is thought be a better choice than purine rich meats.

? Certain fatty acids present in nuts, flax or olive oil, and in certain fish such as salmon, may possess some anti-inflammatory properties.

All canned foods or processed foods must be avoided.

The person, who is suffering from gout, if overweight, should concentrate on losing the extra flab. This should be achieved by rigorously maintaining a balanced low-fat diet. However, rapid loss of weight must be avoided, and hence no fad diets should be adopted. This will only worsen the case. Regular exercise is imperative. But over-exercise needs to be avoided, because fatigue stimulated gout.

All purine and uric acid producing foods such as meat, eggs, and certain fish like anchovies, herrings should be strictly avoided. Also, liquors, tea, coffee, sugar, white flour and their products must be shunned to prevent lowering of the body pH.

Intake of spices and salts needs to be restricted, lightly prepared meals should be consumed.

Want to learn more about Gout Diet Food?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-goat.info/Articles/Gout_Diet.php

Gout Symptoms and Solutions Uncovered

2008-05-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

Few people realize that gout is actually a form of arthritis and an extremely painful one at that. This is why so many sufferers are eager to understand the gout symptoms and solutions available to them.

The first symptom most gout sufferers have are usually unexpected and painful. The main symptoms include throbbing, hot, red and swollen joint. The joints most effected by these sudden gout flare-ups are the foot and ankle joints, and most commonly the big toe joint. A gout attack normally occurs at night and can make even the weight of a blanket on the effected joint unbearable.

With the first episode the symptoms usually last between 5 and 10 days, gradually disappearing, leaving the joint 'back to normal'. However, once you've had one gout attack another will usually follow, anywhere between 6 months and 2 years.

So, what causes this sudden joint inflammation and pain?

Well, it's a result of excess uric acid being deposited by the body into the joints and soft tissues surrounding the joints.

Uric acid is formed during the breakdown and processing of purine, a compound that is naturally found in your body and also in the food that we eat. As the body metabolizes purine it forms uric acid as a waste product that is eliminated via the kidneys in our urine.

When there is too much uric acid being produced or the body can't dispose of quickly enough, the uric acid stays in the blood stream and is deposited in 'convenient' places, like the joints in crystal form. It is these crystals that cause gout symptoms to flare up.

When a gout attack happens the pain can be pretty intense which sends most people running (or perhaps limping) to the doctor. Commonly NSAID's will be prescribed. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that target the swelling in the joint, although they don't do anything about reducing the uric acid levels. Make sure you ask your doctor about the potential side effects of these.

If the gout attack is very severe a corticosteriod drug may be prescribed instead. Steroids are very effective at bringing pain under control swiftly, however the side effects can be just as dramatic. Make sure you understand the risks involved if prescribed these drugs.

Once you have the pain from the initial attack under control it's time to look at why you had the gout flare-up in the first place.

Some medical conditions can lead to the development of gout, such as untreated hypertension, diabetes, being obese or having high cholesterol. Medications too can increase your risk of developing gout. Low-dose aspirin can increase uric acid levels and some hypertension medications too.

Gout can be hereditary, so take a good look at your family history and be sure to tell you doctor if a close relative suffers with gout. Being a man also increases your risk for developing gout as men have naturally higher levels of uric acid compared to women. This is why when women do get gout, it's usually after the menopause when their estrogen levels are reduced.

Finally gout can be down to your lifestyle choices. Too much alcohol is a common reason for developing gout as is eating a diet high in purine, i.e. lots of red meat, gravies, shellfish and dried legumes.

There are some medications that your doctor can prescribe that reduce the level of uric acid produced by your body. However a healthier way, and what that is more natural, is to make some easy lifestyle changes that allow your body to regain its balance.
1. Follow a low purine diet - swap high protein foods for a more carbohydrate based diet.
2. Lose weight if your overweight, as this can reduce uric acid production. It is best to lose weight steadily rather than do a crash diet as this can temporarily raise uric acid levels, increasing your risk for gout.
3. Limit alcohol or avoid it altogether if you can. Men should limit consumption to two drinks a day, and women one drink a day.
4. Drink lots of water as this helps to dilute the uric acid in your blood and allows the kidneys to eliminate the excess more easily.

If you need more information on natural gout symptoms and solutions you can find out more on our website.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up now for a free newsletter & discover the various gout symptoms and solutions. Find out why exercise as an effective natural cure for gout.

Diets That Help Control Gout

2008-05-11T22:37:00.000-07:00

Gout is a disease that affects body joints, especially the ones from the extremities. Gout means a high production of uric acid that can not be eliminated. Uric acid is a waste product of the body that occurs when certain types of foods are eaten. With the help of the kidneys the body eliminates the uric acid. Though, the surplus that can not be eliminated will deposit in joints or soft tissues. That explains why the most affected parts of the body are the joints, particularly the big toe, the feet, the ankles, the arms and hands.

Since the ancient times gout was considered as a disease caused by diets. Gout is the result of excessive consumption of foods and alcohol, and may occur if high purine foods are eaten regularly. Alcohol drank regularly may also lead to gout. Usually men around 40 catch this disease. They represent a high percentage of the patients. Women are not at risk such as men. In most of the cases women develop gout at menopause, around the age of 50.

Nowadays we have the certitude that gout is a disease that is strictly connected to several factors such as diet, alcohol intake or high doses of medication.

For avoiding gout, people should limit the intake of foods high in purine because purine creates uric acid. Most of the foods of animal origin contain purine. These foods are not restricted but a moderate consumption is recommended. Also recommended are the vegetables especially those with apigenin but other flavonoids too. Apigenin is found in vegetables like parsley, thyme and peppermint. Because of the chemicals they contain, black berries are also recommended for people with gout.

Years ago specialists believed that high purine vegetables such as peas, spinach, mushrooms or asparagus affect the human body and may lead to gout. Now our specialists know that these vegetables are unable to increase the risk of gout.

It is recommended for patients to be informed about the diet that they should follow in order to control gout. They should know that the source of body protein should not be meats as before and they should rely on low-fat diary products and soy. They should also give up consuming high fat products and should figure out a way to replace them. Beer should be avoided because is the main cause of developing gout. Patients with gout also need to stay hydrated so at least 8 cups of fluid a day is necessary.

For more information about gout treatments please review http://www.gout-info-center.com/gout-symptoms.htm%3c/a> or even http://www.gout-info-center.com/gout-treatments.htm

Does a Low Uric Acid Diet Stop Gout Attacks?

2008-05-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

A gout attack van be one of the most painful episodes that a person has to endure. They can come on unexpectedly, usually at night, and can leave the effected joint, red, swollen and the sufferer in absolute agony. So can a low uric diet stop gout attacks from striking?

If gout runs in your family or you have had a gout attack in the past, you are at risk of experiencing an attack or having a reoccurrence.

As anyone who has had the misfortune of suffering through a gout attack will tell you, the pain is extreme and can be pretty debilitating, often leaving you housebound and off work.

So, what can you do to avoid a gout flare-up? The easiest approach is to look at and adjust your diet to a low uric acid diet.

As the old saying goes; prevention is better than a cure ? so making changes as soon as you realize you are at risk is very important.

The problem is that gout is caused by a build up of uric acid in the blood stream. When a specific saturation point is reached excess uric acid is deposited in the spaces and connective tissue of the joints. These deposits crystallize and the sharp, jagged crystals are the source of the swollen, painful joints.

Gout normally strikes in the big toe or one of the other foot or ankle joints, although it can effect any of the joints in the body. The reason for commonly affecting the feet is because they are the furthest points away from the heart and uric acid crystallizes in cooler temperatures.

Uric acid is formed naturally when the body processes purine, which is found in the tissues of our body and also in many of the foods we eat in a western diet - particularly animal protein.

When we have a diet that is high in purine-rich foods our uric acid levels can go up, which leaving the kidney with a harder job to eliminate the excess uric acid in a timely fashion.

The excess uric acid floats around in our bloodstream until it becomes saturated. At this point uric acid crystals are deposited in the joints.

There are two ways of tackling these high levels of uric acid, either speed up the kidney processes so that uric acid is processed and expelled quickly or reduce the amount of uric acid produced. An effective way to do this is by following a low uric acid diet.

Getting to grips with a low uric acid diet doesn't have to be hard. It boils down to these factors: Avoid foods high in purine and substitute these with foods with a low purine content.

The basic guidelines for this sort of diet is to avoid red meat, processed meat, shellfish and yeast extracts. Instead your diet should consist of gout friendly foods such as, cereals, some green vegetables, fruits and fruit juices, corn and tomatoes.

For a fuller list of foods to eat and avoid please sign up for our free newsletter, details at the end of the article.

By eating foods with a low purine content and avoiding those foods high in purine you will start to reduce the amount of uric acid in the body and allow the kidneys to get on top of their processing tasks.

Sticking to the low uric acid diet, avoiding alcohol and drinking lots of water can offer you the prevention necessary to avoid a further gout attack.

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

Top Foods To Avoid With Gout

2008-05-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

Did you know that gout is the only form of arthritis that can be relieved by what you eat? Therefore, if you have had a gout attack or gout runs in your family it is wise to understand which foods to avoid with gout to stop any of the nasty symptoms.

Gout is tremendously painful and it's on the increase. It used to be an affliction that made the lives of the rich a misery because of their rich diet and high alcohol consumption. Nowadays, as society has got wealthier we are leaving ourselves wide open for gout due to our reliance on processed foods, red meats and increased alcohol consumption.

Traditionally effecting men, more than women, bouts of gout are increasing for both groups.

Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia. This is where there are raised levels of uric acid in the blood. Although not dangerous in itself, hyperuricemia can lead to the development of gout.

When uric acid levels reach saturation point in the blood stream, small deposits are made in the spaces and connective tissues of the joints. These deposits crystallize, causing sharp, jagged needles that are the reason behind the swift swelling, redness and pain characterized by a gout attack.

Hyperuricemia is caused by an increase production of uric acid in the blood or the kidneys being unable to process uric acid effectively. This can be for hereditary reasons or by eating too many purine-rich foods, drinking alcohol heavily and becoming dehydrated.

Purine is a natural compound found in a lot of our food, particularly animal proteins. When ingested the body goes to work, breaking the purine down and producing uric acid as a result. Purine is found in high levels in processed foods and some alcohol, beer in particular. It stands to reason that having a diet high in animal and purine-rich foods, along with drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to gout, especially if it is a condition that runs in the family.

Staying hydrated is a good first step in your defense against gout. By drinking at least 8 - 10 eight ounce glasses of water a day, you are ensuring that the uric acid in your body is diluted, allowing your kidneys to efficiently deal with eliminating the excess via your urine.

However, to really go about lowering uric acid levels you need to look at your diet and make some amendments, as there are a few foods to avoid with gout. Among the worst offenders are:

Most meats
Offal
Meat extracts
Game meats
Processed meat
Gravy
yeast extracts
Mackerel
Sardines
Scallops
Anchovies
Herring
Chocolate
Caffeinated beverages
Legumes ie. peas, beans & lentils
Asparagus
Mushrooms

These foods are very high in purine and should be avoided, especially during a gout flare-up. Once gout symptoms are under control, small volumes of these foods can be eaten, however, it must only be moderation and you will be running a risk of experiencing further gout attacks.

The best way to manage your gout through diet is to look at changing the foods you eat as a lifestyle choice rather than a diet. That way you bypass the feelings of 'missing out' and your new food choices become habit.

Although the list of foods to avoid with gout is fairly extensive, there are plenty of other delicious foods that are okay to eat. Find out more on our site where you can sign up for a free newsletter.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how a knowledge of foods to avoid with gout can be an effective natural cure for gout.

Does A Gout Free Diet Really Exist - Or Is It A Outright Lie?

2008-05-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

Suffering through a gout attack will inspire anyone to find ways of managing their symptoms and diet has been a traditional treatment option, however does a gout free diet really exist?

Before you decide to blindly follow a gout friendly diet, it's worth understanding why what you eat can have such an impact on gout symptoms.

Gout occurs when the body is in a state of hyperuricemia; where there is an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. This sounds scary but it really isn't. Hyperuricemia doesn't usually cause harm to your body, except in extreme circumstances, when it can lead to gout or the development of kidney stones.

In fact, lots of people have hyperuricemia and don't go on to develop gout. Hyperuricemia problems start when the bloodstream is overloaded with uric acid and, and it starts to leave deposits in the joints and connecting tissues that surround the joints. These deposits turn into sharp, jagged crystals that cause the inflammation and pain associated with a gout flare up.

So, how do you develop hyperuricemia? It is usually a hereditary issue, whereby you inherit a susceptibility to either over produce uric acid or eliminate uric acid too slowly from the body. This causes a build up of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can lead to other complications as well as gout, including kidney stones in some cases.

Uric acid is produced naturally in the body. Production is increased when we eat a diet high in purine, as the metabolizing purine naturally produces uric acid as a waste product. Uric acid levels can also go up due to some medications and illnesses.

When uric acid production is increased our kidneys normally speed up the elimination process, however when this does not happen gout can strike.

To minimize the levels of uric acid in our system we generally need to do two things, reduce the volume of uric acid produced and increase uric acid elimination. A gout Diet can help with both these factors.

It is important to note that if you?re a gout sufferer and overweight you need to lose those excess pounds. Being overweight or obese increases uric acid production and with your kidneys under strain already, elimination can be slowed down.

Don't go on a crash diet as this will have the opposite effect and actually raise uric acid levels and could bring on a gout attack. Instead, lose weight slowly through sensible eating and adding exercise into the mix.

The other vital action you need to take is to keep your body hydrated. You need to be drinking at least 8 - 10 eight ounce glasses of water a day and cut out or severely restrict your alcohol intake. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which is dehydrating and can also contribute to an increase in uric acid production. Especially avoid beer as it high in purine.

When trying to reduce uric acid levels you are advised to follow a low-fat, low calorie and low-purine diet. This will help you to lose weight, if you need to, and maintain uric acid levels at an acceptable rate that your body can easily expel. The following foods are considered 'safe' gout foods:

Fresh cherries
Red or blue berries
Green-leafy vegetables
Red cabbage
Red peppers
Tomatoes
Celery
Fruit & fruit juices
Potatoes
Low-fat dairy products
Cereal based products
Rice
Nuts
Seeds
Tofu

Try adding herbs and spices to your foods to liven them up rather than relying on processed foods. You can also eat poultry, salmon and tuna in moderation.

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By following a gout free diet that consists of eating low purine foods, avoiding alcohol and drinking enough water you can successfully lower the concentration of uric acid found in the blood and therefore minimize the risk of further gout flare-ups.

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

Gout - Prevention Is Better Than Cure

2008-05-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

With the increased information available on gout and its cause, it has become easier to construct a plan that can be followed to avoid gout attacks.

Do keep yourself warm

Protect your hands, wrists, elbows, knees, toes, ankles and ears from exposure to cold drafts. Cold triggers precipitation of the uric acid crystals, the main cause of gout.

Drink as much fluids as possible

Fluids dilute the uric acid and help the kidneys to excrete it. At least 10 to 12 8-ounce glasses of water should be consumed every day.

Control the food that you eat

Avoid excessive intake of food items that have high purine content, because purine is metabolized in the system to produce uric acid. More the production of uric acid, the higher is the chance of gout attacks. Organ meat, sausages, dark fillet fishes like sardines, herring, fish roes, and red and dark meat are foods rich in purine. You may also consider consulting a dietician to guide you in the formulation of a proper food chart that will help you avert gout attacks.

Do not let your body pH diminish

Avoid intake of substances that lower the pH of your body or bring about sudden changes in the physical and chemical conditions of the body. This is because, at low pH, uric acid is less soluble in the body fluid and chances of precipitation are higher. Thus possibility of gout attacks is increased. Preexisting crystals get coated over time by protein coatings that prevent the neutrophils from recognizing them and alleviating gout attacks. Lowered body pH triggers the shedding of the coatings of these preexisting crystals. This also leads to gout attacks. Certain medical conditions like psoriasis, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hemolytic anemia, lead poisoning can make the body acidic. Also, excessive intake of carbonated drinks, alcohol, tea, coffee, protein, aspirin, Vitamin C, Niacin, Thiazides and loop diuretics, cyclosporine and foods and drinks that have a high chlorine, sulfur or phosphorus content lower the body pH. Proteins and carbohydrates are acid forming food items.

Avoid injuries and trauma

Injuries to the joints, sudden severe ailments, hemorrhage, emotional distress, anxiety, starvation, fasting, fatigue, infections, weigh gain, rapid weight loss ? all are factors that hasten gout attacks.

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Solutions For Treating Gout

2008-05-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

Gout is an inflammatory problem. It is caused by the surplus of the uric acid in the body, that deposits in the joints. These are the most affected parts in people with gout.

As we know, for gout we can make responsible the surplus of the uric acid crystals deposited in the joints, skin and even kidneys. People with this problem are affected because of the high level of the uric acid in the body that can not be totally eliminated. The surplus of uric acid stays in the blood until blood becomes full of it. Then the uric acid forms crystals in the joints that may lead later to severe gout attacks.

Gout may also be caused by excessive alcohol intake, rich purine foods, and lack of exercise but also heredity.

Gout may be treated in many ways. Natural treatments are also able to help. One of the natural treatments used in treating gout are cherries. If the patients eats about 20 to 25 cherries a day results may appear. It is not totally necessary for the cherries to be fresh, even though it is recommended. Canned cherries can also be used but not regularly.

The consumption of 500 ml of vegetables juice is also recommended. This juice should be made of carrot juiced combined with juices of cucumber and beet. About 150 ml of French beans a day might also help people with gout.

The purpose of each natural treatment is to neutralize the uric acid. The malic acid that apples contain is believed to neutralize the acid. That is why an apple after each meal is recommended for people with gout.

A diet with bananas is recommended by the specialists. If the patient can take about 10 bananas a day without eating anything else this natural treatment will surely give results in three or four days.

Lime is also recommended because it contains Vitamin C. The citric acid has a solvent role of the uric acid. Lemon juice should be taken twice a day.

After an acute attack of gout a cure with orange juice should be benefic. Actually an all fruit diet is recommended. Also recommended are natural foods, especially vegetables.

People with gout are advised to avoid rich purine foods and other acid producing foods. Foods that are totally not recommended for people with gout are meats, eggs and especially sea foods. When it comes to drinks we can say that all alcohols should be avoided but especially beer.

Other ways of treating gout are warm water enema, Epsom salt baths, cold packs applied to the joints, fresh air, no stress and exercise.

For more information about gout treatments please review http://www.gout-info-center.com/gout-symptoms.htm or even http://www.gout-info-center.com/gout-treatments.htm

Chlorinated Water - A Cause For Gout

2008-05-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Chlorinated water may develop risks. It was proved that consuming chlorinated water lead to excessive free radical formation that leads to aging acceleration and increases vulnerability to genetic mutation. It may also lead to cancer or it may cause difficulty metabolizing cholesterol. Hardening of arteries can also be promoted by consuming chlorinated water.

A warm shower or a bath in a tub filled with chlorinated water leads to inhales of chloroform. More than that the hot water opens the pores and skin starts acting like a sponge. It is said that in about 10 minutes of a shower in this type of water it is inhaled more chlorine than by drinking eight glasses of the same water. It is also believed to have different effects that are surely not benefic. Specialists say that it can weaken immunity and can irritate the eyes, the sinuses, the throat, the skin and lungs but it can also make the hair and scalp dry, worsening dandruff.

It is also believed that chlorinated water excess free radicals might create dangerous toxins for the human body. More exactly it may lead to liver malfunctions, weakening of the immune system and pre-arteriosclerotic changes in arteries. Excess free radicals are also linked to alternation of cellular DNA. Chlorine also destroys antioxidant vitamin E which is needed to prevent the excess of neutralize radicals for cardiac and anti-cancer protection.

A study that analyzed thousands of cancer deaths in the northern countries of America found that chlorinated water increases the risk of gastrointestinal cancer by 50 to 100 percent during a person?s lifetime.

Later on in order to sustain the previous study another one comes and counts the number of bladder cancer and rectal cancer caused by chlorinated water. From a grand total of more than 10000 cases it was estimated that chlorine accounted for 9 percent of the bladder cancer cases and 18 percent of rectal cancers. Chlorine water is also associated with a high risk of combined cancers. It is proved that chlorine water can cause allergic symptoms ranging from skin rash to intestinal symptoms to arthritis, headaches and much more.

Because it destroys protective acidophilus chlorine is associated with gout symptoms. As it is known chlorine combines with organic impurities in the water to make trihalomethanes or chloramines.

Recent studies discovered a new problem related to chlorinated water. It is a byproduct called MX. Specialists observed in laboratories that MX causes genetic mutations and initiates cancer in laboratory animals. All these problems related to chlorinated water are also related to liver health, cholesterol, insulin resistance, gout or digestive problems.

For more information about foods that cause gout please review http://www.gout-info-center.com/ or even http://www.gout-info-center.com/causes-of-gout.htm

Can Reflexology Get Rid of Gout?

2008-05-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

Hydrotherapy is a treatment that can help you get rid of gout, but is not the only alternative remedy out there. Reflexology is a treatment that is often used to treat gout, and has worked effectively for some sufferers.

What is reflexology? Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative treatment that involves the stimulation of specific points on the feet, hands and ears, for the purpose of promoting positive healing effects on other parts of the body. Reflexology may also be used to improve overall health. Although reflexology can be performed on the hands or ears, it is primarily administered to the feet, which is the method that would be used to get rid of gout.

A reflexologist believes that the foot is made up of various reflex zones that correspond to all of the other energy zones in the body. The theory is that applying pressure through massage to the ?gritty? or ?tight? points of one?s foot will stimulate the body energy connected to the foot point encouraging self-healing. Reflexology only seeks to cure imbalances in body energy and is not used to cure or diagnose medical conditions.

How does reflexology work? A qualified practitioner massages designated points on the bare foot with their hands. No other drugs or tools are used. Reflexology treatment has been known to ?

? Improve posture
? Improve circulation
? Increase the nutrients and oxygen in cells
? Improve chemical function in the body
? Remove toxins from the body
? Calms nerve endings
? Encourage overall relaxation
? Reduce stress
? Encourage normal body functioning
? Encourage pain management

What benefits does reflexology offer gout sufferers? If a person needs to be rid of gout, reflexology can be used to help restore balance to the kidneys. The kidneys are the organs that are in charge of uric acid production. Therefore, if the body energy related to the kidneys is stimulated through the corresponding point in both feet (boot feet need to be involved as there are two kidneys), this could help the kidneys lower uric acid production.

Reflexology can also be used to break up uric acid crystal deposits that may be present in the foot.

Are their side effects? Side effects are not common. However, some people may experience nausea, headaches or sinus congestion after treatment. This side effect is commonly referred to as a ?healing crisis?, and reflexologists believe it is caused by the body releasing toxins. These side effects usually last no longer than 24 hours.

Precautions - Although reflexology may effectively get rid of gout in some sufferers, it is imperative that you know reflexology is a preventative gout treatment and should not be sought during an active case of gout. Think about it - considering the pain gout causes in the foot can be so intense that the weight of a bed sheet is unbearable, just imagine how your foot would feel during a deep massage. Ouch!

You should also consult your doctor before attempting reflexology treatment if you ?

? Have kidney stones
? Are a diabetic
? Have problems with blood pressure
? Have cancer
? Severe problems with circulation in the legs or feet
? Have Osteoarthritis in the foot or ankle
? Are pregnant

Reflexology can be an effective treatment for gout if performed properly by an experienced practitioner. Just make sure you consult your health care provider first to find out if this treatment is the best course of action for you to get rid of gout.

Grab your free copy of Lisa McDowell's brand new Gout Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about gout recipe and for information on gout symptom please visit Cure Gout Now.

Reasons To Love Your Gout Prevention Diet

2008-05-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

The most basic point of any good gout prevention diet is to reduce gout symptoms. This is achieved by lowering the levels of purine rich foods in the diet as these often trigger gout by raising the amount of uric acid in the blood, which in turn makes the pain worse.

Though a doctor can help with the quest for a good gout prevention diet, there are some things a person can learn on their own. The problem with this type of diet is that it eliminates many of the foods that men typically love to eat, and gout is something that occurs almost exclusively among the male population. A gout dies doesn?t have to mean the end of good eating however, but it might mean learning to love some new foods and finding new ways to enjoy time tested favorites.

One great thing about concocting a gout friendly diet is that medications help more than ever, and the diet does not have to be quite as restrictive as they used to be. However, that does not mean a person can eat whatever they want, whenever they want, without risking a flare up.

The diet will help, and when medication is taken as directed, someone with gout might enjoy long periods of ?remission? before they have to deal with the pain and flare ups that are associated with this condition.

Meats are known to be higher in purines, and they should be avoided. However, you don?t have to do without them. The ones that are the biggest problems are the organ meats, and a lot of people don?t like them anyway. These include liver and kidney meats.

Other high levels of purines can be found in fish like herring, and mackerel, and some dry beans are also troublesome. Other meats are not as bad, but they still have higher numbers of purines. It is a good idea to limit meat, fish, and poultry foods to about six ounces a day.

When it comes to drinking alcohol your best bet is to drink in moderation, and you may feel the best when avoiding alcoholic beverages completely. Abstinence is essential when a gout attack is ongoing, as alcohol can slow the release of uric acid from the body.

Water is great for almost any health situation, and this is no exception. Drink as much as possible to feel as good as possible. Though many vegetables are good for the body, those with gout should avoid things like asparagus, mushrooms, lentils, peas, and many dark green varieties of veggies during flare ups. Eat these in moderation at other times. Processed foods and foods that are heavy in oils or that have been deep-fried are also not a good idea for gout sufferers.

Here are five tips to keep a gout diet fun:

1. Enjoy color: Keep your diet fun and interesting by keeping it colorful. Foods like tomatoes, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, fruit juices, tangerines, potatoes, oranges, and peppers.

2. Dairy: Dairy is great as long as you stick to the low-fat variety. Thankfully, most of these taste just as good as the normal varieties, and after a while you?ll probably develop a preference for low fat anyway.

3. Chocolate: One thing no one wants to hear when they have a special diet is that chocolate is out. The good news is that chocolate is just fine for someone with gout.

4. Fish: Though some types of fish are out, a person on a gout diet can still have tuna and salmon. Both of these are very versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways.

5. Caffeine: A gout prevention diet does not have to exclude coffee and tea. Carbonated beverages are okay as well, but go for the sugar-free if recommended by a doctor. If caffeine turns out to be a problem for you opt for decaf instead.

Dangerous Side Effects Of Gout Pain Relief Prescriptions

2008-05-05T22:55:00.000-07:00

Many gout sufferers find that they want to be on a prescription medication for maximum gout pain relief. The pain associated with this condition can be pretty severer.

Though a change in diet can help improve the symptoms, many have to have a medication on top of diet change in order to manage the pain. Because gout is usually found in the big toe, those with serious amounts of pain have a hard time walking. This can severely limit quality of life.

There are some great medications that can help with gout pain relief, but it is important to watch out for any side effects that may compromise health.

One of the most common gout drugs is Colchicine. This comes from the crocus plant. This is provides both a relief when there is an attack, and also has the potential to be a preventative medication as well.

This should be used in the first day of a gout attack, and works in a high percentage of those who suffer with this condition. The most common side effect is upset in the digestive tract.

However, when too much of this is taken, it can be lethal. It can cause bone marrow damage and anemia. This means the white count can get low, and infections can set in. A patient should have their blood cell counts monitored while on this medication. An overdose can be deadly, so this must be taken with care. Anyone with unusual side effects must get in to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Benemid is a drug that helps to remove the uric acid build up in the body that brings on gout attacks. It will not cure the condition, but it can help keep flare ups down to a minimum.

Some of the most common side effects are dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, upset stomach, frequent urination, and hair loss. These should be minor though, and if they become chronic, this should be brought to the attention of the prescribing doctor.

There are some signs that should be reported as soon as possible, as they may indicate something more serious is going on. Side effects such as bloody urine, sores in and around the mouth, rash, severe swelling, painful urination, flu-like symptoms, strange bleeding or bruises, and difficulty with breathing.

Prednisone is often used to reduce an attack. It might only be given for a few days, or a shot may be done directly into the inflamed and painful area. Many doctors prefer to taper this drug off slowly to avoid the flare up from coming back.

Infections are one of the more serious side effects of this drug. A patient should keep a close eye out for signs that indicate there may be an infection somewhere in the body. Less common and less serious side effects are trouble with falling and staying asleep, heartburn due to increased stomach acid production, and an increase in hunger.

Many of these medications will be paired with NSAIDS when appropriate. If a patient is taking any of these drugs, they should ask their doctor before they take anything else. Most of these are not safe for pregnant or nursing mothers. They may cause birth defects and other problems.

Probably one of the smartest moves a person taking prescriptions for gout pain relief can do is to ask their doctor what to look for and what they should avoid.

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What Are The Common Signs Symptoms Gout Causes?

2008-05-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

Though the crystallization of uric acid in the joints is the cause of gout, it is not something that will be obvious right away. The signs and symptoms may or may not show up for years before pain is felt. There are some signs symptoms gout sufferers might experience that might not be thought of as part of this condition right away, and are often related to a painful flare up.

Gout may not be diagnosed until flare up occurs. Many times they will show up and be confused with something else before more telling signs show, and a doctor then might know to look for gout.

When a gout flare up is about to occur, a person might have a wide range of symptoms. These are common to may different conditions, and someone with these might think they are getting the flu or are just feeling under the weather.

Some people have similar feelings after eating or drinking too much of the wrong things, and they may just think the feelings are a result of that. They may experience dehydration and may have had an injury in a joint area. Surgery or stress can bring about a flare up, so if someone has just experienced either, they should look for the secondary signs.

Right before the flare up occurs, a patient will notice something is going on up to twenty-four hours before the pain sets in. Having a fever is very common, and this might also come with having the chills. The chills are often a direct result of fever, as the body is too hot and the air feels cooler on the skin. The problem with this is that those symptoms can mean almost anything, and they might not be attributed to a gout flare up until a person knows that they do indeed have gout.

When someone goes to see a doctor about gout, there are specific things they will look for. Some of these things might be evident to the patient as well, but they may not know what they mean. A doctor will test for high levels of uric acid and the crystals that they form. This is a blood test. These crystals might then be located in the joints, and this is most common in the big toe. There will be tenderness around any joints that are involved, and there may be skin problems. Movement of involved joints may very well be painful.

A patient will know they are having a gout attack when they feel pain in the affected joints. This might be very severe pain that is accompanied by stiffness. The joint might feel hot to the touch and extremely tender.

When the signs symptoms gout produces appear, and it is obvious a flare up is occurring, a person should lie down and rest as much as possible. It is important to keep weight off of the joint. Ice or heat might help with the pain, and something like ibuprofen can be taken for inflammation. Once someone is sure they are experiencing a bout of gout, they should call their doctor for advice and the possibility of a prescription if needed.

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Foods To Avoid With Gout While Dining Out

2008-05-04T23:57:00.000-07:00

Gout is a painful condition that is caused by a build up of uric acid crystals in joints. In most cases, this will happen in the big toe, or between the big toe and the one next to it. The overabundance of this uric acid will crystallize and settle in that joint and be pretty painful. Though gout is mostly a problem that men face, women develop gout on occasion. It is like arthritis in nature, but it can be very easy to treat with the right diet and certain medications. It?s a great idea for anyone with this condition to watch what he or she eats. Knowing what foods to avoid with gout will help greatly when you are eating out in a restaurant.

The foods that seem to irritate those with gout the most are those high in purines. These compounds are found in the human body, and in many different foods making them hard to avoid at times. So, when suffering from gout you need to be careful about the types of foods that you chose. Some of these purines won?t bother a person, but for others it leads to pain, and extreme pain at times. Knowing which foods to pass up can help you avoid the very painful episodes of gout that can leave you feeling incapacitated.

Some of the biggest problems for those with gout seem to come from eating meats and seafood. That is not good news for many, but avoiding these two food groups can help keep the pain down to a minimum. It is suggested that meat consumption be limited to six ounces a day and replacing proteins with eggs, and low fat milk foods as these are low in purines.

Some foods that are high in purines are okay to eat in moderation, for example peas, mushrooms, and beans. You shouldn?t eat huge quantities but you don?t have to limit them as much as you should limit meats and seafood.

Fats too must be limited, and foods fried in oils are never a good idea. Coffee and tea seem to be okay, but alcohol is not. When you add all of this together, eating at home can get complicated, but eating out can be even worse.

When you look through a menu, you may find that you don?t know what to get and what you should skip. The trick is to know what is in a dish, and also, how it is prepared. As someone who suffers with gout you may have to learn how to take the things you?ve learned at home and use them when ordering in a restaurant.

Someone with gout is going to have a hard time choosing something off a menu to eat, though this does depend on where this person is eating. It is always a good idea to ask how a dish is prepared, and ask for modifications to suit your gout friendly style of eating.

Most restaurants these days are very good at altering dishes to help those who might be dieting or who have specific medical conditions. Ask for the leaner varieties of your favorite dishes. Knowing what foods to avoid with gout will make it much easier to choose meals that are tasty to eat without causing you a painful gout flare-up. With the right modifications and knowing which foods to avoid with gout, a meal in a restaurant does not have to lead to pain and discomfort.

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How Homeopathic Treatment Can Bring Gout Symptom Relief

2008-05-03T00:03:00.000-07:00

There are times when anyone can become frustrated with pain and discomfort, and they might wonder if other types of treatments might work better than what they are currently getting. This is becoming more and more popular, and homeopathy is what most turn to first. This is treatment based on methods other than prescription medications and surgeries to help with various ailments. Homeopathy can zero in on one gout symptom, but also tends to focus on the healing and care of the entire body as well. The basic idea behind this practice is that some believe small doses of some medications or herbs can mimic illness in healthy people, and those same things can be given to someone suffering from that illness to promote healing.

In most cases,a physician who practices homeopathic medicine will suggest that any of the things that might help with gout be taken one at a time to see what works. It can be a longer process, but finding the right thing will bring much relief for some. Usually one dose is taken, and then is given a certain amount of time to work. If it does work, it should be left alone to see how long it works. How much and how often will be determined by the type of medication and how well it works. If nothing happens, that type should be eliminated and something else will be tried.

One type that might be helpful is Bryonia. This can be good when pain is substantial, and tenderness is a huge problem. Pain comes from walking and touching. It might make a person not want to be touched at all, and they may want to be alone. Colchicum is another that is very much like this one. It focuses on gout pain the heel or foot. Since the most common spot for gout is the toe, this works great for many. When the joint is red, swollen, and tender to touch, this can be used. It is especially useful when given to someone who seems to have seasonal flare ups, and tends to be fatigued when stricken.

There are also some that are useful when the pain is not quite as severe,but it still needs to be taken care of quickly. Rhus toxicodendron is for someone who has stiff and painful joints that are sometimes hot and swelling may be apparent. However, it would seem that some movement might help, so the flare up is not quite as tender to the touch. Berberis vulgaris is for a pain that is all over the body rather than completely localized to one part of the body. It helps when motions and walking are painful, and the body as a whole needs some relief.

Though it is possible to find and try these things at home,it is always a good idea to find someone who is licensed in homeopathic medicine to assist someone who seeks relief. They have the benefit of knowing the history of this practice that goes back in time almost 2000 years. There is a huge benefit to trying things like this with someone who has knowledge and experience on their side.Some of these things can interact with prescriptions, so consult with a doctor if you are taking anything, or want to stop taking something. These can help with almost any gout symptom, but it is never a good idea to put the health at risk in any fashion.

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How Water Can Relieve Gout Disease

2008-05-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

Drinking plenty of water is one natural gout home remedy that is effective in relieving and preventing gout disease. However, ingesting water isn?t the only way it can be beneficial to gout sufferers. In fact, different hydrotherapy methods involving hot and cold water temperatures for external treatment of gout can also be an excellent way to relieve pain.

Internal water therapy
Drinking plenty of water is a great way to treat gout disease and prevent future attacks. Keeping the body well hydrated is important to every person?s health, but is especially important for those who are prone to gout or suffer from a chronic case.

Drinking plenty of water for gout helps -
? Prevent attacks
? Lubricate joints
? Flush excessive uric acid out of the body
? Prevent kidney stones
? Pass small kidney stones
? Those who are overweight lose weight

Dehydration reduces kidney function, which can lead to an uric acid build up resulting in gout, kidney stones, kidney infection, and even kidney failure in severe cases. Dehydration can occur from the high consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages including coffee, tea and soda. Therefore, should you consume dehydrating beverages, be sure to combat these drinks with water.

To ensure you are obtaining enough water daily for preventing and relieving gout disease symptoms, 12, 8 ounce glasses are recommended daily. Other hydrating drinks you can include in your daily fluid intake are decaffeinated tea and fruit juice. However, make sure that your water consumption is higher than any other beverage.

External water therapy
Hydrotherapy for gout disease can be administered in two ways.

1. Contrast hydrotherapy ? Urate crystals in joints can be dissolved during a gout attack by applying hot and cold compresses. This form of hydrotherapy also helps to alleviate inflammation and reduce pain. Contrast hydrotherapy involves applying a hot compress to an affected joint for 3 minutes, removing this compress and immediately applying a cold compress for 30 seconds.

A hot compress can be a heating pad, hot towel or fill a bath, sink or bucket with hot water (between 90 ? 95 degrees F.) For a cold compress use ice packs or place ice in a plastic bag. You can also fill a bucket or sink with cold water. Note: Just remember that if you use water, you?ll need to have both the cold and hot water near each other so you can quickly switch from one temperature to the other.

A session of contrast hydrotherapy for gout disease should last for no more than 20 minutes, and it?s best to wait at least an hour before your next treatment. Finally, remember to end this therapy with a cold compress, never hot.

Contrast hydrotherapy should be used during a gout flare up.

2. Standard Hydrotherapy ? Standard hydrotherapy involves submerging all or part of the body in water. Water relieves stress from joints as it provides a feeling of weightlessness creating a relaxing sensation. This is due to the fact that water decreases up to 90% of body weight. The buoyancy in combination with warm water is what helps to ease pain and decrease muscle spasms.

One of the best hydrotherapy treatments for gout is to immerse your body, or your affected joint, in a whirlpool tub with hot water (90-95 degrees F), or a tub that has jets. Heat raises the body temperature and the massaging bubbles the jets create dilate blood vessels. This causes circulation to improve and allows blood to carry more nutrients and oxygen to the rest of the body. This aids in healing tissues that are tired or damaged.

In addition, the combination of hot water and massage triggers the body to release endorphins (natural painkillers). This helps to relieve pain and ease sore joints.

Treatment should last no longer than 20 minutes and can be used to treat symptoms and to prevent gout.

Consult your doctor before starting hydrotherapy treatment. Your health care provider can provide you with recommendations, answer your questions, and monitor your progress, as you may also require medication to treat your condition if hydrotherapy is not successful at relieving your gout disease symptoms.

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Can Tissue Salts Ease A Gout Attack?

2008-04-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

The pain of a gout attack is not something a sufferer soon forgets, which is why finding treatment that provides sufficient relief for an attack is mandatory. Although there are different medications to treat gout, there are also different non-drug treatments such as tissue salts which can provide relief.

What are tissue salts? They are inorganic compounds that play a vital role in the function and growth of cells in the body. Mineral tissue salts exist in the human body and were found to be beneficial in treating certain health conditions by Dr. Wilhem Sch?essler, a 19th century German doctor.

Sch?essler theorized that tissue salts were essential for bodily tissues to function normally and prevent health problems. Hence, by ingesting the deficient tissue salts, a resulting illness could heal. To prove his theory, Sch?essler conducted studies on his own patients and achieved successful results.

How do mineral tissue salts work to ease a gout attack? First of all, there are 12 mineral salts:
1. Calcium fluoride
2. Calcium phosphate
3. Calcium sulphate
4. Ferrum phosphate
5. Kali muriaticum
6. Kali phosphate
7. Kali sulphate
8. Magnesium phosphate
9. Natrum muriaticum
10. Natrum phosphate
11. Natrum sulphate
12. Silica

Different combinations of these tissue salts make up every cell in the body. Each tissue salt is designed to correct deficiencies or imbalances that occur in cells. They work by restoring, maintaining and improving good health when used as long-term treatment.

The mineral tissue salts used for treating a gout attack are ?

Natrum phosphate ? This tissue salt is an acid neutralizer. It helps to regulate bile and is constituent of the fluid between cells and is also an element of brain, blood, muscle and nerve cells. This tissue salt helps to treat all forms of inflammation, especially inflammation caused by gout. Natrum phosphate is commonly used for treating chronic gout as it helps with the production of overacidity.

Natrum sulphate ? This tissue salt eradicates excessive water from blood, tissue and other body fluids. It cleans and purifies toxins from the fluid that borders each of the body?s cells. Natrum sulphate plays an essential role in the healthy functioning of the pancreas and the liver. It is ideal for treating gout attacks that occur after eating purine rich foods and alcohol. This is because it effectively eliminates the toxins associated with each food product from the body.

How are mineral tissue salts taken? Mineral tissue salts come in tablet form and are usually taken before drinking or eating, and are dissolved under the tongue. The recommended dosage of mineral salts depends on the severity of a gout attack. However, the general dosage for an adult is 4 tablets taken 3 times daily. For more acute attacks, tissue salts may be taken every hour. Once symptoms have subsided, the dosage of salts is lowered and treatment is slowly stopped over the course of 3-5 days until it is ceased altogether.

How quickly will you experience relief from gout symptoms? Usually it takes 1-2 weeks before effective relief occurs. This is normal, because your body will need this time to regain its natural balanced state. Thus, a standard mineral tissue salt treatment can last for a number of months.

How safe is this treatment? When taking the recommended dosage, tissue salts are quite safe and do not have any notable side effects. However, if you suffer from a chronic health problem or have high blood pressure, you should consult your doctor before using mineral tissue salts.

Where can you find tissue salts? You may find them in your local health or nutrition store or online. Nevertheless, be sure to consult your doctor before taking this treatment for a gout attack, as mineral salts should be prescribed by a qualified individual who is experienced in this alternative medicine.

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

How To Find A Gout Free Diet

2008-04-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

Finding a gout free diet may be simpler than you first think and it may surprise you to know that are a surprising number of additional benefits that can be had.

Having excess uric acid in the blood stream causes gout. When it reaches saturation point, the uric acid crystallizes and deposits itself into the spaces between joints and the soft tissue that surrounds them. These crystals cause the arthritic symptoms - the red, swollen, hot and sore-to-touch joints that characterize gout and the symptoms can come on very suddenly.

Uric acid is naturally produced by the body and is an antioxidant. During the metabolizing process it is dissolved in the blood stream and then excreted via the kidneys and intestines. However, too much can be a bad thing, leading to a situation within the body called hyperuricemia.

Hyperuricemia is when uric acid levels are too high and can lead to gout and kidney stones.

Also, a recent study by doctors at John Hopkins University Hospital found that cognitive functions can be reduced if there is increased Uric Acid in the body. The research was carried out on just under 100 people between the ages of 65 - 92.

They found that elevated levels of uric acid meant that people were more likely to have below average scores on cognitive function tests. So, not only can high uric acid levels lead to a painful gout attack, but can negatively effect your verbal and memory scores. More reason to find a gout free diet that will help to lower uric acid levels.

Although gout is can be a hereditary condition where the body fails to process uric acid efficiently, you can help your body regain its balance by minimizing external factors that raise uric acid levels. One of the main factors that you can control to alleviate gout is to reduce the levels of purine rich foods consumed.

When purine is ingested the waste by-product is uric acid. Purine is found in many of our foods and in all proteins to a greater or lesser degree.

The worst offenders are red meats, offal, processed meats, some shellfish, yeast extracts, gravies and alcohol. All of these encourage uric acid production within the body.

When you are looking to implement a gout free diet you need to ensure that you avoid these trigger foods and substitute them for gout friendly foods such as, cereals, fruits, complex carbohydrates, rice, leafy green vegetables and low fat milk products.

Ensure that you are keeping your body sufficiently hydrated by drinking at minimum 6 - 8 eight ounce glasses of water. Dehydration will increase uric acid levels as without enough water uric acid will become more concentrated in the blood and the kidneys will struggle to expel it. By staying hydrated you will dilute the uric acid and the kidneys will have a easier time of the elimination process.

You can find out more about relieving gout symptoms for good by signing up for our free newsletter.

One last thought, a gout free diet does not need to be boring many herbs and spices, and healthy options are available to make tasty and nutritious meals that won't aggravate your gout.

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

How To Find The Best Diets For Gout

2008-04-24T22:46:00.000-07:00

Approximately 1 in every 363 people in the US have gout. So it is not surprising there are a lot of people looking for the best diets for gout, and the relief they can offer.

If you've had a gout attack you know just how painful it can be - a swollen, red, hot-to-the-touch, painful and stiff joint or joints. Once someone has had gout, they will do almost anything not to go through it again.

Urate crystals forming in the spaces between your joints and in the soft tissues surrounding the joints cause gout. These crystals have sharp, jagged edges that dig into the joint, causing inflammation and pain.

One of the differences between gout and 'normal' arthritis is the swiftness in which symptoms present themselves. Usually a gout sufferer has no idea that an attack is looming and will wake up in the middle of the night with a very sore joint, usually the big toe. This can be pretty worrying when the initial attack occurs, as many people don't associate the symptoms with arthritis, but as perhaps an infection or bite of some sort.

In order for urate crystals to form in the joints a person needs to have hyperuricemia. This condition, although not dangerous in itself, develops when there is an excess of uric acid in the blood stream.

When accumulation of uric acid in the blood reaches saturation point, urate crystals form. They strike the foot and ankle joints commonly, as these joints are cooler than the rest of the body and urate crystals need a cooler environment in which to form.

Uric acid is formed during the breakdown of purines in the body. Purine is found naturally in the body and also eaten in the food we eat in our diets. They are particularly high in animal proteins. For this reason, following a gout friendly diet is advisable if you've had a gout attack or gout runs in your family.

Unfortunately, some people are predisposed to gout, as their bodies do not efficiently eliminate uric acid. These people need to be especially careful with their diets to keep the levels of purine in the diet low.

Uric acid is dissolved in our blood and from there taken to the kidneys to be processed and eliminated in urine. If there is a problem with the processing function, either too much uric acid is produced, or the kidneys can't keep up, a build up occurs leading to hyperuricemia.

By avoiding foods high in purine we can help to reduce the amount of uric acid produced by the body.

Purine is found in a lot of what we eat, however, there are some purine-rich foods that are best avoided by gout sufferers ? Some of these are:

red meats
offal
processed meat
some shellfish
gravy
yeast and yeast extracts
alcohol

You'll find out more by joining our free newsletter.

When adopting a diet for gout you should look to avoid or severely restrict your intake of purine rich foods and eat instead a low fat, low purine diet. This doesn't have to mean dull and boring though, as there are many foods that fall into this category.

You'll notice that alcohol is on the foods to avoid list. This is because it raised uric acid production and alcohol like beer is high in purine. When having an attack all alcohol should be avoided.

Once your symptoms have disappeared you could introduce some alcohol back into your diet, however, it should only be in moderation or you may run the risk of inducing another attack.

Staying sufficiently hydrated is very important for everyone, but more so for gout sufferers as it helps to dilute the uric acid and allows the kidneys to flush excess uric acid through your system faster.

By working out which are the best diets for gout and knowing what to avoid you increase your chances of removing your gout symptoms quickly and efficiently.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover which are the best diets for gout and how they can be an effective as a natural cure for gout.

The Acidic Foods To Avoid With Gout Diets

2008-04-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

Most people when choosing a gout friendly diet will look to cut out or reduce foods high in purine, as metabolizing purine in the body leads to increased levels of uric acid, which is the cause behind gout symptoms. However, high purine foods may not be the only foods to avoid with gout.

Some researchers have established a link between body acidity and gout. The more acidic your body is, the higher the possibility of developing gout. Conversely, having a more alkaline system encourages rapid uric acid elimination.

As the body becomes more acidic, uric acid elimination slows down dramatically. This is due to the pressure the body comes under trying to process both the uric acid and the acidic foods. The kidneys become strained and are less effective in expelling excess uric acid.

Acidity is measured using a pH value ranging between 0 - 14, with 0-6 being acidic, 7 is neutral and 8-14 is alkaline. Where gout is concerned it is less about the pH value of the food, rather what that food does to the pH level of the body during and after digestion.

The higher the pH levels of the body (an alkaline state) the easier it is for uric acid to be dissolved in the blood stream and eliminated via the kidneys. The lower the pH i.e. the more acidic the body pH the harder it is to process uric acid.

Therefore, a constantly low pH value can cause your body to decrease it's processing of uric acid, leading to hyperuricemia.

Hyperuricemia is a medical term for a raised uric acid level in the blood, and can lead to gout. As the levels of uric acid become higher there is nowhere for any more uric acid to go, so it is deposited in crystal form in the spaces and connective tissues between the joints.

Usually gout strikes the big toe joint or one of the other joints in the foot or ankle, although it can rear its ugly head in any joint. The reason that gout occurs most commonly in the foot or ankle is because those joints furthest away from the heart and uric acid crystallizes in lower temperatures.

Uric acid is formed during the processing and breaking down of purines in the body. This is a natural substance that is produced during cellular building and is also found in a lot of the foods we eat. Purine-rich foods include:
Red meats
Shellfish
Legumes
Offal
Mushrooms
Yeast extracts
Processed meats

To tackle raised uric levels in the blood it is wise to restrict your intake of these foods until your gout is under control and uric acid levels have stabilized.

Acidic foods that impact the pH of your body are:
Beef
Lobster
Pheasant
Ice Cream
Processed Cheese
Barley
Processed Flour
Some Nuts
Soybean
Soda
Cocoa
Yeast
Hops
Table Salt
Sugar
Fried Food

Like anything, it is not a good idea to drastically change your diet overnight. The best way for your body to process the changes is to introduce amendments slowly that your body can get used to the different foods and keep its processing running on maximum.

You should be aiming to reduce your body's pH level slowly. You can monitor these changes by purchasing a home urine or saliva testing kit. Try to balance your diet to include 70% of foods alkaline in nature and 30% acidic.

You can find out more about the natural ways to soothe gout symptoms on our web site.

By having a greater understanding of which foods to avoid with gout, you have a better chance of bringing your symptoms under control and preventing further gout flare-ups.

By Lisa McDowell. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover how a knowledge of foods to avoid with gout can be an effective natural cure for gout.

Keep Gout At Bay With A Low Uric Acid Diet

2008-03-31T03:36:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-03-31T03:33:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-03-29T05:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-28T03:01:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-26T05:51:00.002-07:00

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

2008-03-26T05:51:00.001-07:00

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?

2008-03-24T23:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-24T04:38:00.001-07:00

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.

Get your free copy of the cure gout now newletter, packed with Gout Pain Relief Natural Remedies infomation - Take a look now and discover more gout information right here

Prevent And Treat Gout Symptom Complications

2008-03-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-03-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-13T05:16:00.002-07:00

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?

2008-03-13T05:16:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-12T05:15:00.001-07:00

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.

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

Gout Linked To Diabetes

2008-03-11T04:36:00.001-07:00

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?

2008-03-11T04:35:00.001-07:00

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!

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

9 Methods For Effective Gout Treatment

2008-03-10T05:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-08T03:24:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-08T03:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Fighting Gout without Drugs: Natural Remedy for Gout

2008-03-06T04:19:00.001-08:00

Gout is a very well known form of arthritis that is known to cause excruciating pain and discomfort. Gout is known to attack joints such as the ones in the big toe, ankles, feet, elbows, hands, knees, and wrists. Usually gout is treated with pain medicines and drugs that lower uric acid levels in the blood, however these conventional forms of treatment are not usually that effective or may cause unfavorable side effects. That is why more people are looking for a more natural remedy for gout.

Gout's symptoms are characterized by intense bouts of inflammation of certain joints that suddenly shoots excruciating spells of pain over a period of time. Sometimes the symptoms would disappear after the first onset but it may reoccur without preventive measures. Usually, the recurrence of gout may be worse than the initial attack, causing great discomfort and even immobility. When left untreated gout may happen more frequently and thus immediate action is important.

Known Natural Remedies for Gout

A very popular and effective natural remedy for gout is eating cherry or drinking cherry juice. Cherries have been proven to contain compounds known as anthocyanins, that are effective for alleviating inflammation and reducing uric acid levels in the blood. These substances are present in all kinds of cherries, whether fresh, canned or juiced. It is recommended for gout patients to consume about ten cherries a day, or two tablespoons of concentrated cherry juice to help manage gout symptoms and prevent gout from recurring.

A healthy diet is yet another essential component of natural gout remedy. Gout patients are urged to reduce their intake of foods that are rich in purines, the building blocks of gout-causing uric acid crystals. Among the purine rich foods that a gout patient should avoid are organ meats, brain, meat gravies, scallops, mackerel, anchovies, sweetbreads, kidney, meat extracts, wild game, herring, and sardines. It is recommended to eat more low purine foods such as dried beans, asparagus, spinach, poultry, peas, cauliflower, mushrooms, fresh water fish, and white meat.

Another important element of natural gout remedy is increasing fluid intake, especially water, as it helps to get rid of uric acid from the kidneys. The time-tested advice of 8 glasses of water a day still holds true for gout suffers. Some doctors even recommend drinking more. It is also important to reduce the intake of alcohol because it can induce the production of uric acid.

To prevent gout from happening, it is also recommended to maintain normal weight as obesity is linked to high risks of gout. It is however discouraged to undergo fad diets which cause drastic weight loss because the sudden drop of weight may cause cells to weaken and release more uric acid.

For immediate relief for gout pains and inflammation, charcoal poultice is recommended. This natural remedy consists of half a cup of powdered activated charcoal, blended with flaxseed to form a meal and then mixed with warm water to make a paste. The charcoal poultice may then be applied to the affected area and covered with plastic or cloth. This helps alleviate pain caused by gout. One has to be careful when using charcoal poultice, however, as it may cause stains on clothes and bed sheets.

Another soothing natural remedy for gout is a charcoal bath. One would need an old basin that can be stained, to be filled with half a cup of charcoal and enough water to form a paste. The affective joint would then be soaked into the mixture, adding more water if needed. The recommended soaking time is 30 minutes to an hour.

Gout can be a very painful condition, and the medical treatment it requires may be even more painful for one's budget. For added comfort and relief from pain, it is recommended to use natural remedies to treat gout in conjunction with conventional medicine. Not only are natural remedies cheaper, they may be even safer than drugs.

One does not have to endure the pains caused by gout for long periods. With a natural remedy, it can be easy to fight gout and keep a patient well quickly. If you or a family have been suffering gout for some time, try these natural remedies out for size.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://gout.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about finding a natural remedy for gout

Gout Medication Treatments And Their Side Effects

2008-03-06T04:18:00.001-08:00

One of the most effective ways of reducing the symptoms of a gout attack is through medication. Medications are necessary not just to relieve the pain of acute attacks but also to prevent attacks from recurring. Some gout medications can also target high levels of uric acid in the blood, a condition referred to as hyperuricemia.

To successfully treat gout, it is better to consult a doctor than try to alleviate symptoms through self-medication. Tests will be performed to determine the level of uric acid in the body which might include a urine test or taking a sample of fluid from the affected joint. Once the presence of gout is determined, only then will the course of therapy or medications should be discussed.

Some of the most common medications used to treat gout are:

NSAIDs and corticosteroids

Probably the most common medications used to treat gout are NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are taken orally. As their name implies, NSAIDs function to reduce the swelling in the affected joints and reduce pain.

NSAIDs also block the production of a substance called prostaglandin, which is responsible for causing inflammation and the feeling of pain. Initially, NSAIDs are taken in high doses for as long as symptoms last and medication may continue for about three more days after symptoms have subsided.

It is worth noting, however that while NSAIDs are effective in reducing the inflammation in the joints caused by uric acid crystals, they do not decrease the amount of uric acid found in the body. An NSAID will not, by itself, eliminate uric acid.

Corticosteroids may be prescribed if a patient does not respond to an NSAID or if it is not well tolerated. Corticosteroids are also anti-inflammatory medications and can produce immediate relief if injected directly into the joint. The only drawback is that it cannot be used on a regular basis (i.e., for every attack) because it can cause the weakening of cartilage and promote the deterioration of the joints.

In some cases where symptoms cannot be alleviated or controlled by NSAIDs or corticosteroids, a drug called colchicines may be prescribed during the first 12 hours of a gout attack and is usually taken every hour. It does have side effects, though, such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps and vomiting.

Gout medications such as probenecid and allopurinol may be prescribed to regulate the levels of uric acid in the blood and are often prescribed to older patients. These medications prevent the development of tophi which are chalk-colored lumps found under the skin, usually around joints.

Another medication that has a long history with gout is colchicine. It has been around since the 1800s and can significantly reduce swelling and relieve pain as well as stop future attacks. It has enjoyed a certain staying power because of its effectiveness. However, its use can cause certain side effects such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhea even when used during a short period.

Other than probenecids, colchicines and allopurinol, sulfinpyrazone may also be prescribed for the treatment of tophi and the prevention of further attacks.

Watching the side effects

Gout medications do have their side effects and can range from mild nausea or dizziness to abdominal cramps and headaches. If you do suffer from these, there is no need to grin and bear it just to get relief later. You can talk to your doctor about it and ask for alternatives. By no means should you stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor first.

Supplements and quack medications

Gout sufferers are often advised to take dietary supplements such as Vitamins E, B-complex and folic acid to replenish the body's supply. There are also some very attractive and tempting ads making the rounds in the internet and the papers, promising a 'total cure' or a 'miraculous treatment' for gout.

Before giving in to these ads, it is better to consult with your doctor first. Some of these medications and supplements may not contain harmful ingredients, but they may mix with your current medication and affect your body adversely.

Further research

No cure has yet been discovered for gout, but scientists continue to conduct research on the subject, specifically on the effectiveness of other medications with newer compounds that are safe to use. Studies on the structure of the enzymes involved in breaking down purines inside the body are also being done, to promote further understanding of how these enzymes affect or promote the occurrence of gout.

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

Food and Gout: Know What To Avoid

2008-03-05T04:43:00.001-08:00

Food and gout can be a dangerous combination. If you suffer from this condition, eating the wrong thing can lead to a painful attack that can last for hours, days, or even weeks.

Gout is a type of arthritis that can strike without warning. And what you eat and drink can make you more prone to gout attacks. So by avoiding, or cutting down on, certain foods and beverages, you can help cut down on your chances of suffering from this painful condition more than you have to.

Gout sufferers should avoid or limit foods that contain purine.

Gout is caused by swelling of the joints. When purines (substances produced naturally by your body, and also found in certain foods) break down, a waste product called uric acid is formed. When your body produces too much, or isn't able to get rid of enough, uric acid, this by-product can build up, causing crystals to form in your joints. The result is gout, and all the pain and inflammation that go with it.

Most foods contain purine. But eating foods high in purine can elevate the amount of uric acid in your system, and lead to a gout attack. Some foods to look out for are:

* Organ meats, like kidney and liver.

* Seafood, like mussels, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring

* Foods rich in protein, like pork roast, poultry, and roast beef.

* Vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower, lentils, mushrooms, and spinach.

* Whole grain breads and cereals, and oatmeal.

You should eat no more than 5 to 6 ounces of lean meat, fish, or poultry a day. If you're suffering from frequent gout attacks, consider cutting down even more on proteins. Also, limiting yourself to one serving a day of other purine rich foods will also help. If you eat oatmeal for breakfast, you might want to pass on having spinach for dinner.

Gout sufferers should avoid or limit alcohol.

Gout sufferers should really try to avoid alcohol. Alcohol not only contains a lot of purine, it also boosts the amount of uric acid produced by your body.

To avoid gout attacks, limit yourself to one drink per day, especially if you're drinking beer, which contains more purine than wine and spirits. If you're having a gout attack, it's best to avoid alcohol all together.

Gout sufferers should drink lots of water.

Drinking lots of water every day has many health benefits, especially for those with gout. Water can help flush uric acid from your system. Drinking plenty of water will also prevent dehydration, which can trigger a gout attack.

Everyone, especially those with gout, should drink at least five or six tall glasses of water every day.

Keep these tips in mind, and you can prevent painful gout attacks before they have the chance to strike.

For more health tips, visit The Tip Trove.