It is 2:00 a.m. You sleep soundly after savoring a scrumptious surf and turf dinner at the best restaurant in town. Suddenly an intense stinging pain caused by the soft cotton sheet resting against your big toe awakens you with a jolt! This could be an acute attack of Gout, the aftermath of a high-protein diet.
No matter what
Gout remedy you opt for, whether in the form of Gout’s natural treatments or prescribed drugs, you vow to fight the pain of flare-ups, prevent future attacks and avoid complications such as kidney stones or immobility from chronic degeneration of joints over the span of time.
However, before administering any kind of Gout remedy, first you need to know about the disorder that is ailing you.
Gout is a form of hereditary metabolic Arthritis uniquely characterized by searing pain affecting a single joint (usually a great toe, but may be a hand, elbow, or knee) accompanied by redness and warmth of the skin, swelling and inflammation.
As you describe the symptoms to your doctor, he suspects (and tests for) elevated Uric Acid levels in your bloodstream. Once confirmed, your doctor will determine a suitable Gout remedy.
As
Gout remedy and treatment, he will probably advice medications, dietary and natural remedies for Gout that’s got your goat.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) approximately 3.3 million Americans (more men between 30–60 years than women) suffer from Gout and its ill effects. Finding the right combination of treatment and natural remedy for Gout that is safe, effective and reliable can be a challenge. nn
Gout Remedy, Its Treatment & Prescription Options
Before exploring treatments and natural remedies for Gout, let’s visit physiological basics of Gout.
You can opt for either prescribed or natural treatment for Gout or a combination of both. Remember the elevated Uric Acid level in your blood test? Uric Acid is a crystalline substance normally present in urine. It is a by-product of a substance called Purine generated by the normal break down of proteins in our cells. In Gout, Uric Acid is not metabolized properly. It forms crystals that spill into the blood stream and collect within the joint area causing severe pain and inflammation.
Purine is also found in protein-rich foods such as seafood, poultry, organ meats, yeast products, as well as vegetables such as asparagus and mushrooms. Avoid these foods (and alcohol) to help prevent future flares.
Immediate pain control is priority in treating acute stages of Gout. Over the counter and prescription Analgesics such as Acetaminophen and Indomethacin, respectively, are effective in fighting pain and inflammation.
Unlike
natural remedies for Gout, prescription drugs that treat Gout focus on different mechanisms to decrease Uric Acid levels in the blood. Medications called Uricosurics, such as Probenecid, force the secretion of Uric Acid back into the urine removing it from the blood stream, while others inhibit the initial production of Uric Acid (Allopurinol, Cholchicine) in the first place.
These are usually administered together in combination with Steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) treatments for Gout.
A word of caution: Your physician must closely monitor ongoing Gout natural treatment. Many prescription drugs have side effects—and some are potentially fatal if combined.
During the acute phase of Gout, be kind to yourself. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 96 ounces of water daily. Keep the TV remote control handy with your feet elevated; avoid weight bearing. Lose the liquor, for it only antagonizes symptoms. Follow appropriate dietary guidelines, and if you do…you can fight the complications that obesity brings to the table. nn
The Route to Natural Remedy for Gout
Dietary supplements, vitamins and herbs are
natural remedies for Gout. Included are Vitamins E and B complex, Folic Acid and evening primrose oil.
A powerful anti-inflammatory derivative of pineapple called Bromelain has been effective in Gout’s acute treatment phase. Vitamin C may be helpful as well, but exercise caution as there are conflicting theories as to the level of therapeutic treatment of Gout.
When in doubt about combining Gout’s natural remedy as well as traditional, seek the advice of a medical professional. Below are other natural remedies for Gout to treatment that may prove beneficial for lowering Uric Acid levels and easing discomfort or maintaining urinary/fluid health:
1. Beverages such as stinging nettle and horsetail tea can help eliminate Uric Acid from the joints n2. Horseradish and parsley juices stimulate elimination of wastesn3. Birch leaf, celery and mustard seeds may also flush out uric acidn4. Herbs such as soothing Devil’s Claw, and cleansing Poke Root
For a natural dietary approach to the treatment of Gout look no further than your own kitchen! Also as
Gout’s natural remedy there are foods that Gouty arthritis may respond to deliciously.
Though there is little evidence to conclusively prove it, a small study presented promising information that Uric Acid levels decreased after eating a heaping helping of Bing cherries and other red or blue berries. This is a popular home remedy for lowering Uric Acid as a natural treatment of Gout.
Dietary regimens that help manage symptoms of Gout include a diet high in complex carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes and pasta, and low in fats and protein. Toss in some fresh fruits and veggies including cabbage, peppers and pineapple along with low-fat dairy and…voila!
A customized plan awaits your dining pleasure. And possibly, a good night’s sleep!n