Got Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the big toe, other peripheral joints, tendons and kidneys. The first sign of an attack of gout is acute needle-like pain caused from uric acid crystals poking into the surrounding tissues which turns the joint bright red. Generalized fever may result. Gout happens from either overproduction or under-processing of uric acid, which allows it to build up in the blood, tissues, and urine. Uric acid is a waste by-product of protein breakdown. In most cases the digestive tract is not producing enough uricase, a digestive enzyme responsible for the breakdown (oxidation) of uric acid.

Ninety percent of gout cases occur in overweight men over the age of 35. Gout, often called "rich man's disease", usually runs in the family. It may also be associated with improper digestion, toxic bowels, kidney stones, atherosclerosis, overeating of rich and fatty foods, drinking too much alcohol, crash diets, stress, certain medications (blood pressure, chemotherapy and antibiotics), yeast infections, surgery or injury to the joints.

Gout  is diagnosed in the medical profession by symptom and/or by inserting a needle into the joint to extract a small amount of joint fluid, which is then examined microscopically for the uric acid crystals.

During an active bout of gout, dissolve and process uric acid crystals by avoiding the following high purine-containing foods*:

*Purine is one of four basic building blocks that combine in various ways and amounts to make up amino acids which are the building blocks of protein.

**Glycine supplements convert to Uric Acid.

Use These Foods in Moderation:

Eat More of These Foods:

In general:

	Most cases of gout can be treated with diet alone.
	Do not add extra salt to food at this time.
	Drink lots of distilled water.
	Eat 75% raw whole foods for one month to balance uric acid formation.
	Eat high potassium foods to put acid crystals back into solution so they can be eliminated.
	Reduce sugars, rich gravies, caffeine, fried foods and saturated fats.
	Start a weight loss program (not a crash diet).
	Apply plantain, ginger, fresh comfrey or a poultice of cayenne and wintergreen oil to the inflamed area to help alleviate pain.

Chronic gout leads to deposition of urates into a chalky mass known as a "tophus." Such tophi can destroy the joint and adjacent bone as seen here in two different Xrays of the same foot over time.  Photo of tophus from University of Utah.

Note: Acupuncture and Honeybee venom therapy (called apitherapy) have been known to give good results. Bee venom stimulates the immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

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Supplements used to treat gouty arthritis:

(1) Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale is the herb which the drug colchicine was originally isolated from)

(2) Germanium (to reduce pain/swelling)

(3) Potassium broth (See broth recipe below)

(4) Quercetin (inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase which makes uric acid, also an anti-inflammatory)

(5) SOD (antioxidant and free radical destroyer),

(6) Vitamin C (increases urinary excretion of uric acid.),

(7)  Zinc (important in protein metabolism and tissue repair.)

Muscle-test the above items or ask your naturopath to help find the right treatment for you.

(essential for alkalizing the body)

• 2 large potatoes, chopped or sliced to approx. 1/2 inch pieces

• 1 cup carrots, shredded or sliced

• 1 cup celery, chopped or shredded, leaves and all

• 1 cup any other available vegetables (beet tops, kale, turnip tops, parsley, onion, zucchini, etc.)

• Add some fresh herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, etc.

• And a touch of cayenne or a couple beef bullion cubes for flavor.

• 1 1/2 quarts water

Cover and cook slowly for about 1/2 hour. Strain, cool until just warm and serve. If not used immediately, keep in refrigerator and warm up before serving. Compost the vegetables or give them to your pets. Great for alkalizing your body and is super mineral rich.

Drink 8 oz. broth as a hot drink two times daily. Makes about 3 servings.

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Index of Articles in this Section:

Allergy Allersodes

Anemia/Tan Chin

Aneurysms

Arthritis

Arthritis Tips

Bad Breath Causes

Bowel Movements-What’s Normal?

Brain Fog

Breast Cancer Strategies

Breast/Lip Implants and FIR Saunas

Cancer

Chlorine in the Water

Cold and Flu Strategies

Depression

Depression/Natural Lithium

Dermoid Cysts

Detoxification

Digestion Tips

Epilepsy

Eye Floaters

Gallbladder Help

Gingivitis/Periodontitis/Pyorrhea

Gout

Hay Fever

Headaches

Headaches-Strange Cause of

Hemorrhoids

Hepatitis C Strategies

Herpes

High Blood Pressure

Infertility

Infertility Tips

Insomnia

Lip Sores

Menstrual Cramps

Midlife Fat

Miscellaneous Health Tips

Near Death Experiences

Parasites, Intestinal 

Parasites:

·        Balantidium

·        Blastocystis

·        Chiggers

·        Coccidia

·        Cryptosporidium

·        Cyclospora

·        Entamoeba

·        Flukes

·        Giardia

·        Heartworm

·        Isospora

·        Mange—Demodectic

·        Mange—Sarcoptic

·        Microsporidia

·        Protozoal Parasites

·        Ringworm

·        Roundworms

o        Ancylostoma

o        Anisakis

o        Ascarids

o        Baylisascaris

o        Brugia

o        Bunostomum

o        Capillaria

o        Dictophyma            

o        Dipetalonema

o        Dirofilaria

o        Draconculus

o        Filariasis

o        Gnathostoma

o        Haemonchus

o        Loa loa

o        Onchocerca

o        Schistosoma

o        Strongyloides

o        Strongyloides

o        Thelazia

o        Toxocara

o        Toxoplasma

o        Trichinella

o        Trichostrongylus

o        Trichuris

o        Uncinaria

·        Salmon Poisoning

·        Tapeworms

o        Diphyllobothrium latum

o        Dipylidium caninum

o        Echinococcus

o        Hymenolepis          

o        Sparganosis

o        Taenia pisiformis

o        Taenia saginata

o        Taenia solium 

Parasite Wormers

Phobias

Prostate Health

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Sick Liver Signs

Sinus/Tooth Infections

Skin Disease Tips and Tricks

Spider Bites

Stress Strategies

Sudden Infant Death (SIDS)/Nitrates

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid-Bad Foods

Vaccinations and Nosodes

Vanishing Twin Syndrome

Yeast Tactics