Understanding Gout and How to Kick it Out
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis which is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid forms crystals in the joint which can lead to severe pain, swelling, redness and is especially fond of the big toe.
While there are many different medical treatments on the market, taking a more holistic approach and seeking more natural ways to treat gout will be beneficial in the long run (pardon the pun).
Lets look at a few ways to approach the treatment of gout.
Diet and Nutrition:
You may not think so, but diet plays a crucial role in managing and even preventing gout attacks. You can include or avoid in your diet:
- Purine-rich Foods like red meat, organ meats and shellfish are high in purines. Purines break down into uric acid. Reducing the consumption of these foods will automatically reduce the production of uric acid in the blood.
- Limit alcohol intake and cut out sugary drinks (even fruit juices are loaded with sugar and high fructose corn syrup).
- Add anti-inflammatory foods such as:
Avocados
Green leafy vegetables
Nuts and seeds
Unsweetened yogurt
Fruits such as berries and citrus
Healthy oils (olive oil, coconut oil) which contain omega-3 fatty acids
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation)
Healthy teas, like Green tea, which are also rich in antioxidants
Curcumin (found in Turmeric)
Dark chocolate (thank goodness)
Increase hydration (water, please) to help flush out excess uric acid from the body.
Natural Remedies:
These can also play an important role, especially when looking for an alternative to traditional medication. Two of our pain-relieving products can be used individually or together to ease the discomfort caused by gout. We recommend Arthravo Sport (Joint and Muscle pain) and Arthravo Plus (Inflammation relief) both of which can be applied several times daily to the painful area.
The Mind-Body Connection:
Chronic conditions like gout can be aggravated by high levels of stress and an unhealthy emotional situation. There are a few practices that can promote relaxation and reduce inflammation:
Meditation reduces stress and may help lower inflammation in the body.
Exercise like yoga or swimming are less stressful on painful joints and can help keep them healthy.
Getting adequate quality sleep will reduce inflammation. Try taking a warm bath with Epson salts just before bedtime.
Detox your Body:
Your body will thank you for this one and you don’t need to do it too often. Helping your body get rid of uric acid buildup will be very beneficial. Drinking detoxifying teas to help flush the body and doing a water fast for two to three days can help the body cleanse itself of toxins leading to inflammation.
Identify the Triggers:
Teach yourself to identify potential gout triggers, whether it’s diet or lifestyle related. Keep a food and symptom diary if this will help keep you aware of potential triggers.
Take Preventative Measures:
To prevent future gout attacks, make a few lifestyle changes.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise regularly to regulate metabolism and reduce uric acid levels.
Maintain balanced blood sugar levels, as gout is often linked to metabolic syndrome.
A balanced diet (anti-inflammatory foods) will help manage blood sugar levels effectively.
Conclusion:
While a holistic approach may not always have immediate results, it will offer you a better, side-effect-free way of managing gout in the long run.
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