Natural Remedies for Gout

Gout is often called the “disease of kings”, but those who suffer from it are not royal.

Gout attacks are a debilitating condition that occurs when excess uric acid in blood crystallizes in the feet and ankles. Gout attacks, which are considered to be one of the most severe conditions, can cause severe pain for several days, weeks or even months. Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in America, and affects more than 3 million people.

Gout has been associated with extravagant lifestyles and diets by the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. Purines are the organic compounds that cause uric acid to be broken down by many rich foods, including animal fats, red meats, organ meats, fish, yeasts and alcoholic drinks. High purine foods can contribute to the onset and progression of gout attacks. However, the true problem lies in the body’s excessive production and/or inefficient treatment of uric acid. This leads to a buildup of uric acids in the joints and tissues.

Spotting gout

Gout is no longer a condition reserved for the elite. Anyone can have the excesses that come with it. Because their diets were primarily vegetarian and low in alcohol, Asian populations were spared for many centuries. Many Asian cultures have been adopting more Western lifestyles and diets over the past decade, which is causing a rise in Western health conditions, including gout.

Gout can be caused by many factors including excessive consumption of purine-rich food, alcohol, disease, injury, side effects of certain pharmaceutical drugs, and excess intake of purine rich foods. Gout may also be caused by a family history.

Who gets gouty?

Gout is more common in older people (mostly men), but postmenopausal females are also at higher risk, as declining estrogen levels can cause uric acid levels increase. Gout can be caused by uric acid buildup in the kidneys. This may explain why men are nine times more likely than women to develop it.

Gout can also have a genetic component. Some people don’t metabolize or produce enough uric acid. People who have suffered joint injuries may be more vulnerable because uric acid crystallizes at injury sites. The ability to produce more uric acid may be due to poor kidney function.

Many gout sufferers also have metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. This condition is a result of a significant lifestyle/diet change. Gout has been linked to insulin resistance in early research.

Signs

Gout flare ups most often occur in the feet and ankle joints. Gout symptoms can include:

Extreme joint tenderness can suddenly occur, especially at night.
Sudden swelling
Redness in joints
Extreme pain and swelling where the toes meet the foot.
Mild fever and flu-like symptoms

Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to treat pain. Sometimes, steroids can be used to reduce inflammation and pain. You can also take drugs to lower the levels of uric acid, but most people who choose this route will need to continue taking medication throughout their lives.

A Healthy Lifestyle is possible

Although it can be difficult to follow, gout management requires a careful control of lifestyle and dietary habits. A low-purine diet can help reduce the amount of blood uric acid. To flush out uric acid and maintain a healthy weight, it is important to drink lots of filtered water.

It is important to remember that food does not cause gout. Instead, excess uric acid can lead to kidney problems, genetic factors, and other health issues. Specific foods can influence the amount of uric acid in your blood, which can cause or contribute to gout attacks.

Numerous studies have shown a link between gout, foods and gout. One of the results: Gout patients who eat cherries have a 35% lower chance of having an attack. Low-fat dairy products could help lower uric acid levels. Gout patients find red wine easier than other alcoholic drinks, possibly due to its high antioxidant level. Caffeinated teas may not be as effective as coffee. Fructose worsens gout symptoms.

Supplement wisely

Gout can be reduced by taking targeted supplements that address related issues. We should pay particular attention to three crucial functions: metabolism and circulation.

Gout is part of the metabolic syndrome family tree. Therefore, it should be a top priority to support a healthy and efficient metabolism. My practice uses a comprehensive metabolic formula, which combines lipoic and alginates with traditional herbs and medicinal mushrooms. It also includes cinnamon, American Ginseng root, and other natural components. This formula promotes healthy glucose and fat metabolism, lowers insulin resistance, regulates sugar cravings and promotes healthy cholesterol.

Gout can also be caused by poor circulation, which allows uric acid buildup in the joints and tissues. Supplements that contain the powerful natural enzyme nattokinase, as well as medicinal mushrooms, botanicals, and hawthorn, can boost circulation and reduce inflammation. They also help to control gout. This formula can help support cardiovascular health.

Vitamin C could also lower blood uric acid levels. It is known to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.

Gout is a condition that can cause severe pain, but it is manageable. Gout management can be done using natural methods. This will also help us improve our overall health. The underlying causes of uric acid elevation in the body can also be linked to chronic inflammation, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. These issues can be addressed with healthy diets and exercise as well as supplementation to help manage gout and prevent chronic diseases. We can also increase our overall wellbeing and vitality by addressing them naturally.

Natural Remedies for Gout appeared originally on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?

The evidence base supporting complementary and alternate medicine is still developing, but there are many factors that people choose to use these therapies. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. They might also consider alternative and complementary medicines to improve their health. Always check with your doctor to ensure that any complementary and/or alternative medicines you take are supported scientifically. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if a treatment is effective. It may save you money and time over the long term.

What are the advantages of alternative and complementary medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Because they are not compatible with conventional medicine’s treatment and diagnosis, CAM practitioners may use alternative treatments. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. One example is acupuncture that uses needles. Others use heat or acupressure.

Some CAM therapies are effective in pain relief, stress management and relaxation. They may also improve your general sense of well-being and reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies treat specific conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Other CAM therapies might be more enjoyable.

Although there is no clear definition of CAM, many definitions include at most one of the following:

A holistic approach that includes both the body, mind, spirit, environment, and everything in between
The belief, that mind and body influence and interact
An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
Focus on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
The best treatment methods integrate mind, spirit, and body
Use of natural products instead of synthetic chemicals
Touch of healing
Mindfulness
Meditation
Acupuncture
Yoga
Herbal remedies
Homeopathy
Chiropractic care
Massage therapy
Hypnotherapy
Spiritual healing
Biofeedback
Nutritional counseling
Energy healing

Certain CAM therapies have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Incorrectly used, certain CAM therapies could cause serious harm and even death. Some may have side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.

What is the difference between holistic medicine and alternative medicine?

Holistic medicine considers the whole person-mind, body spirit, soul and spirit. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.

What makes holistic medicine superior?

Holistic health care treats the whole person instead of just specific symptoms. This involves looking at the person’s feelings, food, lifestyle, stress levels, etc.

Holistic medicine treats patients as an integrated whole. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.

Statistics

In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What are the main 4 categories of complementary and/or alternative medicine?

The main categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are mind-body, natural products as well as manipulative therapies. Mind-body medicine encompasses yoga, Tai Chi, Reiki and massage therapy. It also includes homeopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy (reflexology), naturopathy biofeedback, Hypnosis, hypnosis, and chiropractic care. Natural products include herbs, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies include physical manipulation such as osteopathic and chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and bodywork. Energy healing involves techniques such as prayer and visualization.

CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. There are many differences in the scientific support for these practices, including whether they involve drugs and surgery, as well as which conditions they treat. Some CAM doctors also provide diagnostic testing (e.g. Blood tests) and can prescribe medication. Others do neither.

In addition to these four primary categories, there are many subcategories within each category. In mind-body medicine there are relaxation techniques. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manual, movement, manipulation, electrotherapies and soft tissue mobilization are some of the manipulative therapies. Spiritual healing can be done through prayer or faith healing.

Many CAM therapies treat symptoms, but not the cause. Some chronic conditions may benefit from CAM. If used appropriately, CAM can complement conventional treatment options.

There are many reasons why people use CAM:

To improve their overall well being.
To manage a condition.
To relieve pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Some people turn to CAM because it offers more control over their health than conventional medicine. They might believe there are fewer side-effects. Others prefer CAM to stay away from prescription medications. Some prefer not taking prescription medications if at all possible. Some people seek out CAM to avoid having to repeat the same mistakes they had with traditional medicine.

Some people who use CAM claim they want to be confident about what they’re doing before trying out new techniques. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely on the word of mouth among family and friends.

Although CAM can be viewed negatively by society in general, most users feel positive about it. People who use CAM tend to be healthier and happier than those who don’t. This holds true regardless of gender, age, race, religion, income level, occupation, insurance status or any other factors.

A large majority of Americans practice some form or another of complementary and alternative medicines. 95% of adults use CAM at least once in their lives. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), approximately 40 million visits were made to CAM providers in 2010 alone.

According to the NCCIH, 10 percent of Americans use chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists.3 This compares with only 2 percent who use medical doctors.

The American Medical Association has reaffirmed its support to integrative medicine in 2013, It acknowledged that integrative medicine should be integrated into the clinical practice of physicians to best meet the needs and expectations of patients.

In 2007, the Institute of Medicine published a landmark report called “Relaxing Constraints: Improving Access to Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” The report concluded that “there is no credible evidence that any specific CAM intervention is effective for preventing, treating, or curing cancer.”

CAM continues its popularity despite the fact that it has been proven to be very popular. 2008 saw a 8 percent increase in the number of CAM professionals compared to 2007.

A recent survey found that almost half the respondents said they used CAM as part their primary healthcare plan.

CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily for pain relief; however, many also offer other benefits, such as relaxation, improved mood, better sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced immunity.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first practiced in China over 5,000 year ago.

TCM, although it gained prominence in the late 1800s, is still an integral part of health care.

Today, it’s estimated that more than 70 percent of people in the United States rely on TCM for treatment.

Yoga is another popular CAM remedy. Yoga was founded in India approximately 5000 B.C. It is now widespread.

Yoga is becoming more popular because it has many positive effects on the body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga can relieve stress, improve flexibility, and increase strength.

Although there isn’t much scientific research on yoga, it appears that it has positive effects on sleep33. Yoga may be beneficial for people with insomnia.

Other CAM therapies such as aromatherapy, meditation, and homeopathy are also being accepted by mainstream medicine.

One of the most common types of CAM used today is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines include herbs, spices and flowers, seeds, fruits and mushrooms, bark, leaves roots, stems, and bark.

They are commonly used as safer alternatives to prescription drugs and are often preferred by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society 45% of adults with cancer used alternative medicine during their illness.

The National Institutes of Health estimates 60% of cancer patients use CAM. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

According to a recent study, 51% cancer survivors have used at the very least one type of CAM.

However, only 8.8% of them discussed it with their physicians.

This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.

–

——————————————————————————————————————————————

This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.

If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.