Excessive amounts of uric acid crystals in the joints and uric acid in the blood causes the metabolic disease known as gout. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, uric acid crystals can cause painful inflammatory arthritis. The Institute also estimates nearly 6 million adults have claimed to have had some sort of gout in their lifetime. Gout is rarely found in teens and children, but is not unheard of.
What Causes Gout?
Gout can be caused from kidney trouble, high blood pressure, under active thyroid, diuretics, and psoriasis along with several other conditions and medications. Another cause of gout could be a diet rich in purines.
What are Purines?
Purines are naturally found in most foods. They can also be found inside our body's cells and in parts of our gene structure. While most foods contain purines, only a small few contain large amounts that are considered harmful for gout flare-ups.
Foods to Avoid and Foods to Eat
Purines are found in many foods making foods high in purine on the 'do no eat' list. Most foods high in purines are also high in protein. Here are some foods to avoid that are high in purine:
- game meats
- gravy
- organ meats (kidneys, liver, and brains)
- sardines
- anchovies
- asparagus
- cauliflower
- mushrooms
- pork
- oysters
- peas
- ham
- fish
- seafood
Foods that may help get rid of gout:
- skim or low-fat milk
- whole grains
- fruits
- most vegetables
- aim for at least 64 ounces of water a day
- low fat yogurt
- coffee
- tea
Natural Remedies for Gout
While discussing gout with a Doctor of Natural Medicine is best, here are a few herbal remedies to consider before heading to the herb store.
- dandelion - a single herb that is common in gardens and is considered, by most, a pesky weed. The dandelion has been a remedy for the liver and kidneys for hundreds of years. The only known warning is that it should not be taken by those who are dehydrated. It is also known to help acne, age spots, arthritis, poor digestion, rashes, hives, low blood pressure, eczema, sluggish gallbladder, and adult jaundice.
- red clover - a single herb used to help congestion, cold sores, boils, arthritis, liver, whooping cough, psoriasis, stiffness, eczema, Hodgkin's Disease, and gout. Red clover has no known warnings.
- sarsaparilla - a single herb known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and diuretic properties. It is also used as a relaxant and antacid. Natural doctors give sarsaparilla to strengthen the liver and purify the blood. Other ailments and conditions it is good for: pleurisy, low testosterone, thin hair, rheumatoid arthritis, leaky gut syndrome, heavy menstruation, angina, and bursitis.
- chickweed - a single soothing food herb with no known warnings. It helps break down fatty tumors and fats in the body. Other ailments and conditions it helps: anemia, pancreatic weakness, weight loss, high cholesterol, cancer, asthma, abscesses, bronchial congestion, cysts, and Type II Diabetes.
Tip: Many natural doctors believe it is best to alkalize the diet when gout is present. To alkalize the diet, add fresh fruits and dark green vegetables to daily diets.
Sources:
"Q & A About Gout", National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, NIAMS. NIH.gov. Accessed January 2012.
"What are purines and in which foods are they found?", World's Healthiest Foods, WH Foods.org. Accessed January 2012.
"Gout Diet", Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Mayo Clinic.com. Accessed January 2012.
Annette Phillips - Annette Phillips is the Topic Editor for Natural Disasters. Phillips is also the author of Willow's Ride and a licensed Cosmetologist.
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