Treat Gout naturally

Gout is a form of arthritis resulting from too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid produces crystals that settle in joint tissues, especially in the joint of the big toe, and cause inflammation which leads to swelling and pain. About 90 percent of gout victims are men, and most are over the age of 45. Other risk factors include medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, and medications, such as diuretics.

Gout attacks with little or no warning. Levels of uric acid slowly build in the body, causing no apparent symptoms.
Eventually, crystals of uric acid begin to form in joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. Sufferers say gout pain is like walking with pieces of glass in their foot and feels as if their foot is going to explode. If gout isn't treated, it can spread to other joints and damage the liver, heart, and other organs.

Gout has long been associated with affluent lifestyles and diets that include abundant amounts of red meat, shellfish, dairy products, and alcohol. For decades, gout victims have been told to limit protein and to avoid foods rich in purines, such as beans. (Uric acid is caused by the breakdown of purines in the body.) But new research shows that neither protein nor beans increase gout risk.

Foods that can be included in the diet
• Vegetables. Green leafy vegetables, carrots, and onions are rich in antioxidants and other substances that fight gout. Parsley, thyme, and peppermint are especially high in a flavonoid called apigenin which helps control uric acid. Don't avoid beans. Recent research found that men who ate the highest amounts of vegetable protein had a lower risk of gout than those who ate the lowest amounts. Beans  have many positive effects on the body and should be included in everyone's diet. A recent study has shown that spinach, which has also been banned from many anti-gout diets, does not increase risk.

• Fruits. Red-blue berries and pineapple are all good choices. The king of gout-fighting fruits are cherries; some experts recommend eating six to eight cherries each day to prevent gout and 20 to 30 during an acute attack.

• Liquids. Dehydration can trigger gout attacks, so drink plenty of fluids, especially water, every day — six to eight glasses. Include a variety of teas.

• Coffee. According to a study at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, drinking at least four cups of coffee each day lowers the risk of gout by 40 percent. Six cups lower risk by 60 percent.

• Low-fat dairy. A study of male health professionals found that men who consume the highest amounts of low-fat dairy reduce their risk by 50 percent.

Avoid these foods:

• Fructose. Sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, is linked to an elevated risk of gout. One recent study found that drinking just one serving of sugary soda a day raised gout risk in women by 74 percent compared to women who drank less than one serving each month.

• Red meats. Pork, beef, lamb, and organ meats increase gout risk.

• Shellfish, including lobster, shrimp, oysters, and crab. But don't stop eating fish. Fatty acids found in cold-water fish fight inflammation.

• Alcohol. Alcohol can trigger an attack within 24 hours. A study at the Harvard School of Public Health found that the risk of gout varies with the type of alcoholic beverage, but beer confers the highest risk. However, moderate amounts of wine do not increase uric acid levels.

Supplements to try for gout


• Vitamin C. A study  found that men whose intake of vitamin C was at least 1,500 mg a day reduced their uric acid levels and their risk of a gout attack by 50 percent when compared to those whose daily intake was less than 250 mg. High levels of vitamin C may even prevent gout from ever developing.

• Cherry extract. Avoid the calories and sugar of juice and take 500 mg of black cherry extract instead. Studies have shown that cherries lower levels of uric acid in the blood due to a compounds called anthocyanins which reduce inflammation. Experts say all types of cherries give the same benefits.

• Quercetin. Take 1 gram of this flavonoid daily to reduce the formation of uric acid.

• Bromelain. An enzyme found in pineapple, bromelain is an effective anti-inflammatory. Take a 350 or 500 mg capsule twice daily.

• Turmeric. An essential ingredient in curry, a 300 mg capsule of this natural inflammatory herb three times daily reduces the swelling and pain of gout.

• Apple cider vinegar. Malic acid in vinegar is believed by some experts to dissolve uric acid and help eliminate it from the body. An ounce daily of organic apple cider vinegar containing the "mother" is preferred.

• Fish oil. Two grams of fish oil twice a day reduce the inflammation associated with gout.

• Devil's claw. Several studies concluded that devil's claw eases pain and inflammation in much the same way as NSAIDS. Experts suggest 750 mg of standard extract three times a day.