Find out gout’s favorite vitamin

Fight gout with this popular vitamin

The connection between gout and Vitamin C has been the subject of a few studies over the past 30 years. You may have read in the news about a recent New Zealand study about Vitamin C and gout. The study claims that taking vitamin C supplements daily doesn’t lower uric acid levels as much as drugs do. This is a study that only evaluated 40 people for about 8 weeks! Is this study supposed to debunk the other 20 year study of nearly 47,000 men (done between 1986 and 2006) taking vitamin C supplements which showed to decrease uric acid levels and ease inflammation of gout sufferers? Hmm…I wonder if Big Pharma had anything to do with this study getting so much publicity? Gotta push that Colchicine and Allopurinol, we got the quarterly report coming up and we must boost sales and profit!

In the same study from the Boston University School of Medicine, 1317 men, developed gout during this 20 year period. The study found that those who took 1,000mg to 1,499mg per day had a 34% lower risk of gout and those who took 1,500mg per day had a 45% lower risk. Note that this was irrespective of other gout risk factors such as diet and alcohol use.

The lowdown on the latest vitamin C study and gout.

Going back to our original study that came out a couple months ago, the researchers split 2 groups of 20 people with gout, the first group was already taking allopurinol and the second group were not. The first group was told to either increase their dose of the medicine or also take 500 milligrams of vitamin C supplements every day. The second group who were not already taking medication were either started on allopurinol or told to take a 500mg vitamin C supplement every day. At the beginning of the 8 week study, the of uric acid levels in the patients’ blood was 9 mg per decilitre on average. The researchers said a healthy uric acid level falls below 6.5 mg per decilitre. In both cases, patients who started taking vitamin C, with or without allopurinol, did not see a significant decrease in uric acid levels. There was, however, a significant decrease in the uric acid levels of the patients who started on allopurinol, about 3 mg per decilitre and in those who were on the drug but increased their doses, about 1.6 milligrams per decilitre decrease, the study claimed. At the end the researchers concluded that vitamin C had no effect but this was quickly dismissed by Dr. Tim Bongartz, a rheumatologist from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who basically said that it’s difficult to make any firm conclusions from the new study, because it would take about 200 participants in each group to see a difference. He also added that even if the study could reproduce the results of past studies of people without gout, it probably wouldn’t bring people’s uric acid levels below the threshold of 6.5 milligrams per decilitre and it doesn’t mean medication is the only answer. Dr. Bongartz went on to say that there are other measures that can help gout sufferers drop their uric acid levels and the most important one being for obese individuals to lose weight. At the end fellow gout sufferer, it is you that must discern, properly breaking down the evidence and make your own decision on what to believe is fact or fiction from the information provided here. Don’t take my word for any of the information and recommendations provided by myself on this website, do your own homework and make your own conclusions from the information you process.

What are the benefits of vitamin C?

Now let’s take a closer look at vitamin C, it has many health benefits which include boosting your immune system, helps us detoxify, protects against cardiovascular disease, helps with good bacteria in the gut, eye disease, removes heavy metals from our bodies and many other benefits. Try to include it in your diet from fresh raw foods like oranges, cantaloupe, broccoli, red peppers, chili peppers, rose hips, parsley, kiwi fruit but make sure all of that stuff is organic! I personally take a supplement of vitamin C daily of 500mg and have been for years now, I buy the big bottle from Costco’s brand Kirkland, lasts me for 500 days! Remember vitamin C is an essential nutrient for humans and certain other animal species. Remember, that vitamins and drugs operate in 2 different ways in order to reduce uric acid levels. Drugs like allopurinol restricts its’ supply by inhibiting purine breakdown into uric acid and vitamins like vitamin C improve uric acid’s excretion in the urine. Improving excretion may be more important for you than lowering production.

I’m not saying Vitamin C is a cure-all for gout but when combined with other vitamins for gout, a low purine diet and the other natural remedies for gout described elsewhere on this website, it could be very useful, my fellow gout sufferer. If you do take vitamin C, make sure to drink plenty of water and check your urine pH regularly to avoid excess acidity or you can take an Ester-C version of Vitamin C, because it is non-acidic.

Which foods to avoid if you have gout

When I was diagnosed with gout, I remember researching on the net about it and coming across this keyword that kept popping up article after article, this word was “purines”. When reading or hearing this word, my brain has this strange association with Purina Cat Chow even to this day! So what is this “purines”, what does it consist of and why must gout sufferers cut down on it, if they want to lower their uric acid levels.

A great article explains this natural substance very well:

“Purines are natural substances found in all of the body’s cells, and in virtually all foods. The reason for their widespread occurrence is simple: purines provide part of the chemical structure of our genes and the genes of plants and animals. A relatively small number of foods, however, contain concentrated amounts of purines. For the most part, these high-purine foods are also high-protein foods, and they include organ meats like kidney, fish like mackerel, herring, sardines and mussels, and also yeast.”

It then goes on to explain how purines are metabolized into uric acid:

“When cells die and get recycled, the purines in their genetic material also get broken down. Uric acid is the chemical formed when purines have been broken down completely. It’s normal and healthy for uric acid to be formed in the body from breakdown of purines. In our blood, for example, uric acid serves as an antioxidant and helps prevent damage to our blood vessel linings, so a continual supply of uric acid is important for protecting our blood vessels.

Uric acid levels in the blood and other parts of the body can become too high, however, under a variety of circumstances. Since our kidneys are responsible for helping keep blood levels of uric acid balanced, kidney problems can lead to excessive accumulation of uric acid in various parts of the body. Excessive breakdown of cells can also cause uric acid build-up. When uric acid accumulates, uric acid crystals (called monosodium urate crystals) can become deposited in our tendons, joints, kidneys, and other organs.”

A low purine diet is beneficial for us gout sufferers:

“Because uric acid is formed from the breakdown of purines, low-purine diets are often used to help treat conditions like gout in which excessive uric acid is deposited in the tissues of the body. The average daily diet for an adult in the U.S. contains approximately 600-1,000 milligrams of purines.

Recent research by Choi and others has shown that the impact of plant purines on gout risk is very different from the impact of animal purines, and that within the animal food family, purines from meat and fish act very differently than purines from dairy. Choi’s work has demonstrated that purines from meat and fish clearly increase our risk of gout, while purines from vegetables fail to change our risk. Dairy foods (which can contain purines) actually appear to lower our risk of gout. In summary, this epidemiological research (on tens of thousands of men and women) makes it clear that all purine-containing foods are not the same, and that plant purines are far safer than meat and fish purines in terms of gout risk.”

These are the foods to avoid that contain the highest purine levels (up to 1000mg per 3.5 ounce serving):

• Mincemeat (cut down on those burgers!)
• Anchovies
• Brains, Kidneys, Liver, Animal hearts (my advice is not too even touch organ meats)
• Gravies
• Sardines
• Sweetbreads
• Yeasty foods
• Mackerel
• Mussels
• Herring
• Beer and other alcoholic beverages

These foods are to be limited since they contain moderately high purine levels (5-100mg per 3.5 ounce serving):

• Asparagus
• Beef
• Chicken
• Chicken soup
• Lobster
• Lima Beans, Navy beans, Kidney beans, lentils & peas
• Mushrooms
• Pork
• Oatmeal
• Tuna
• Turkey
• Shellfish
• Bacon
• Rabbit
• Veal
• Oysters
• Cauliflower
• Duck
• Goose
• Ham
• Lamb
• Snapper, Trout & Halibut fish
• Perch
• Spinach

So what do you notice from these foods that are high in purines? What they all have in common is that most of the foods are very high in protein, mainly meat and fish. So limit your meat intake mostly cause fish is healthier for you since it is considered the best source of protein and has very little fat, consisting of 3-5% of its calories as fat, whereas meat has 70-75% of its calories as fat. When we eat too much protein, its metabolism produces ammonia, urea and other waste products, that take seven to eight times more water to flush out through the kidneys than carbohydrates. The more meat you eat, the more stress you cause to your kidneys in trying to filter out the waste. As a gout sufferer, I strongly recommend a high carbohydrate diet rich in fruits and vegetables composing 80% carbs, 10% protein  and 10% fat.

As a side-note, when it comes to the moderately high-purine vegetables like asparagus, beans or spinach, there is no reason for you to avoid them in raw form, provided you keep your portion sizes down. That’s the key with the meats and fish on the list, is to keep the portions small, we all heard the general rule for meat portion sizes should be  the size of the palm of your hand.  I personally use to buy rib steaks cause it obviously had more flavor from the marbled fat that juiced it while cooking it but now I mostly choose leaner red meats with less marbling, while they are harder to chew and taste more rubbery, they have less fat and are metabolized easier by your kidneys, lowering your risk of increasing your uric acid levels. But more than that, a high protein meat based diet has proven that it will kill you earlier. We will be examining that in a future post.

Finally here are low purine foods:

• Peanuts, walnuts, almonds
• Peanut & almond butter
• Milk, cheese & ice cream
• Whole wheat bread
• Pasta
• Rice
• Apples, bananas, pineapple, grapes, strawberries, pumpkin
• Lettuce, romaine
• Coffee and tea
• Chocolate
• Eggs
• Non-green veggies

Which foods are beneficial for gout sufferers?

One of the best fruits to eat when suffering from gout is cherries. Research has shown that consuming about 250 grams of cherries each day lessens or eliminates gout attacks by reducing blood uric acid levels. Drinking cherry juice is just as beneficial to gout sufferers as eating cherries. If you find it hard to drink so many glasses of water each day, substitute cherry juice for 2 or 3 glasses of water instead.

Dark berries may contain chemicals that lower uric acid and reduce inflammation. All berries that are dark red or blue contain flavonoids and anthocyanidins, beneficial antioxidants that enhance the collagen content of tendons and cartilages surrounding affected joints.

Tofu which is made from soybeans may be a better choice than meats. I like to cook it with basmati rice which is lower on the Glycemic Index and add various vegetables like broccoli, carrots, dried tomatoes etc…

Fatty acids found in certain fish such as salmon, flax or olive oil, or nuts  possess some anti-inflammatory benefits. The famous Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that are soooo good for us…I use olive oil every day and my doctor has personally told me when doing my blood tests couple of years back, that he has never seen HDL cholesterol so high in years in any of his patients which can protect you from a heart attack and/or cardiovascular disease including arterial plaque buildup.

In conclusion,  a low purine diet is key to maintaining low uric acid levels for all gout sufferers. Purines are found in all protein foods and it is not recommended that all purines should be eliminated from your diet. Cut back on purines to control recurring gout attacks and if you notice that you get an attack after eating a certain type of food, experiment by cutting it completely from your diet, talk to your doctor about it too, to see if you might be allergic to that food.

Treating gout with apple cider vinegar

In this post I’ll be discussing a home remedy that I have been using for a few years now and a internet favourite remedy on health forums and websites, used as a cure-all to treat anything from diabetes, weight loss, blood pressure, acne, dandruff and of course gout. I’ll be discussing the age oldApple Cider Vinegar which has been used for at least 10 000 years to treat many different ailments and having been used as a condiment and preservative, utilized also for flavouring and healing purposes, deodorant, healing tonic and a preserver of youth. Christopher Columbus had barrels of apple cider vinegar on his ships to prevent scurvy and it was also used in the American Civil War to disinfect and heal wounds. All in all you can see that apple cider vinegar has many uses and you as a gout sufferer should include it in your diet.

Apple Cider Vinegar otherwise also known as cider vinegar or AVC, is a type of vinegar made from cider or apple must and has a pale to medium amber color. ACV is used in salad dressings, marinades, vinaigrettes, food preservatives, and chutneys, among other things. It is made by crushing apples and squeezing out the liquid. Bacteria and Yeast are added to the liquid to start the alcoholic fermentation process, and the sugars are turned into alcohol. In a second fermentation process, the alcohol is converted into vinegar by acetic acid-forming bacteria (acetobacter). Acetic acid and malic acid give vinegar its sour taste.

 Apple cider vinegar is full of nutrients like potassium, which helps remove toxins and excess water, iron, calcium and amino acids that reduce toxin buildup and serve as antibiotics. The main ingredient thought to be the most effective in treating and preventing gout is acetic acid. What happens is acetic acid is turned alkaline inside the body forming a pH balanced environment that prevents gout whereas having a pH balance that’s acidic can cause gout but shifting your pH balance toward alkaline can cure you of gout and prevent it from coming back. Do note that no research has been done to verify these claims.

Drinking apple cider vinegar breaks up the uric acid crystals and prevents them from reforming in the joints by aiding blood circulation and purification. It reduces inflammation and swelling in the joints allowing for better flexibility of the joints. AVC contains higher amounts of malic acid which explains the fact that consuming AVC in appropriate quantities is more beneficial to you than eating an apple directly. Many people have experienced relief from gout symptoms a few hours after using apple cider vinegar, while others have reported relief after a few days.

How to gout sufferers use apple cider vinegar?

For a full therapeutic effect one must take 2-3 tablespoons, 2 to 3 times a day. If you can manage to take it straight up with no dilution or sweetening, then go for it but if you do need to make your gout concoction taste better, mix it in a glass of water. You can also add a teaspoon of raw honey (not recommended for diabetics) and mix the AVC with your water or why not use some cherry juice with it for that double punch! Don’t forget to dress your salad with it too!

What type of AVC do I buy?

Make sure the AVC you buy at the store is organic and non-pasteurized, non-fermented making sure that it has not been processed and heated while still containing the nutrients, minerals and enzymes required to combat your gout symptoms. The clear AVC which you see at the supermarket and is cheaper than the organic-raw type has been heated and distilled removing many of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. The raw type contains what we call “mother of vinegar”, which is a strand-like structure of living bacteria that is found in AVC and don’t forget to check the acetic acid content on the bottle. In addition, make sure not to use AVC as a substitute for other treatments or without a doctor’s consent and if you are allergic to apples this obviously won’t work for you.

As a topical treatment, when dealing with a gout attack, you can soak your foot for about 30 minutes in a bucket full of 4 cups of hot water and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. You can also soak a clean, dry cloth in apple cider vinegar and wrap it around the affected area for about 15 minutes.

Apple cider vinegar can be very effective in relieving gout symptoms for many people. But not everybody will experience the same level of relief with ACV. I personally have used it for many years; I take it daily without fail. Apart from gout, I also use to have a problem with my oesophagus, with very bad heartburn. Since consuming AVC, I haven’t suffered from heartburn since. I strongly recommend this super-food in your daily diet.

15 dos and don'ts about diet for high uric acid levels

High uric acid level can be reduced with a change in diet. Doctors strongly recommend making simple changes in diet like eliminating beef rolls and choosing green leafy vegetables, cabbage and high fiber foods instead for regulating uric acid levels.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #1

High-fibre foods
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adding foods high in dietary fibre may help lower uric acid levels in your blood. Dietary fibre may help absorb uric acid in your bloodstream, allowing it to be eliminated from your body through your kidneys. Increase the consumption of dietary soluble fibres such as Isabgol, Oats, Spinach, Broccoli to name few.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #2

Cold-pressed olive oil
Use cold-pressed olive oil in cooking instead of shortening, butter or vegetable oils. Oils that have been subjected to heat or processing turn rancid quickly. Rancid fats destroy vitamin E in your body - this vitamin is necessary for controlling uric acid levels. Olive oil helps you avoid the production of excess uric acid, which is associated with the consumption of rancid fats.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #3

Take in a healthy dose of vitamin C
To help reduce the amount of uric acid in your system, regularly taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C will decrease your uric acid levels in a month or two.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #4

Avoid bakery products
Avoid cakes, pastries, cookies and other sugary delights which are rich in saturated fats and trans fats.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #5

Celery seed extract 
This is also a popular natural remedy for gout and uric acid problems. The seeds of the celery plant have long been used to treat gout, rheumatism and arthritis. Celery possesses sedative, antioxidant and mild diuretic action and is considered a urinary antiseptic. In rare cases, this herb is also used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety and nervous breakdown. Although the seeds of this plant are often used in herbal supplements, the roots may also be used.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #6

Antioxidant-rich foods
Fruits and vegetables such as red bell peppers, tomatoes, blueberries, broccoli and grapes are rich sources of antioxidant vitamins. Antioxidants which are vitamins that prevent free radical molecules from attacking your organ and muscle tissue cells may help lower uric acid levels.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #7

Cherries 
Cherries contain chemical compounds that may help neutralise uric acid allowing your body to eliminate this acid as waste. Some researchers recommend consuming 30 to 40 cherries every four hours during an attack.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #8

Apple cider vinegar
It is believed that raw, apple cider vinegar can help alleviate high uric acid levels by changing the pH values of your blood. But it has to be raw, un-distilled, un-pasteurised apple cider vinegar; the kind you get from your local health food store.

Dr Sharad advices a simple home remedy, "Add 2 teaspoons of vinegar to a large glass of water and stir thoroughly. Drink a glass between 2 and 3 times every day. You can also use it topically: half a cup added to three cups of hot water and soak the affected area for 30 minutes. Reheat and repeat as necessary."

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #9

Saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and alcohol
All these affect your triglycerides, a type of fat that can clog your arteries and increase your risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #10

High-fructose corn syrup 
This is a type of sweetener in soft drinks and other processed foods that can elevate your levels of triglyceride and uric acid - a chemical associated with diabetes, gout, alcoholism, kidney disease and other health problems.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #11

Drink plenty of fluids to help flush uric acid from your body
Drink a minimum of 3 and 1/2 liters of water daily. Water is a medium that aids the kidney to 'strain' the impurities from your body.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #12
Also avoid high-protein weight-loss diets which can cause you to produce too much uric acid (hyperuricemia).

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #13
Limit meat, poultry and fish - animal proteins are high in purine and this will result in high uric acid levels in the body

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #14

Limit or avoid alcohol
Alcohol interferes with the elimination of uric acid from your body. Drinking beer in particular has been linked to gout attacks. If you are prone to uric acid attacks, limit alcohol consumption to one drink three times a week.

Uric acid: Manage high uric acid with nutrition tip #15

Choose complex carbohydrates
Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fewer refined carbohydrates such as white bread, cakes and candy. Because foods rich in complex carbohydrates promote feelings of fullness, and prevent overeating and are useful in maintaining a healthy weight.

Top 10 home remedies for gout

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, which is used to treat headaches and acid stomach, also helps treat gout and arthritis. The acidity in apple cider vinegar will help relieve acute pain. You can also add honey to the remedy to boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response.

• Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it two to three times daily. If you find this remedy helpful, you can increase the dosage of apple cider vinegar to up to two tablespoons.
• Another option is to mix two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of honey. Take it two times daily, once in the morning and once before going to bed.

2. Ginger Root

The anti-inflammatory properties present in ginger root can be very helpful in relieving pain and inflammation. There are many ways to use ginger root in the treatment of gout.

• Mix equal amounts of fenugreek powder, turmeric powder and dried ginger root powder (sonth). Have one teaspoon of this mixture along with warm water. Take it twice daily.
• You can simply add ginger root in cooking recipes, or eat a small, raw piece of ginger root daily.
• You can also add one-half teaspoon of ginger root to one cup of boiling water and mix it well. Drink this solution at least once daily.
• Another option is to make a paste of ginger root with a little water and apply this paste on the affected area. Leave it on for about half an hour. Do this once daily.

3. Baking Soda

One significant factor contributing to gout is an increase of uric acid in the body. Baking soda can help lower the amount of uric acid, giving you relief from the pain.

1. Mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it.
2. Drink this solution four times a day but not more than that.
3. Continue up to two weeks.

If you are above 60 years, do not take more than three times in a day. Also, ignore this remedy if you suffer from hypertension.

4. Lemon Juice

To get relief from gout pain, it is essential to alkalize the body and neutralize the excess uric acid in blood stream. This can be done easily with fresh lemon juice and baking soda. Along with lemon juice, also eat other fruits rich in vitamin C to strengthen the body tissues.

• Mix the juice of one lemon with one-half teaspoon of baking soda. Let it sit for a few seconds, and then mix it in a glass of water. Drink it immediately.
• Another option is to add the juice of half a lemon to a glass of water and drink it three times a day.

5. Cherries

Cherries, whether sweet or sour, can also be very helpful in treating gout due to their antioxidant properties. Cherries also contain anthocyanins, which can reduce inflammation as well as minimize gout flare-ups.

• For gout patients, eating 15 to 20 cherries a day is highly recommended. For better results, start your day with some cherries. It is best to eat fresh cherries, but if they are not available at the market, you can opt for canned cherries.
• Another option is to drink a glass of cherry juice enriched with a few cloves of minced garlic daily.

6. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is another useful ingredient for home treatment of gout and other forms of arthritis. The high amount of magnesium present in Epsom salt will also improve the condition of your heart and lower high blood pressure. Soaking the affected body part in warm water mixed with Epsom salt relaxes aching muscles and relieves pain.

1. For a leisurely bath, add two cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water.
2. Soak your body in it until the water starts losing heat.
3. Do this once a week. If you have severe gout, you can try it two or three times a week.

7. Bananas

Bananas are also very effective in treating gout. The high potassium content in bananas will help convert uric acid crystals into liquid form that will be flushed out of the body later through urination. Bananas also contain moderate amounts of vitamin C, which can be very effective in managing swelling and pain.

• Simply eat one or two bananas daily, and soon you will notice improvement in your condition.
• Another option is to add one ripe banana to one-half cup of yogurt. This will also help to keep diarrhea away.

8. Apples

It is very common to hear people say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” It’s a good, healthy habit to eat at least one apple daily, especially when you have gout.

Experts suggest eating an apple after each meal. The malic acid present in apples will help neutralize uric acid in the body and thereby relieve gout pain and inflammation. If you do not like to eat apples, you can try apple juice. Along with an apple, it is also a good idea to eat raw carrots daily.

9. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is known to absorb uric acid; hence, it can be safely used for gout treatment. Those suffering from gout should take a charcoal bath twice or three times a week.

• Mix one-half cup of charcoal powder with some water until it forms a paste. Put the paste in a tub and add more water. Soak your affected body part for at least half an hour. This remedy is a good solution for gout in the ankle joint or big toe.
• For other affected body parts, make a charcoal paste and apply it on the skin. Leave it on for half an hour; then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• Alternatively, you can take activated charcoal capsules orally to relieve gout pain and inflammation. Consult your doctor before using this option.

10. Cold Water

Placing the affected area in cold water will reduce swelling as well as pain. When you have gout, do not use ice directly on the skin; it can damage the skin and make your condition worse.

• Immerse the inflamed, swollen joint in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process several times a day.
• You can use an ice pack for about 15 minutes, but wrap it in a towel before placing it on the affected area. Do this twice a day. Avoid excess use of ice packs because it can lead to crystallization of uric acid.

So, if you are suffering from gout, simply try these natural remedies to get relief from the pain and inflammation. Bear in mind, there is no quick cure. Time and determination are required to treat gout.

Gout Sufferer? – Decrease High Uric Acid Naturally

What is Uric Acid?

Before showing you how to lower uric acid levels naturally, it’s important to understand what uric acid is, where it comes from, and why high levels can lead to gout…

Uric acid is a byproduct of the chemical breakdown of compounds called ‘purines’ that exist in our body’s cells and in our food. Purines are very important to us because they provide things like our energy and our protein that we all need. During this process, uric acid is produced in the bloodstream. Uric acid is good for us because it acts as an antioxidant and helps look after the internal linings of our blood vessels. It’s our kidneys’ job to process the uric acid produced and excrete waste out of our bodies via our urine, with a little amount via our stools.

What Causes High Uric Acid in Blood?

Although the kidneys usually maintain uric acid at healthy levels, there are times when they are unable to do this, resulting to excessive uric acid circulating in the blood.

Two of the main causes for high uric acid levels in blood are:

(1) The kidneys aren’t working to their full potential so that they are unable to process and expel sufficient uric acid quickly enough, or…

(2) There is too much uric acid being produced by the metabolizing purines for healthy kidneys to process. Whatever is the case, the result is high uric acid in the blood.

What is the Result of High Uric Acid Levels in the Human Body?

High uric acid levels in the bloodstream is a condition known as ‘hyperuricemia.’ Over time this can lead to the production of uric acid crystals which can settle in the joints, tendons and surrounding tissue. Now, these crystals are needle-like in shape and are looked upon as foreign objects by the body’s defenses. The body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes against these crystals cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, inflammation, stiffness and very great pain. These are the symptoms of a gout attack. In other words, high uric acid levels in the human body can lead to gout.

How to Lower Uric Acid Levels Naturally?

The obvious answer to this is to avoid foods high in uric acid and switch to a low purine diet, as discussed below.  However, more and more gout sufferers are also moving away from costly drug-based remedies with their nasty side effects, to more natural remedies. Here are 3 simple tips on how to lower uric acid levels in the blood naturally:

(1) Drink between 2 and 3 liters of water everyday. Drink small amounts regularly throughout the day. Water helps the kidneys to process and flush uric acid out of the body.

(2) Consume a baking soda solution to help dissolve uric acid crystals, and, increase uric acid solubility. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 8 oz of water. Mix thoroughly, and drink maximum 8 glasses daily. One before bedtime, one when you get up in the morning, and one every 2 to 4 hours between meals. Repeat until the symptoms have gone.

Note: Since baking soda is high in sodium, change to a salt-free diet whilst taking this remedy. And, if you suffer from high blood pressure, although you can take it as long as you monitor your blood pressure closely, it’s better not to use this remedy at all.

(3) Avoid foods high in uric acid – change to a low purine diet. Since uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines, and, purines also exist in our foods, a gout sufferer needs to select food that is relatively low in purines. This means avoiding high purine foods completely.

The general types of foods high in uric acid are:

• Fatty red meats – veal, bacon, mutton
• Poultry  - turkey, goose
• Some seafood – mussels, herring, smelt, sardines, trout, scallops
• Alcohol -  Beer, in particular, is a trigger for gout
• Sweetbreads  and internal organs

The types of foods that make up a low purine diet are things like; essential fatty acids (e.g. tuna, salmon, etc.), low-fat dairy products, complex carbohydrates (e.g. bread, cereal, pasta, rice, vegetables, fruit, etc.), fruits such as cherries, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, etc.

Final note: As always with natural remedies, first consult your doctor for professional guidance on their suitability to your individual case.

Dangers of Recurring Gout

Many folks are unaware that not dealing with their gout in a proper manner can be very damaging. By ‘dealing in a proper manner,’ I mean doing all they can to prevent their gout from coming back. You see, frequently recurring gout can lead to many health issues, such as permanent / serious joint damage and kidney problems like painful kidney stones. And, making matters worse is that, a person who experiences just one gout attack, now has a much higher chance of further attacks. In fact, it’s almost certain unless they take proper measures to prevent recurring gout.

So, as a gout sufferer, you need to, not only eliminate gout symptoms during an attack, but start on a regimen to prevent gout recurrence.

Gout cure foods and relief through natural nutrition

Gouty arthritis is inflammation of the joints. This is induced through the excessive quantities of uric acid in the body that the kidney can't address. When this happens the surplus runs into the bloodstream.

Uric acid - when in your bloodstream - locates in the joints, commonly in the bottom half of the body. Gouty arthritis represents real pain and relief is essential in order to be fit to work and accomplish day by day actions.

Uric acid is produced when the body acts upon on purine, which is detected in many foods. Nutrients rich in purine are meats, particularly red meat, food from the sea, fish, and fats. Many of these nutrients are what we would regard as as normal food stuff, all the same these ingredients don't manage the gouty arthritis, these foods may make for an attack of chronic gout.

There is naturally medicines which address the infliction. That doesn't repair the problem it only addresses the result of the problem - and in numerous cases not so good.

A lot of folks are searching for elemental treatments to manage the disorder. Many are looking for healthful nutrition that can combat their gout condition. Because a couple of of the foods which bring on gout are viewed as natural we have got to understand what is beneficial foods and what isn't beneficial foods in relation to gouty arthritis.

The nutrients which are low in purine are found in certain fruits and veggies. These are crucial when it comes to treating gout. Adding additional fruits and vegetables is needed.

Adding more water to the diet is also essential. If there is one single thing that helps the most, water is it. Pure, spring water is essential. The addition of ten to twelve glasses of water a day is imperative. This assists in flushing out the kidneys and aiding in detoxifying the body.

Vitamins are needed if you do not feel you are getting a good balance in your diet. The vitamins that are recommended for gout are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Selenium. These are nutrients that assist the body in processing the toxins through the body.

If there is any one food that is highly recommended, it is the Wild or Black Cherries. These are high in vitamin C, the kind that is easily absorbed. To achieve a significant level of relief from these cherries, the intake needs to be about 45-50 per day.

There is also reason to assume that raising your body's pH level will come in as a good natural gout treatment. The higher on the pH scale, meaning the body is more alkaline, the more the body will be capable of reducing uric acid. The uric acid is more water-soluble the more alkaline your body is. This is most significant, because if the uric acid is soluble then the body can expel it easier - as opposed to not leaving your body.

Recall that raising the pH level will make your body more alkaline. You do not want to lower that level, as it makes things more acidic. Optimum health requires you to maintain a high pH value.

So how do we achieve a high pH level and make our bodies a healthy alkaline? One way is to drink water. There is some water that is designed to achieve this easier. We can drink alkaline (ionized) water, which is water that has excess oxygen in it.

The ionized water is much more tasty than you regular spring water. Food flavors are enhanced by this water, by the way.

You will have understood that there are certain basic principles for natural nutritional gout treatment. Not only are they easy to implement, also they will have lasting results when thinking of a life free of gout induced pain.

Disclaimer: This report is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any sort of health trouble. Always confer with a health professional on any sort of health problem and particularly prior to commencing on any kind of a diet adjustment or physical exercise routine.