Natural Relief for Gout
Gout: Now, Everyman s Disease Number of gout cases has increased 44% in the last 20 years! Men are 4 times more likely than women to have gout.
Gout: Symptoms Sudden, intense pain that starts during the night Warmth, pain, swelling, and extreme tenderness in a joint (usually a big toe) Pain increases rapidly and lasts 12 to 24 hours, eases during the next few days May also have Very red or purplish skin around the affected joint, which may appear to be infected Limited movement in the affected joint
Gout
Gout: Conventional Treatment NSAIDs Adverse effects: stomach ulcers, liver failure Colchicine Adverse effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Corticosteroids Adverse effects: bone thinning, immune suppression Urate lowering drugs (Zyloprim, Aloprim) and febuxostat (Uloric) reduce uric acid production Probenecid (Probalan) increases excretion of uric acid Adverse effects: rash, low blood counts, reduced liver function, kidney stones
Understanding Uric Acid Formed from the breakdown of purines Some uric acid is always naturally present in our body and has a purpose Antioxidant, prevents damage to blood vessel linings Two sources: Our bodies: purines are natural substances found in all body cells Provide part of the chemical structure of our genes As a normal part of cell life, dying cells are broken down releasing purine, which is further broken down into uric acid, which is excreted in urine Our diets: some foods contain high amounts of concentrated purines liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas, beer, and wine, bacon, trout, scallops
Normal Uric Acid Formation and Excretion Purines Kidney Uric Acid Urine The kidneys maintain levels of uric acid. Kidney problems are one cause of excessive uric acid buildup.
Conventional Risk Factors for Uric Acid Buildup Diet Foods high in purines (organ meats) Alcohol Genetics Gender Men produce more uric acid and are less efficient at excreting it Obesity Untreated medical conditions High blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease Certain medications Low dose aspirin, diuretics
What else is going on? Under excretion of uric acid Suboptimal hydration Nutritional choices ph imbalances
ph ph = measurement of the body s acidity/alkalinity Ideal is acid tummy, basic body ph is tightly regulated Intake of high levels of protein forms acids in the bloodstream including uric acid Must be neutralized with alkaline minerals Calcium pulled from bones (calcium neutralizes acid) Acid crystals deposited throughout the body Arteries (plaques) (heart disease) Synovial joints (gout) Heels and shoulders (bone spurs) Kidneys (kidney stones) Bones become weak and brittle (osteopenia/osteoporosis)
Prevention is the Solution
Step 1: Water Hydration is crucial 8-10 glasses of water daily Urine should be pale or clear in color Dark yellow urine means drink more water Number one cause of kidney stones is not drinking enough water!
Step 2: Improve ratio of alkaline to acid foods Eat These Alkaline Foods Most vegetables: cauliflower, spinach, peas, green beans, pepper, radish, sweet potato, eggplant, carrot, cabbage Most fruits: apple, orange, peach, pear, rhubarb, strawberry, tomato, lemon Some proteins: almonds, tofu, whey protein powder Liquids: green drinks, apple cider vinegar, fruit juice, REAL LEMONADE NO relationship to TOTAL protein intake Minimize Acidic Foods Some vegetables: corn, lentils, some beans Many grains: white flour, wheat, oatmeal, cornstarch Excessive amounts: bacon, beef, clams, pork, lobster, shrimp, tuna, turkey, veal, sardines, cod, etc. Beer ABSOLUTELY AVOID: soft drinks corn oil and corn syrup SODIUM Drinking a regular (not diet) soda daily increases gout risk by 45%; 2 sodas daily raises risk by 85%!
Step 3: Appropriate Supplements
Cherry Fruit Extract Increases excretion of uric acid Sweet cherry or tart cherry? SWEET Clinical research in women consuming sweet cherries Plasma urate levels decreased 15%, and urinary urate excretion increased 73% Also showed reduction in inflammation markers: c-reactive protein and nitric oxide Clinical research specifically on inflammation markers after consuming sweet cherries 25% decrease in c-reactive protein 18% decrease in inducible nitric oxide Consuming cherry extract was associated with a 40% reduced risk of recurrent gout attacks NOTE: Endothelial nitric oxide has heart protective effects; inducible nitric oxide is associated with inflammation and arthritic joint damage
Cherry Juice or Cherry Capsules? 8 oz Juice Encapsulated cherry extract Calories: 140 Carbohydrate: 33 grams Cost: $1.87 per serving Convenience: low (must be refrigerated) Portable: no Calories: 0 Carbohydrates: 0 Cost: 60 per serving Convenience: high (no refrigeration necessary) Portable: yes Unlike other drying techniques, freeze drying cherry extract preserves the key nutrients for best benefits!
Curcumin Shown to inhibit crystal formation in experimental model Also helpful in preventing kidney stones, which can also form from either uric acid or calcium oxalate crystals Has protective effects against experimentally induced kidney inflammation A very powerful anti-inflammatory Reduces inflammation associated with gout or kidney stone formation WITHOUT the adverse effects of NSAIDS (ibupropen, acetaminophen, etc) Combine with boswellia, DLPA and nattokinase for superior pain relief Pharmacognosy Res. 2010 Nov-Dec; 2(6): 388 392 Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34(2):226-32.
Turmeric and Curcumin are not the same! Turmeric is the rhizome of the plant Curcumin is the bioactive compound extracted from turmeric Turmeric = Spice Curcumin = Medicine Curcumin is poorly absorbed Look for bioavailable, micronized curcumin with turmeric essential oils for best results
Other natural interventions Minerals shown to inhibit crystal formation include: zinc, potassium, magnesium Supplement with a good daily multiple, or a specific mineral supplement (15mg zinc, 400 mg magnesium, 100 mg potassium) Vitamin B6 30 mg of B6 as pyridoxal-5-phosphate (the bioactive form), with 100 mg of magnesium for fluid balance Asparagus Mild diuretic; Helps flush the urinary tract 340 mg
Recap Prevention is Key to avoiding gout and kidney stones Step 1: plenty of water, stay hydrated Step 2: keep your body alkaline, avoid acid-forming foods Step 3: reduce uric acid levels and inflammation with freeze dried cherry extract and bioavailable curcumin 1500 mg cherry extract daily 750 1500 mg of bioavailable curcumin daily