A Natural Approach To Healthy Living

By Lucinda Jenkins HCLPN

Got the Gout?

With the holidays around the corner, no doubt somebody's Grandpa will be sitting at the holiday dinner table complaining about their Gout. To understand why they are complaining you need to know what Gout is.
Gout is a form of arthritis that developes when there is a build up of uric acid in the blood. When the uric acid levels get high enough, it collects in the joints. The joint that is usually first and most severely affected is the big toe joint.
As this uric acid collects in the toe joint, it forms crystals in the shape of a needle. These needle like crystals cause a stabbing pain , sometimes excruciating pain, plus swelling. The affected toe is like an inside out pin cushion. OUCH!!!
95% of the Gout sufferers are men over 30. It is rare, but it does attack women also.
Gout is closely related to the foods you eat. The natural approach to Gout would be to change your diet and increase your fluid intake.
There are foods that cause an increase in uric acid and they should be greatly curtailed from the diet. These foods are:
anchovies,
asparagus,
herring,
meats & gravies,
mushrooms,
mussels,
sardines,
and alcoholic beverages,
fried foods.
They should also try to avoid rich cakes and pies.
Some studies have shown a vitamin deficiency of vitamin B5, vitamin A, and vitamin E contribute to the disease process of Gout.
There are foods that can neutralize the uric acid, so these can be eaten freely. They are:
cherries,
cherry juice,
celery,
celery juice,
strawberries
avocados.
It is necessary to increase your water intake also as this will help flush the uric acid out. Herbs that help to neutralize the uric acid are alfalfa, burdock, hyssop and juniper. Alfalfa is the stongest of the mentioned herbs and the first choice. There are prescription drugs available from your doctor but please ask about the mild to serious side effects of these drugs.
With some prevention by the natural approach, maybe Grandpa can ward off an attack of Gout and have a wonderful holiday season too!
* The information in this article should not replace the advice of your medical practitioner.
Lucinda Jenkins is an LPN & HC as well as a Reiki Practitioner.
She is the owner and Master Soapmaker at Glenbrook Farms Herbs and Such, an on-line herb and tea shop.
Copyright © 1998, Lucinda Jenkins

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