Gout is essentially a form of arthritis that is characterized with sudden bouts of severe pain, inflammation and tenderness in the joints, known as gout attacks. Because of the strong connection between diets and gout, the condition was regarded as an affliction of the wealthy in the past. With modernization and social reforms in the past century our economic condition has greatly improved and there is less disparity, particularly with regard to the foods we consume. This condition has therefore become a lot more common and can afflict absolutely anyone, although men are more susceptible, as are post-menopausal women.
Gout is known to be quite debilitating at times because of the severity of gout attacks. The excruciating pain can cause you to wake up in a sweat, causing what is often described as a feeling of fire or burning sensation in the afflicted joint. The plus point is that gout treatment is extremely effective and the best form of treatment would be through a gout diet. Sufferers of gout need to be careful about their diet as there are certain foods to avoid with gout, as they could trigger a higher frequency and increased severity of gout attacks.
Gout Symptoms
Acute Pain in the Toe, Swelling
The most common Gout symptom is acute pain in the big toe, which becomes tender, hot, and swollen in a few hours. It may also similarly affect other joints such as the knees and wrists, and sometimes more than one joint may be affected at a time. The attack, usually occurs at midnight or in the early hours of the morning when the patient is suddenly awakened.
The acute attack generally lasts for a week or so. During this period, the patient may run a slight fever, and feel disinclined to eat. A serious complication of gout is the presence of kidney stones containing uric acid. In some cases the kidneys get damaged and do not function properly.Gout attacks are most severe within the first 12 to 24 hours of their onset, but the joint discomfort and pain although lessened, do not subside for a few more days or even for a week. It is important that these symptoms are not neglected as in the absence of appropriate gout treatment there could be other complications and also permanent damage to the affected joints. A gout diet suffices to control and reign in the condition at most times, but it would still be important to consult with your doctor and keep him informed.
Causes of Gout
Gout Caused Due to Uric Acid Crystals
One of main causes of gout is the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, skin, and kidneys. Uric acid is an end product of the body's chemical processes. Those affected by gout have a higher level of uric acid in the blood than the normal, due either to formation of increased amounts or reduced amounts of acid being passed out by the kidneys in the urine. This uric acid usually remains dissolved in the blood. But when the blood becomes too full of it, the uric acid forms needle-shaped crystals in the joints which bring about attacks of gout.
Excessive Alcohol, Heredity, Rich Foods, Lack of Exercise also Causes Gout
Other causes of gout are heredity, alcoholic drinks, regular eating of foods rich in protein and carbohydrate, lack of proper exercise, and stress. A clear understanding of the risk factors is always useful as it can help to prevent the onset of the condition or at least delay it. If you can identify with any of the risk factors it may also give you some insight into possible causes and triggers of gout attacks.
Dietary Habits: People who follow a diet that comprises of a high amount of red meats, oily fish, yeast and internal organs are very susceptible to gout. A regular or high intake of alcohol, particularly beer, is also known to increase the risk of developing gout. In the past it the consumption of red meat among the population was a rarity as it was more of a privilege for the wealthy and ruling classes, which is why it was often referred to as a disease of the rich.
Heredity: A family history of gout puts you at high risk of developing gout. Although there may be little that you can do to correct this, following a gout diet or exercising some amount of caution when it comes to diet and alcohol consumption could make a huge difference.
Age and Gender: Men tend to be more susceptible to gout at an earlier age because uric acid levels rise at puberty in men, while in women this occurs only at menopause.
Medical Conditions and Drugs: The presence of certain conditions could put you at a higher risk of developing gout. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are known to cause such complications at times, particularly if not treated appropriately. High cholesterol levels and a narrowing of the arteries also contribute to the development of gout. Certain drugs could also cause a rise in uric acid levels, thereby contributing to the occurrence of gout. These include drugs like certain diuretics used in the treatment of high blood pressure, as well as low dose aspirin drugs and also many anti-rejection drugs prescribed for patients who have undergone transplant surgery.
Gout Treatments
Self care is an important aspect of gout treatment, whether or not you are on medications for the condition. Home remedies for gout pain, whether in the knee, big toe, ankle or foot are meant to facilitate healing and provide relief from the painful symptoms of gout attacks, they are not meant to treat the condition itself.
The most important consideration should be the recommendations of your doctor and it is imperative that you follow his gout treatment recommendations meticulously, taking medications as advised. If you suffer a gout attack, make it appoint to rest and do not try to use the affected joint. Instead rest with the affected joint elevated if possible. If the affected joint restricts your ability to move around comfortably, then make it a point to use a cane or walking stick for support, no matter how unnecessary you may think this to be. Ice packs or cold compresses are useful in gout treatment for some relief from the pain and also to reduce the inflammation. You could also try applying hemorrhoid creams to the affected area to reduce inflammation. Make sure that you keep yourself well hydrated to minimize the risk of further gout attacks.
Gout Treatments
Treating Gout using Cherry
The cherry, sweet or sour, is considered in effective treating gout. To start with, the patient should consume about fifteen to twenty five cherries a day. Thereafter, about ten cherries a day will keep the ailment under control. While fresh cherries are best, canned cherries can also be used occasionally.
Gout Treatment using Vegetable Juices
Raw vegetable juices are used for gout treatment. Carrot juice, in combination with the juices of beet and cucumber, is especially valuable. Beet juice - 100 ml and cucumber juice - 100 ml should be mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice to make 500 ml of combined juice and taken daily
Treating Gout using French Beans
The juice of French or string beans has also proved effective in treating gout. About 150 ml of this juice should be taken daily by the patient suffering from this disease.
Cure for Gout using Apple
Apples are regarded as an excellent source for curing gout. The malic acid contained in them is believed to neutralise the uric acid and afford relief to gout sufferers. The patient is advised to take one apple after each meal.
Gout Relief using Banana
Bananas have been found beneficial in the treatment of gout. A diet of bananas only for three or four days is advised for providing some relief from gout. A patient can take eight or nine bananas daily during this period and nothing else.
Treating Gout using Lime
Lime is also used as a source in treating gout. Vitamin C is known to prevent and cure sore joints by strengthening the connective tissues of the body. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of the uric acid which is the primary cause of this disease. The juice of half a lime, squeezed into a glass of water, should be taken twice daily.
Gout Diet
Fast of Orange Juice and Water
For an acute attack, there is no better remedy than a fast of orange juice and water. In severe cases, it is advisable to undertake a series of short fasts for three days or so rather than one long fast.
All Fruit Diet
After the acute symptoms subside, the patient may adopt an all fruit diet for another three or four days.
Natural Food diet
Thereafter, he may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of natural foods, with emphasis on fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and sprouts.
Avoid Purine and Acid Producing Foods
The patient should avoid all purine and uric acid-producing foods such as all meats, eggs, and fish; tea, coffee, sugar, white flour and its products; and all canned, processed, and fried foods.
Diet for Gout
When seeking treatment and prevention measures for arthritis one could also make a list of foods that would provide the body with some best natural vitamins that are essential for the body. Following an appropriate gout diet should be central to any gout treatment plan as this is the single greatest influence on the condition. It is essential that you severely restrict the levels of animal protein in your diet. Red meats are known to be the worst possible food for gout patients. High protein levels cause a spike in blood uric acid levels, triggering severe gout attacks. Limit your intake to very small portions of lean meats, such as poultry or certain fish like salmon. Keep in mind that not all fish are healthy for you as many are extremely high in purines. Mackerel, herring, and anchovies are just a few of the fish foods to avoid with gout.
It’s important that you keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks as these will simply aggravate the problem. If you are experiencing a gout attack it may help to consume some oral rehydration solutions. Avoid consuming any alcohol as it severely impairs your body’s ability to eliminate excess uric acid. Your doctor or nutritionist would however be the best source of information on a gout diet or any specific supplements and nutrients or vitamins for gout. One of the best tips when considering gout diet is to check out some gout recipes and prepare a gout diet chart or have a gout diet menu that will help you know and prepare some new food every day. A typical gout diet invariably excludes all forms of alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
Other Gout Treatment
Warm water enema
A warm-water enema should be used daily during the period of fasting to cleanse the bowels.
Epsom salt bath
Epsom salts foot baths are advised twice daily. About 250 gm - 500gm of these salts may be added to tolerably hot water for this purpose. Full Epsom salt baths should also be taken three times a week. The baths may be reduced to two per week later.
Cold packs, fresh air, exercise, reduced stress
Cold packs, applied to the affected joints at night, will be beneficial. Fresh air and outdoor exercise are also essential. The patient should eliminate as much stress from his life as possible
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