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Gout is a type of arthritis associated with increased concentrations of uric acid in the body, which get deposited in joints and tendons, causing considerable inflammation and excruciating pain. The onset is usually sudden and acute in nature and normally affects a big toe. Fever and chills may follow. Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of purines in foods such as meat, shellfish, dairy, eggs and beer. Usually there is no clear reason for the uric acid accumulation, but stress, lack of exercise and not enough rest are often associated. Alcohol is part of our vision of a typical middle-aged overweight gout sufferer, and the effect of imbibing is to prevent uric acid from being excreted through the kidneys. Some people simply produce an excessive amount of the acid and others with normal levels in the blood are unable to flush it from the system as they should.
Treatment of Gout
Hot epsom salt baths increase the elimination of uric acid through the skin. Use 1 cupful to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes just before bedtime.
Diet
1. Low protein. A vegetarian diet is of great value.
2. Abundant vegetables. Garlic dissolves uric acid.
3. Wholegrains such as brown rice, millet, corn, barley, oats and rye. Limit your wheat intake.
4. Small amounts of nuts, seeds and pulses.
5. High levels of water, juices and herbal teas to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
6. Red sour cherries and all berry fruits are of special value. Cherries are best, as they very effectively neutralize uric acid and are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to joints. Eat half a pound a day. Even canned cherries are beneficial, if fresh ones are out of season.
7. Emphasize high potassium foods: dried fruit, avocado, banana, mango, nectarines, potato and tomato.
8. The diet should be 80% alkaline-forming, as in the case of arthritis, which means largely fruit and vegetables.
9. Reduce Meat, dairy, eggs, poultry and fish to three times weekly. Avoid them totally in an attack. High protein diets increase uric acid synthesis in the body.
10. Pulses - eat them only twice weekly as a protein source, as they do contain some purines.
11. Mushrooms, spinach and asparagus.
12. Fruit, as its sugar increases urate production.
Avoid
1. All glandular meats, shellfish, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herrings and yeast, as their purine levels are very high.
2. Salt and Spices
3. Gelatin, as it forms uric acid.
4. Sugar and refined flour and everything made with them, as they increase uric acid production.
5. Alcohol, coffee, tea and soft drinks. Beer is particularly high in purines.
6. Fats
7. Added vitamin B3, as it competes with uric acid for excretion.
8. Over-eating, and institute a weight-loss programme if necessary.
9. Red Sour cherry, fresh pineapple.
10. Carrot, celery and parsley.