Gout used to be an uncommon disease, in fact, many centuries ago, it was known as an affliction of the rich and even called the "disease of kings,"2because it's more common among aristocrats and noblemen who had access to fancy foods and liquor. Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by pain, stiffness, inflammation and excessive uric acid that crystalized in the joints. Gout is more prevalent among men, who usually have higher uric acid levels in their blood than women.
In Chinese Medicine, we cauterize it as spleen coldness and dampness, we will give warm herb tonify the digestion system and adjust spleen energy using acupuncture and cupping. Most time, patient feel instant relief after treatment.
Gout Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of gout are generally acute – they can strike without warning, often at night. The condition usually affects your big toe (podagra), but can occur in any joint in your body.
Gout attacks, also called "flare-ups," should not be taken lightly, as they come with a great deal of pain. Acute gout symptoms usually go away within three to 10 days, and the next attack may not occur for months or even years,
Common gout symptoms
- Severe pain in the jointsof your ankles, hands, wrists, knees, and feet, especially your big toe. The affected areas may feel warm or hot
- Nodules(tophi) in the elbows, hands, or ears
- Fever, Red, tender, and swollen joints
- Red or purplish skin(Many patients mistake this for an infection)
- Less flexibilityand limited movement in the affected joints
Higher Risk for Gout
overweight or obese: Gout is an inflammatory condition – it's caused by inflammation in your body, which is linked to metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by central obesity, hypertension, and disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism.
Over the years, physicians have been prescribing gout patients with different pharmaceutical drugs, such as: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Corticosteroids, Corticotropin (adrenocorticot, ropic hormone), Colchicine, Febuxostat, Aloprim, Zyloprim and so on. Not only is there NO solid evidence that these drugs can actually cure gout, but they also expose you to many side effects, including extremely dangerous ones. NSAIDs can also increase your risk of fatal stomach and intestinal reactions, which can occur at any time during your gout treatment and without any apparent symptoms. NSAIDs (except for low-dose aspirin) can also put you at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Gout Treatment Starts with Your Diet Natural anti-inflammatory remedies
- Cayenne cream, also known as capsaicin cream
- Boswellia (boswellin or "Indian frankincense"). It contains active anti-inflammatory ingredients that may reduce pain.
- Krill oil.Animals studies found that its EPA and DHA omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce joint inflammation and promote joint lubrication. You should also get plenty of animal-based omega-3 fats, such as from krill oil, which have a profound impact on joint health, inflammation, and arthritis. Omega-3s can produce compounds called resolvins and protectins, which help control inflammation before it damages your tissues
This natural anti-inflammatory is found in fresh pineapples, but can also be taken in supplement form.
- Cetyl myristoleate oil (CMO).Found in dairy butter and fish, this acts as a joint lubricant and anti-inflammatory. I use topical CMO to relieve ganglion cysts and a mild annoying carpal tunnel syndrome that pains me whenever I use a non-ergonomic keyboard.
- Ginger or Nutmag. It's a natural immune system booster with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. You can eat it fresh or seep it to make delicious ginger tea.
- Evening primrose, black currant, and borage oils. They contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that is useful for arthritic pain.
- Drink pure and clean water. Your blood, kidneys, and liver need water for detoxification, in order to eliminate toxins and waste products such as uric acid from your body. So instead of drinking fruit juices and sodas that are loaded with fructose and toxic additives, opt for pure and clean drinking water.
- Tart cherries have been found to offer excellent benefits. Tart cherries contain two powerful compounds, anthocyanins and bioflavonoids, which are known to have similar activity to aspirin and ibuprofen. Both of these compounds slow down the enzymes Cyclo-oxyygenase-1 and -- 2, which helps to relieve and prevent arthritis and gout in your body.
- Try 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. Helping to make the body more alkaline, apple cider vinegar has become a well-known proven solution for countless ailments, including gout. Try mixing 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water. You can either drink it in one sitting or sip on it over time – try both methods and see which is more effective. This solution can reduce pain by 90% within a day or two. Note: Be sure to use organic apple cider vinegar with the ‘mother’.
- Epsom Salt - 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.
For a leisurely bath, add two cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water.
Soak your body in it until the water starts losing heat.
Do this once a week. If you have severe gout, you can try it two or three times a week
- Get enough vitamin D from sun exposure.
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- The modern American diet, which is loaded with highly processed and nutritionally deficient foods, is the primary reason why gout cases are consistently on the rise today. Therefore you must be very cautious of what you eat.
Avoid:
chronically elevated blood sugar levels is the REAL underlying problem that causes the inflammation associated with gout, as well as the subsequent damage it inflicts on your body, specifically your joints. Avoid HFCS-containing soda. Fruit juices and high-fructose fruits like oranges and apples also increased the risk. (HFCS - high-fructose corn syrup)
Alcohol is a strong risk factor for gout. In fact, people who have hypertension, coronary artery disease, and are prone to excessive alcohol consumption are often afflicted with this ailment.
Processed foods are notoriously high in fructose and artificial additives and preservatives – avoid them at all costs.
References:
- http://articles.mercola.com/gout.aspx?i_cid=gouttreatment-rb-articles-6
- http://naturalsociety.com/home-remedies-for-gout-natural-solutions/