Reversing gout doesn’t mean merely treating the symptoms that appear, such as pain and inflammation, but targeting the root causes of these symptoms. Gout is a particularly complex variation of arthritis, and generally hits at night. Luckily it is a treatable condition, and can even be reversed through certain methods, such as diet and exercise. Gout is characterized by the occurrence of sudden attacks of severe pain, redness and tenderness in the joints. While it commonly attacks the joint in the big toe, it can also affect your wrists, hands, knees, ankles and feet. Accompanying these symptoms is a lingering discomfort in the joints, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, and increasing with the occurrence of repeat attacks.
What Causes Gout?
Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body. Generally, the body produces these acids when breaking down purines, which are found in beer, organ meats, herring and mushrooms. The uric acid dissolves into the body and passes via the kidneys as urine. However, in some instances, the body generates too much uric acid and the kidneys cannot excrete it all, which causes a build of uric acid. Once this build up happens, urate crystals begin to gather in the joints, resulting in high levels of pain and inflammation through a process that loops until corrected. As the uric acid builds up and releases crystals, the body sends out white blood cells to destroy them. However, the acids trigger a release of too many cells, which is the cause of the inflammation and pain. This continues on in an endless loop, releasing more crystals and more white blood cells.
Natural Ways to Reverse Gout
1. Water is your best friend!
Dehydration is known to cause a buildup of uric acid, so water is the first thing many people turn to. Certain liquids are able to boost your body’s metabolism, allowing to flush your system of toxins that cause gout flare ups. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your kidneys will keep working, and encourages your gut to take out the uric acids. Strengthening your kidneys can be what keeps your body from having additional attacks.
2. Your Diet Affects Your Gout.
There are many fruits and vegetables that lend enzymes to help reverse gout. For instance, Noni is a Polynesian super fruit that holds over 150 enzymes that encourage your metabolism. It is capable of blocking inflammatory effects, but it is best if taken through non-pasteurized beverages or cold processed extracts and powders. Cherries were recently found to cut the risk of recurrent gout attacks in half. Some recommend eating half a pound, though the study shows that 20 a day can be beneficial enough. It is important to avoid certain vitamins, such as B3, as they can lower the excretion of uric acids or even increase the levels, as with mega doses of vitamin C.
3. Take Vitamins to Keep Supporting Your Body.
When it comes to nutrition, it is well known that vitamins and other types of nutrients can boost the body’s ability to protect itself. Those suffering from gout attacks should watch their intake of certain vitamins, however there are some that directly affect their gout symptoms, as well as targeting the root. Amino acids, such as alanine and glutamic acid, aids in the excretion of uric acids from the kidney. Bromelain, found in pineapples, can reduce your inflammation levels and must be taken between meals for the optimal help. Fish oil, Vitamin E and Serrapeptase both reduce inflammation as well. Folic acid is beneficial, as it blocks enzymes that produce uric acid, while vitamins B6 and B12 reduce uric acid levels.
4. Sweating is Actually Good for Uric Acid Elimination.
Sweat is one way the body can release uric acid, albeit small amounts. However, it is important to be careful about how you go about this. If you choose to exercise in order to sweat out the uric acid, you must make sure you don’t overdo it. When you overdo it, you can potentially create even more acidic compounds in your body. One of the best methods to actively sweat is to visit a sauna! It will avoid overworking yourself, as well as produce the right amounts of sweat levels to keep your levels down.
5. Keep Your Gout Feeling Great
The proper gut environment is important, as 30% of uric acid is taken through your gut. You should avoid alcohol, oxidized fats and processed carbs, as they can decrease your uric acid metabolism. Things with purine, too, can negatively impact your gut’s metabolism levels.
Gout can be a painful experience, however it is one of the few arthritic conditions that can be reversed through simple changes to yourself. However, it is important to note that things won’t change overnight. You must be determined to get better, and to stick to your changes to keep the problems from coming back.
REFERENCES:
- Terkeltaub R (January 2010). “Update on gout: new therapeutic strategies and options”. Nature Reviews Rheumatology 6 (1): 30–8. doi:10.1038/nrrheum.2009.236. PMID 20046204.
- Choi HK, Gao X, Curhan G (March 2009). “Vitamin C intake and the risk of gout in men: a prospective study”. Arch. Intern. Med. 169 (5): 502–7. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2008.606. PMC 2767211. PMID 19273781.
