. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Statistics indicate in 2006 that gout affected approximately 3.5 million people in the United States.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid deposits in the joints. An increased level of uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia. It occurs predominantly in men over the age of 30 and in postmenopausal women as the level of estrogen decreases.

A salt called monosodium urate (from uric acid) forms needle-like crystals in the joints. These crystals cause inflammation and pain. Gout sufferers describe an outbreak as a stabbing, shooting pain in inflamed joints.

What causes gout is simply an excess abundance of uric acid. So what you need to do to combat the symptoms is to get rid of excess uric acid. There are 7 easy ways to do this.

1. The first thing most doctors agree on is diet. Protein-rich foods cause a chemical called purines to build up. Purines raise your uric acid level and increase your risk of another gout attack.

That is why we have to limit or avoid foods such as: organ meats, gizzards. anchovies, herring, mackerel, red meat, poultry, shellfish, fish roe, scallops, asparagus, mushrooms, cauliflower, dairy products, peas, lentils, and beans.

Recommended foods help counteract purines. These include cherries that contain flavonoid compounds that can lower uric acid and reduce inflammation.

Some other good choices are raw blueberries, strawberries, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, raw foods like sprouts, wheatgrass, and fresh salads. Also include more grains, fruits, and vegetables instead of high-protein foods.

2. The second way to combat gout symptoms is to drink water. If you simply drink 8 ounces of water with each meal and between meals, the water will help remove many impurities.

3. The third thing that helps control gout is losing weight if you are overweight. When you are overweight, your body does not metabolize food as efficiently as it would at a desirable weight.

Doctors recommend a sensible weight loss plan in an attempt to lower uric acid levels. But take it easy. Intense diets can increase the amount of uric acid produced by the body and cause an attack.

4. The fourth way to reduce gout symptoms is to eliminate alcohol. Alcoholic beverages increase uric acid in the body and also inhibit uric acid excretion.

Red wines like Port and Madeira contain the highest levels of purines. Eliminating alcohol ends gout attacks for many who suffer from it.

5. Exercise is the fifth way to reduce the risk of gout attacks. Stretching exercises help strengthen the joints and also increase their endurance and stamina. A sedentary lifestyle is not recommended for those with gout.

6. Supplements are in sixth place. Cod liver oil and vitamin E are beneficial because they help reduce joint inflammation.

Using an alkaline supplement to reduce and prevent acid build-up in the joints. Maintaining the proper pH balance in the body helps maintain a healthy immune system. When the blood has a slightly alkaline pH, the body is healthier.

7. Herbs can also be essential to combat gout. Some of the herbs that are used frequently are sarsaparilla and celery seed, which help flush toxins from the body and reduce inflammation.

A cup of fresh parsley tea helps reduce excess uric acid. It also works as a diuretic, which is helpful in alleviating water retention.

Tea tree oil, dandelion, and nettle are also used in gout patients. You can soothe the joints in your feet by soaking in a cool foot tub with a few drops of rosemary oil.

When you can bear to touch the affected area, combine juniper oil and olive oil and massage into the joints.

Uric acid levels in the blood can also rise due to stress, injury, and aspirin.

By implementing these 7 Simple Ways to Reduce Gout Pain, you should be well on your way to pain-free joints.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *