Gout Natural Remedies | Herbal Relief Uric Acid

Gout Natural Strategies

Natural Ways to Remove Uric Acid

By Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, Dipl.Ac.

Herbs for gout work to eliminate uric acid from the body,

neutralize acid in the body, and alleviate inflammation in

the joints. Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by a

build up of uric acid in the body. Typically, uric acid is

excreted via the kidneys and gut, but if you have a genetic

disposition to gout, or produce excessive uric acid due to

the consumption of alcohol or purine rich foods, you may

find yourself with swollen, red, hot, painful, or stiff joints.

In Chinese medicine, gout is seen as a joint painful wind

syndrome caused by wrong lifestyle habits including

unregulated eating and drinking, or from external evil

pathogens such as wind-damp, damp-heat or damp-cold. Alcohol, rich fatty foods, and fried foods are to be avoided. In cases of dampness, Spleen Qi Deficiency is typically indicated and a Spleen Tonic formula would be utilized to correct this underlying condition along with the gout formula.

As Gout progresses, Qi and Blood Stasis develop according to Chinese medicine creating sharp pain and limited mobility. Topical herbs can be applied to the joints that increase the free flow of Blood and Qi. In Chinese medicine, joints are closely associated with the Liver health, therefore Liver Qi Stagnation is also a common pattern seen with this condition.

About 75% of the time, gout first attacks the big toe. Early attacks are typically short lived; however, as the uric acid builds up, the painful attacks last longer and become more frequent as the uric acid crystals begins to irritate the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows. Gout can appear suddenly and cause extreme burning pain

There are a number of effective natural herbs for gout including Joe pye weed, boswellia, turmeric, alfalfa, devil’s claw, celery seed, meadowsweet. Vitamin C and folic acid also aid in the natural break down of uric acid. A healthy, balanced diet rich in whole foods is critical to curing gout; foods that are rich in potassium such as bananas, spinach, and carrots are especially helpful in reversing gout, as potassium aids in the break down of uric acid.

Gout is considered a metabolic disease, and is often seen along with obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Uric acid is a result of the break down of purines that produces mono-sodium urate crystals that accumulate on the articular cartilage of joints, on tendons, and in the surrounding tissues. Purine break down also results in lactic acid, and lactic acid competes with uric acid for excretion. Uric acid chrystalines can build up under the skin creating a bumpy surface, and often cause swelling.

Purines can be generated by the body during normal breakdown of cells in cellular turnover. Purines and an over production of uric acid can also be a result of the over consumption of purine rich foods such as anchovies, sardines, liver, beef kidneys, brains, herring, mackerel, scallops, and game meats. Gout is associated with the over-consumption of protein rich foods, red meat, and alcohol.

The kidneys are responsible for approximately one-third of uric acid excretion and it is important to avoid becoming dehydrated with gout; the rest of uric acid is normally broken down in the blood or the gut. When uric acid levels in the blood are high, it is called hyperuricemia. Not everyone who develops hyperuricemia will develop gout, but it becomes more likely.

Gout appears to be more prevalent in males ages 40-50, and in African Americans. There is a strong familial relationship with gout, and genetic dispositions to gout can include kidney abnormalities and the inability to produce enzymes that allow for the proper break down of uric acid.

Other possible causes of gout:

Certain pharmaceuticals

Diuretics

Aspirin

Niacin

High levels of lead

Surgery

Stress

Crash diets

Sudden, severe illness

Chemotherapy

Joint injury

Excessive exercise

It is important to address gout quickly, as it can cause permanent damage to the joints, kidney damage, and kidney stones.

Note: Pseudogout has similar symptoms and is sometimes confused with gout. However, it is caused by calcium phosphate, not uric acid.

For information on conventional treatments for gout, visit the Arthritis Foundation, the CDC, or the Medline. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.

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