Enzymes for Gout Remedies

Gout has plagued man since ancient times (see Resource 1). An excruciatingly painful form of arthritis, it was once known as "the wealthy man's disease." A diet rich in substances known as purines has long been known to precipitate attacks in susceptible individuals. Even today, dietary management remains a mainstay of treatment. Systemic enzymes, which encourage better digestion, may provide relief for some chronic sufferers.

Gout Causes

• Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. The crystals are a byproduct of the breakdown of purines in the bloodstream.
  Physicians typically advise patients to restrict their intake of purine-rich foods, such as shellfish, red meats and alcohol. In addition, they often prescribe powerful medications for symptomatic relief, as well as drugs that either inhibit production or encourage secretion of uric acid. Because these drugs are not always effective over the long term and may have serious side effects, holistic approaches remain popular among patients experiencing intractable pain.

Gout Cures

• Jaime Beezel's father suffered miserable gout attacks for years. A native Marylander, he finally found that his annual crab indulgence caused more pain than pleasure. During attacks he could not bear to have even a sheet touching his skin. He gave up his beloved seafood and tried traditional medications, but he was still in pain and, worse, his liver and kidneys began to show signs of damage. In desperation he sought his own cure. His intensive research into the biochemical basis of the disease led him to try a combination of powerful antioxidants and enzymes that ultimately alleviated his suffering.

Digestion Breakdown

• According to Beezel, extremely acidic foods, even those not containing purines, increase uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Avoid these during a gout attack and add "gout-friendly" foods such as sour dairy and lemon to the diet. Drink large quantities of water to flush out crystallized uric acids, and use bottled water, as chlorine kills good bacteria in the gut and impedes digestion. Finally, seek out digestive support in the form of a good probiotic (see Reference 4).
  Enzymes such as bromelain have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to alleviate gout symptoms. Several small studies have also shown appreciable benefits to eating cherries, which contain an enzyme that inhibits production of uric acid (see Reference 2).
  While many physicians remain unaware of so-called "alternative" remedies for gout, they have begun to move into the mainstream. A recently completed clinical trial at Duke University showed positive results for an enzyme called PEG-uricase in patients who had been unresponsive to conventional treatments (see Reference 3).