About Naturopathic Treatment for Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by excessive uric acid in bodily fluids. Substances called purines, which are found in foods, produce uric acid when metabolized. People suffer from gout when this uric acid crystallizes and causes pain, inflammation and tissue damage. There are many naturopathic ways to treat this condition. When using natural treatments, it is important to remember that not doing certain things is just as important as doing certain things to remedy the problem. When treating gout naturally, there are many things you can do but there are also many things you should refrain from doing in order to get relief.

Diet

• Reduce the amount of purines in your diet as much as possible. While they are found in many foods, limiting purines intake is the top priority. Completely avoid anchovies, baker's and brewer's yeast, herring, mackerel, sardines and shellfish. Reduce consumption of meat, poultry, and dried beans. Aim for a diet rich in whole unprocessed foods like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help flush out excess uric acid. Cherries are effective in reducing the number of gout attacks and can be eaten as a fresh, frozen, or canned food, or as an extract.

Treatments To Prevent Inflammation

• There are many treatments that help control the inflammation that accompanies a gout attack. Celery seed contains numerous anti-inflammatory compounds. Take the extract as directed on the label. Take 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of Devil's Claw 3 times a day for up to 3 weeks to relieve short term inflammation. Iporuru tincture stops acute inflammation. Take it as directed on the label.

Treatments that Control Uric Acid

• There are many treatments that can keep the production of uric acid in check and help prevent frequency and severity of attacks. Bromelain helps dissolve uric acid crystals. Take 250 to 500 mg 3 times a day between meals. Quercetin keeps uric acid from forming. Take 150 to 250 mg 3 times daily. Sasparilla helps keep uric acid under control and helps reduce frequency of attacks. Take 300 mg once a day.

Other Natural Treatments

• There are other things that one can do to help prevent and treat gout attacks. Take an Epsom salt foot bath 2 or 3 times a day during a flare-up to relieve pain and inflammation. Cold packs applied to the affected area can ease pain and discomfort. Exercise can also reduce frequency of attacks.

Things to Avoid

• In order to successfully manage gout, there are some things of which you should steer clear. Avoid being overweight as obesity is linked to more frequent occurrences of gout. Eliminate alcohol consumption because it increases the production of uric acid. Aspirin and diuretics (water pills) can trigger an attack. Do not take supplements containing glycine. It converts to uric acid faster in people who suffer from gout. Do not take more than 50 mg of vitamin B3 or 3,000 mg of vitamin C daily. These vitamins compete with uric acid for excretion through the urine and can lead to higher levels of uric acid in the body.