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Milk Cure for Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by painful attacks of swelling in individual joints, usually in the feet and, in particular, the big toe. Because the pain is so intense, gout can be a disabling condition that must be treated so that gout sufferers can resume normal daily physical activities. Traditionally, gout is treated with drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine and corticosteroids. Recent studies, however, show that drinking milk may be an alternative cure for gout in some cases.

  1. Causes of Gout and the Milk Cure

    • Gout is caused by the buildup of urate crystals around your joint, resulting in inflammation and intense pain in the joint. Such urate crystals may form because you have elevated levels of uric acid in your blood, which can happen when your body either produces too much uric acid or your kidneys do not excrete enough uric acid. Therefore, in order to treat gout, you must reduce the level of uric acid in your blood. According to a recent medical study presented by the American College of Rheumatology, drinking milk may provide this benefit for gout sufferers.

    Skim Milk as a Gout Cure

    • In a medical study presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in October 2009, researchers discovered that drinking skim milk reduced serum uric acid concentrations in the blood, which reduced the occurrence of gout attacks in the 16 gout sufferers who took part in the study. Study participants received a glass of skim milk to drink, and researchers collected samples of serum and urine directly before each participant drank the milk and then hourly over the next three hours. In all 16 cases, participants experienced a 10 percent decrease in serum uric acid as well as decreased attacks of gout.

    Skim Milk vs. Soy Milk

    • In the same study, researchers also studied the effects of soy milk on uric acid levels. While skim milk reduced uric acid levels, soy milk, on the other hand, actually increased serum uric acid by about 10 percent. Therefore, although evidence suggests that milk may be a potential treatment option for gout sufferers, it is important to use the right kind of milk. According to this recent study, gout patients should avoid drinking soy milk but may want to consider adding a glass of skim milk to their daily diets to potentially control the occurrence of gout attacks.

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