Gout is a metabolic disease affecting your joints; it is a form of rheumatism. It is the over production of uric acid caused by your body system's inability to process protein or the ineffectiveness of your kidneys to eliminate your waste. Excessive accumulation of uric acid in your system is called hyperuricemia. These deposits build up as sharp crystals in your joints and eventually cause pain and swelling especially in your big toe. This condition affects more men than women from age 40.
Gout can be debilitating, especially for professionals and other urbanites. Commuters who must walk distances to their places of work, office staff who must scuttle about their buildings and stairways, or even desk-bound middle executives who must daily pore over paperwork-all of whom must contend with the inconvenience of enduring a constant foot pain.
But there is hope for the afflicted. For while there is no permanent cure, medical remedies are available, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Treatment management includes pain management during acute attacks, easing and lessening number of days of the symptoms, and prevention of future attacks. If symptom persist, colchicine is prescribed. This is more effective if administered within 12 hours from the time of the first pain attack. If symptoms still continue, allopurinol is given to facilitate decrease in the production of uric acid.
But there is no substitute for prevention. And this can be done by lifestyle change and proper diet. Try to keep a healthy liver and kidneys so they can function well. Include raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your diet and avoid high purine foods like organ meats, meats and seafood, beans, peas, artichokes, mushrooms, anchovies, sardines, and asparagus. Drink plenty of fluids especially water and black cherry juice while avoiding alcoholic beverages. Maintain the ideal weight/height ratio and exercise regularly.
Natural and home remedies are still the most reliable and safest. Studies show that Vitamin C helps reduce the uric levels in your system but must be monitored regularly especially if you take maintenance drugs. Cherry, especially the black variety, is the most popular home remedy. An apple a day helps neutralize the uric acid, while milk and yogurt helps in the reduction of uric acid. Spices like Chicory and Thyme are taken as tea. A mixture of two tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey also helps ease the pain. You can also make your own mustard paste applied to the affected area overnight. Doing the range of motion exercises of the affected area after soaking it under Epsom salt and warm water is the all-time favorite of grandparents.
Gout can be debilitating, especially for professionals and other urbanites. Commuters who must walk distances to their places of work, office staff who must scuttle about their buildings and stairways, or even desk-bound middle executives who must daily pore over paperwork-all of whom must contend with the inconvenience of enduring a constant foot pain.
But there is hope for the afflicted. For while there is no permanent cure, medical remedies are available, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Treatment management includes pain management during acute attacks, easing and lessening number of days of the symptoms, and prevention of future attacks. If symptom persist, colchicine is prescribed. This is more effective if administered within 12 hours from the time of the first pain attack. If symptoms still continue, allopurinol is given to facilitate decrease in the production of uric acid.
But there is no substitute for prevention. And this can be done by lifestyle change and proper diet. Try to keep a healthy liver and kidneys so they can function well. Include raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your diet and avoid high purine foods like organ meats, meats and seafood, beans, peas, artichokes, mushrooms, anchovies, sardines, and asparagus. Drink plenty of fluids especially water and black cherry juice while avoiding alcoholic beverages. Maintain the ideal weight/height ratio and exercise regularly.
Natural and home remedies are still the most reliable and safest. Studies show that Vitamin C helps reduce the uric levels in your system but must be monitored regularly especially if you take maintenance drugs. Cherry, especially the black variety, is the most popular home remedy. An apple a day helps neutralize the uric acid, while milk and yogurt helps in the reduction of uric acid. Spices like Chicory and Thyme are taken as tea. A mixture of two tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey also helps ease the pain. You can also make your own mustard paste applied to the affected area overnight. Doing the range of motion exercises of the affected area after soaking it under Epsom salt and warm water is the all-time favorite of grandparents.
About the Author:
What is the best gout treatment? The treatment for gout lasts a lifetime as gout is directly related to your diet.
