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Learn About Gout and
Simple Ways to Treat it
By Gray Rollins
To put it very simply, gout is the inflammation of the
joints
when excess amounts of uric acid crystallize in the joints.
Uric acid is a waste product that occurs in the blood due to
the breakdown of purines. People who are afflicted by gout do
not have the capacity to break down and excrete this excess
uric acid from their body. Consequently, the uric acid level in
their blood goes up. Slowly, sharp crystal shards of uric acid
are formed in the joints and cause painful inflammation. An
attack of gout can strike like a bolt from the blue. The
excruciating, throbbing pain turns the skin red-hot and the
affected joints become tender and swollen.
We all have uric acid in our blood, but those who are
unfortunate enough to suffer from gout either produce too much
uric acid or cannot excrete enough of it. Often, the big toe is
the prime target of the inflammation. So, gouty arthritis is
often called “gouty big toe”. But gout can affect other joints
of the body including the heel of the hand, the ear, ankles,
knees, elbows or wrists.
While Gout can appear in just about anybody, the typical victim
is a slightly overweight middle-aged male who has a family
history of gout. Out of the 2.5 million people who suffer from
gout, at least 80% are middle-aged males. Women are prone to
higher levels of uric acid after they reach menopause.
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Important Tip : Food Good For Gout
- Celery Seeds have the
natural ability to neutralize the action of purines and lower Uric acid
levels in the blood. Celery seeds can be taken sprinkled over meals, salads
or even eaten after each meal. Make fresh raw celery sticks an integral part
of your diet.
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To control gout, we need to have an understanding of the
factors that lead to the excessive formation of uric acid in
the blood. About one-third of the uric acid in the body comes
from food and alcohol. Here is a list of food that contains
high amounts of purines (uric acid is a waste product of
purines):
-Beets
-Yeast
-Alcohol
-Organ meat
-Sardines in oil, herring and fish roes
-Mushroom, spinach, cauliflower, asparagus
-Lentil beans and peas
-High fat dairy products
A person who has gout must restrain him or herself from eating
food that is rich in purines. But, gout is not caused by food
alone. Poor kidney function works in conjunction with the food
you eat to build up the uric acid levels in the blood.
How to control Gout
Other than avoiding the foods listed above, another
effective
strategy to combat the uric acid build-up is to drink plenty of
water. Water detoxifies the system, and by increasing urination
helps to avoid the crystallization process. Crystallization
happens only when the uric acid levels are excessively high in
the blood. Ample exercise also helps in reducing gout by
increasing the blood circulation in the body.
Certain foods like tofu, nuts and olive oil seem to help a weak
kidney in eliminating uric acid from the bloodstream. A diet
that has plenty of complex carbohydrates (whole grain bread and
pastas, certain fruits, and vegetables) also alleviates the
symptoms. If you suffer from high blood pressure, you must make
sure the medication you use does not inadvertently increase the
uric acid level in your blood. For some unknown reason, gout
seems to attack a joint that has been previously traumatized.
Therefore, try to avoid injuries and wear comfortable shoes.
Managing Gout
There is no immediate medication for Gout. You can only
adopt
certain steps that will make the pain manageable. At a time
when most patients cannot even bear the weight of a bed sheet
on a sore joint, keeping the afflicted joint elevated and at
rest is one of the best things to do. An icepack may numb the
area and reduce pain. Use a painkiller that reduces
inflammation. Some medications like aspirin can worsen matters
by causing a rise in Uric Acid levels.
About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
GoutOptions. To learn more about gout and gout treatments,
visit us at
http://www.goutoptions.com/ and
http://www.goutoptions.com/gouttreatments/
Read More Articles about Gout - Food ,
Cause and Treatment
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