Very commonly heard of but not wholly understood, gout is one of the most painful type of arthritis that can affect anyone. It is an inflammation of the joints due to high uric acid levels in the body, which leads to deposits of uric acid crystals in the joints. When gout attacks, it causes intense and intolerable joint pain, it usually happens in the middle of the night, unexpectedly and without any warning.
What causes gout?
By nature, our body produces a substance called purine. This substance can also be acquired from our diet. When purine is broken down in our body, uric acid is formed as one of the metabolic waste products. Excess uric acid is then filtered by the kidneys and excreted out of the body in the urine.
In the case of gout, there is an imbalance in the production and excretion of uric acid. This is either caused by the body producing too much uric acid or the body being unable to eliminate excess uric acid efficiently. As a result, the excess uric acid accumulates in the blood (hyperuricemia) and develops crystals of monosodium urate in and around the joints. These crystals then lead to joint inflammation and pain.
There are many factors that can contribute to gout such as:
- Diet. A diet rich in purines from foods such as meat and seafood and foods high in sucrose like soft drinks and sweetened beverages can raise the risk of hyperuricemia and gout.
- Alcohol. Alcohol can cause hyperuricemia due to its high purine content. Besides that, it disrupts the body’s ability to excrete uric acid.
- Body weight. The chance of developing gout is much higher if a person is overweight or obese. People with excess weight tend to produce more uric acid, which burdens and hinders the kidney’s ability to eliminate uric acid effectively.
- Gender and age. Gout occurs more commonly in men than in women. However, the risk of women developing gout rises after menopause.
- Family history of gout. If other members of your family have gout, you are more susceptible to the disease.
- Medical conditions. A person is more likely to develop gout if he or she has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, or diabetes.
- Prescription Drugs. Certain medications such as diuretics, aspirin, anti-rejection drugs and chemo medications promote higher levels of uric acid in the body and raise the risk of gout.
- Surgery. Recent surgery or gastric bypass surgery increases the likelihood of developing gout.
What are the symptoms of gout?
Gout can affect any of your joints including the ankles, knees, wrists and fingers. The most common place of gout is the joint at the big toe. Gout normally strikes rapidly and the pain can last from hours to days, even weeks in severe cases. Some people may experience only one gout attack, while others may have repeated attacks. Symptoms of gout include:
- Severe and intense joint pain
- Swelling and tenderness of the joint
- Redness and warmth of the joint
- Restricted movement of joints
Is gout dangerous?
Yes, it is! Many people think that having gout causes only pain that does not do any real damage and will eventually subside. In fact, gout, if left untreated, can cause further health problems.
Uric acid crystal may gather in the urinary tract and develop into large kidney stones, which can obstruct the flow of urine and interfere with kidney function. This may eventually lead to kidney disease or kidney failure, which is a life-threatening condition.
Another complication that can develop from gout is tophi. Tophi are lumps formed at the surface of the joints or under the skin due to the build-up of uric acid crystals. They can form in numerous locations in the body, most commonly in the toes, knees, elbows, ears, fingers and heels. Even though they are not painful, they can become inflamed and damage the joint tissues. In time, this causes permanent joint deterioration and immobility.
Is it possible to prevent gout?
The only way to prevent gout is through diet and lifestyle changes with nutritional support.
Diet
- Avoid foods high in purine like red meat, shellfish, seafood, and organ meats.
- Eat a diet low in cholesterol and trans-fats.
- Avoid alcohol intake.
- Limit sugary beverages and com syrup.
- Stay hydrated.
- Drink carrot and apple juice to reduce uric acid in the blood.
- Drink NewLife Apple Cider Vinegar with NewLife Pure Raw Honey mixed in water to flush out toxins from your kidney and bladder.
Lifestyle
- Keep a healthy body weight. Losing extra weight can decrease uric acid levels in the body. It is important to lose weight gradually with a balanced diet and exercise. Rapid weight loss or crash diets can bring adverse effects as they elevate uric acid levels and may lead to gout attacks.
- Exercise regularly. Instead of vigorous workouts that may put unhealthy strain on your joints, exercise on the NewLife Rebounder. Rebounding is a low-impact exercise excellent for weight loss and to reduce the risk of gout. Unlike other exercises on hard surfaces, rebounding does not cause hard impacts on the joints, thus minimising any joint aggravation. Other benefits of rebounding include body detoxification, lymphatic drainage and blood oxygenation.
Nutrition and supplementation
A good nutritional base is necessary to go along with proper diet and lifestyle to battle gout. Follow these nutritional regimes to Keep gout away for good!
Dr. Lynn Tan’s Detoxification & Rejuvenation Programme (DRP)
The DRP is a complete regime aimed at eliminating waste, toxins and poisons from your body while rebuilding and restoring nutritional, hormone and metabolic balance. It puts your body in a position to heal, repair, and rejuvenate while giving your body a new start. Many people with gout have experienced pain relief, reduced symptoms, and in some cases total healing after undergoing the DRP.
NewLife N.Zimes PA Plus
Bromelain, an enzyme that is present in pineapple stems and juice, has shown effective results in treating gout. It can dissolve crystals of monosodium urate and lower uric acid levels, while reducing swelling and inflammation. N.Zimes PA Plus is a proprietary blend that contains bromelain along with other broad-spectrum enzymes.
NewLife Vitamin C Complex
Studies suggest that regular vitamin C supplementation may prevent gout by decreasing uric acid levels in the blood. It is also a potent antioxidant that can enhance your immune function and safeguard you from illnesses.
NewLife Kelp
Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and goiter put you at a higher risk of developing gout. In order to maintain healthy thyroid function, a sufficient amount of iodine is required. Kelp :s a rich source of iodine and other vital minerals that can support and boost your thyroid health, thus decreasing your risk for developing gout. Regular intake of kelp can also lower your levels of uric acid.
NewLife Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex is not only essential for metabolism, growth and development, it also plays a role n preventing gout. It can reduce the adverse effects of gout by assisting your body in converting uric acid into less harmful substances and flushing out excess uric acid.
NewLife Calcium Complex
Keeping strong bones and joints lowers your risk of osteoporosis and joint problems. Supplement yourself with NewLife Calcium Complex to build strong bones and keep your joints supple.
NewLife Niacin
High cholesterol levels and heart disease have been linked to gout. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a natural cholesterol lowering agent. It reduces bad LDL cholesterol and boosts good HDL cholesterol, while improving blood circulation. In addition, it prevents the build-up of plaque and the hardening of the arteries, reducing the risk of heart attacks. (Note: Follow the recommended dosage of 100 mg of niacin a day.)
There is a wide misconception of the long-term effects and the severity of gout – that is, it may cause pain but does not do any real damage. Unfortunately, this belief is wrong. Gout is dangerous! Not only because of the direct damage gout causes, but also the underlying root of gout -hyperuricemia – is associated with many very serious and life-threatening diseases that should not be overlooked or ignored.
Take action today to keep gout at bay!
