Gout is a form of arthritis that mostly effects the big toes of men 40 years and above, otherwise known as the 'hallux' toe. A relatively small percentage of women are affected. Other joints can be affected including the mid foot, ankle, knees and fingers. Gout is the result of too much uric acid in the blood and tissues, which eventually crystallizes. Crystallized uric acid takes a very sharp form that stabs into the joints and causes the intense pain that gout sufferers feel. Uric acid crystallizes at lower temperatures, which may explain why it mostly effects the extremity of the big toe.
What creates an excess of uric acid?
Gout sufferers don't produce enough of the digestive enzyme uricase, which breaks down insoluble uric acid into a soluble form that can be excreted. Uric acid is also something we consume through diet. So eating foods high in uric acid coupled with a low production of uricase is a surefire predictor of gout. However, even those with normal levels of uricase may suffer from gout if there is more uric acid in the diet than uricase can handle. These risk factors may also be a good indicator that such a person would develop uric acid kidney stones too.
What foods are high in uric acid?
Technically, uric acid is not found in food, but its chemical precursor is - purine. Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism. Gout sufferers should avoid foods high in purine to avoid further uric acid build up. High purine foods include: asparagus, meat gravy, meat broths, anchovies, mackerel, shellfish, herring, sardines, brewer's yeast, peanuts, sweetbreads, meat, alcohol and mushrooms.
What else can I do to help with gout symptoms?
1) It is important to also drink plenty of water, at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day. This will aid the kidneys ability to excrete uric acid more quickly through the urine.
2) This may come as unwelcome news, but I will put extra emphasis on avoiding alcohol, meat and fatty/rich foods, at least until the symptoms have cleared up. Alcohol is not just high in uric acid but also reduces the amount of uric acid excreted from the body. Meat and rich foods are extremely high in uric acid.
3) Juicing is one of the best remedies for gout. Certain fruits and vegetables have the beneficial property of helping to flush uric acid out of the system more quickly. Cherries in particular are shown to be very effective for gout. The antioxidant flavonoids found in this fruit help remove uric acid in conjunction with having anti-inflammatory properties. Juicing cherries allows you to consume a concentrated amount of flavonoids and therefore increase these effects. Blueberries and strawberries also contain the same flavonoids.
For more information about gout remedies, and advice and tips on juicing cherries visit gout remedies