Managing Gout Naturally
In our latest blog we have a look at what gout is, understanding the symptoms and causes and look at natural ways you can manage your gout and gout flare ups.
What is Gout?
Gout is a painful and complex form of arthritis that can strike suddenly and severely, typically affecting one or more joints such as the big toe, ankles, knees, or wrists. It is caused by an excess buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, which crystallises in the joints, leading to intense pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness.
Gout attacks can come on abruptly, often waking sufferers in the middle of the night with a sensation of burning and unbearable joint discomfort. While gout symptoms can ebb and flow, managing lifestyle factors effectively can greatly reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life.
Gout Symptoms and Causes
Gout symptoms usually present as acute episodes of joint pain that peak within the first 4 to 12 hours and are often accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, and limited range of motion in the affected area.
The pain is commonly felt in the joint at the base of the big toe but can also occur in other joints like the knees, ankles, elbows, and fingers. If left untreated, gout attacks can become more frequent, last longer, and potentially cause lasting joint damage.
The root cause of gout is hyperuricemia—high uric acid levels in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down substances called purines, which are found in certain foods and beverages.
When uric acid accumulates faster than the kidneys can eliminate it, sharp urate crystals form in joint tissues, triggering inflammation and intense pain.
Lifestyle Tips to Manage Gout Naturally
Managing gout naturally centres around making dietary and lifestyle adjustments that reduce uric acid levels and inflammation, while supporting your overall joint health.
Do’s for Managing Gout
1. Do Stay Well-Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for flushing excess uric acid from the body through the kidneys. During gout flare-ups, increasing fluid intake helps reduce swelling and supports quicker relief. Aim for at least 8 to 16 cups of water daily, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare provider due to conditions like kidney disease.
2. Do Eat a Low-Purine Diet
Limiting foods rich in purines can prevent uric acid buildup. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, and legumes. Incorporate complex carbohydrates like brown rice and oats, and choose lean protein sources such as eggs and plant-based proteins.
3. Do Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight increases uric acid production and impairs its elimination. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
4. Do Manage Stress
Stress triggers can worsen inflammation, so incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help keep gout symptoms in check.
5. Do Use Natural Anti-Inflammatories
Certain natural supplements have anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in managing gout pain and swelling. Bromelain, an extract from pineapple stems, is one of Supreme Wellness’ natural supplements to help in managing gout.
Don’ts for Managing Gout
1. Avoid High-Purine Foods
Steer clear of red meats, organ meats (liver, kidneys), and certain seafood like sardines, anchovies, and shellfish, which are high in purines and can elevate uric acid levels.
2. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol, especially beer and spirits, can raise uric acid levels and trigger flare-ups. It’s best to avoid or minimize alcohol intake.
3. Cut Back on Sugary Drinks and Foods
Sugar-sweetened beverages and foods high in fructose can increase uric acid production and worsen gout symptoms.
4. Avoid Crash Diets and Fasting
Rapid weight loss and fasting can temporarily raise uric acid levels, precipitating gout attacks.
5. Avoid Excessive Intake of Aspirin and Diuretics
Certain medications may increase uric acid levels. Consult your healthcare provider about any medications you’re taking.
How Supreme Wellness can aid in Gout Management
Bromelain For Gout Management
Bromelain is a natural enzyme extract derived from the stem of pineapples, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It has been used traditionally to treat conditions characterised by inflammation, such as arthritis and sinusitis. Bromelain has the potential to reduce inflammation and swelling, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Bromelain may also help modulate the body’s inflammatory response, easing the severity of painful joint flare-ups associated with gout. Additionally, it supports tissue healing and reduces stiffness, improving joint mobility during and between attacks.
A research trial published in the journal “Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine” focused on 42 patients with osteoarthritis or painful joint conditions related to degenerative spine issues. These patients were administered two 650-milligram capsules of bromelain two to three times a day, depending on the severity of their pain and on an empty stomach.
The results were quite promising. For individuals with acute pain, there was a substantial reduction in pain levels, up to 60 percent. Participants with chronic conditions also experienced notable relief, with pain decreasing by over 50 percent. The researchers’ conclusion was that “Bromelain has been demonstrated to show anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and may provide a safer alternative or adjunctive treatment for osteoarthritis.
Curcumin For Gout Management
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, assists with gout management primarily through its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps reduce the inflammation and pain caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints, which is the hallmark of gout.
Curcumin suppresses a protein called nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B), which plays a major role in triggering inflammatory responses in gout. By blocking this protein, curcumin can effectively reduce joint swelling, pain, and stiffness during gout flare-ups.
Additionally, curcumin may help lower uric acid levels by inhibiting enzymes involved in uric acid production and supporting its elimination from the body. Its antioxidant effects also protect cells from oxidative stress, which contributes to inflammation in gout.
Studies in both animals and humans have shown that curcumin can alleviate arthritis-related pain and improve joint function, suggesting similar benefits for gout sufferers. Turmeric, often taken as a supplement or incorporated into the diet, can be used in various forms such as capsules, teas, or in cooking, often combined with black pepper to enhance absorption.
Supreme Wellness Supplements For Gout Management
Gout can be a debilitating condition, but it is manageable with the right lifestyle choices. Drinking plenty of water, adopting a low-purine diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing stress are key steps to reducing flare-ups. Adding natural anti-inflammatory supplements like bromelain and curcumin may provide extra relief by targeting joint inflammation.