Gout and Gout Remedies

Gout Remedies - Gout is a painful disease of the joints caused when the level of uric acid content in the body rises above normal limits. The uric acid is a waste product, toxic in nature. In gout the uric acid, instead of being flushed out by the kidneys collects in the joints in the form of crystals. This results in inflammation of the joints, swelling,redness and tenderness of the area. Gout usually affects the big toe first but can also affect the ankle, knee, foot, wrist and other joints. Uric acid crystals may also accumulate under the skin, in soft tissues and in the kidney or the urinary tract.

Gout is also inherited genetically. Some genetic diseases affect the break down and building up of uric acid in the body. Erratic food habits may also be reasons for gout. Exposure to lead, diet that is high in animal protein, obesity, purine rich food and some medications are also common reasons for gout. Some foods which cause gout are organ meat such as liver, kidneys, herring, peas, dried beans and anchovies. Any diet, rich in protein but unsupported by adequate intake of water, can lead to an accumulation of uric acid in joints. Excessive alcohol intake is another reason for gout since it affects the elimination of uric acid from the body in drastic ways.

Some medication causes gout. The use of diuretics which helps the kidney to discard more urine or frequent use of aspirin may also bring about this medical condition. The common vitamin, niacin also triggers gout. Patients with an organ transplant have a higher probability of acquiring gout than normal people. If you are on medications which are gout prone it is advisable to consult your health care provider and ask for an alternative.

Since crystal deposits of uric acid in the joints causes' gout one should try to eliminate the uric acid before it collects in the joints.

Food that has high potassium content contains electrolytes which help in breaking down the crystals. Try to include vegetables and fruits which have high potassium content such as potatoes, lima beans,pumpkin, avocados, banana, tomatoes etc in your diet.

Lemon juice is effective since it neutralizes the acids and cleanses the system with vitamin c and antioxidants. Squeeze a lemon into a glass of lukewarm water and drink it after meals to get some relief in the joints.

Baking soda alkalizes the body and is, therefore, effective. A fiber rich diet is a must since it absorbs the bile acids which later become uric acid.

In men, for they are most prone to gout, having sex reduces the uric acid levels in their bodies. Now this is a welcome way of warding off gout!

Being overweight by 15% or more increases the chances of gout. So, be careful to keep your weight in check. Gout may be hereditary sometimes, but if it is not the chances of getting it otherwise can be drastically diminished by a controlled diet and disciplined lifestyle.

Discover proven Gout Remedies by reading Cure Gout Now - Gout Remedies; a comprehensively researched and easy to read downloadable eBook by Lisa McDowell that shows you how to gain control over your gout with simple lifestyle changes and proven practical strategies, increasing the health of people with gout.

Much more then Gout Remedies is discussed back at the Natural Source Vitamins Homepage