A patient experiencing an acute gout attack typically wakes from sleep with a red, hot, swollen and excruciatingly painful big toe which feels as though it is on fire. Even the weight of the bedsheet on his foot is unbearable. The reason for this pain? The high level of uric acid in his blood has translated into sharp and spiky crystals that typically have deposited themselves at his big toe joint, and now feel like a thousand tiny needle-stabs. Since the feet are a little cooler than the rest of the body, the big toe joint actually facilitates the formation of uric acid crystals, making it a very common site for a gout attack. Joints that have experienced recent trauma too are common sites for gout pain.
Although the common site of an acute gout attack remains the big toe, it can sometimes affect other joints like knees, fingers, wrist or elbows. Gout manifests in the form of painful and debilitating arthritis, which if left untreated can result in tissue destruction which can lead to a deformity of the joints. Fortunately, this condition can be managed by natural means; adopting certain dietary habits, following a healthy lifestyle and making use of natural remedies can all play a part at keeping gout at bay.
The Purine and Gout Correlation
Uric acid is a by-product of the synthesis of purine – a nitrogen containing compound found in some of the foods that we eat. Purine also happens to be found internally in our body cells, which when they break down and multiply, result in the release of uric acid. A spike in one’s uric acid level happens either because the body has over produced it, or the body has not been able to excrete it efficiently. In both cases however, the unwelcome consequence is the accumulation of uric acid in the system, predisposing the unfortunate individual to gout.
Foods containing a high content of purine will release uric acid when they are metabolised by the body. It goes without saying that reducing the intake of such foods would reduce the risk of a gout attack. Some common foods high in purine include red meat (including offal) , seafood and certain kinds of fish such as codfish, trout, anchovies and sardines. And contrary to popular belief, some vegetables including spinach, cauliflower, mushrooms and legumes, also contain purine.
Dietary and Lifestyle Suggestions
Ditch Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
Too much sugar of any kind promotes the formation of uric acid and substantially increases the risk of a gout attack. In fact a high consumption of naturally occurring sugars (fructose) found in fruits and artificial sweeteners (high corn fructose syrup) is one of the leading risk factors for gout. As a general rule, limiting the use of desserts, sugary beverages, and foods high in sugar is vital in maintaining the body’s normal level of uric acid. Honey, fruit that is high in fructose and juices derived from them, would also form part of the dietary exclusion list.
Similarly, refined carbohydrates are quickly processed by the body and this causes a spike in one’s blood sugar level. Moderating one’s consumption of pizza, pasta, pastries and other products made from white flour would be beneficial. This also holds true for processed foods which are typically high in sugar and salt so as to enhance their shelf life. This being said, diet alone may not be enough to alleviate the risk of a gout attack- this has to be combined with other measures and natural remedies in order to give oneself the maximum benefit.
Maintain A Healthy Body Mass Index
More than half of those who suffer from gout are those classed as clinically obese, which highlights the significance of maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). Here, gradual weight loss should be aimed for whilst avoiding long periods of fasting, which in fact can be detrimental. When we fast our body switches to the reserve of fats as a source of fuel in the absence of a supply of carbohydrates. And when fats are metabolised, they result in the production of ketone bodies which are known to inhibit the excretion of uric acid from the system.
Incorporate Exercise in your Daily Routine
Exercise and/or a moderate sport combined with healthy dietary habits would greatly assist in maintaining an ideal body weight. Cardiovascular exercise, which can range from brisk walking to light jogging, would be sufficient. Alternatively, sports such as badminton, tennis, football or basketball may help in achieving the same results, whilst adding a dimension of fun.
Drink Plenty of Water
To those predisposed to gout, being dehydrated may also cause a risk of attack. In the absence of enough water in the body, one’s kidneys cannot eliminate uric acid as efficiently. Drinking 2-3 litres of water a day would help to ensure that one remains hydrated. This would also help in warding off the risk of developing kidney stones, which gout patients happen to be susceptible to. Similarly, the excess consumption of alcohol limits the capacity of kidneys to excrete uric acid making it a potential trigger for gout.
Natural Remedies for Gout
Cherries
There has recently been some interest in medical circles in the efficacy of cherries to keep gout attacks at bay, prompting the conduct of several clinical trials. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that anthocyanins, a compound found in cherries may be helpful in limiting the production of uric acid and preventing gout flare-ups. Fresh or dried cherries would work equally well, and should one feel a gout attack coming on, a handful of cherries for one to two weeks may be helpful in neutralising the effects of uric acid within the body. Some studies have documented similarly beneficial effects by using cherry juice either fresh or from concentrate.
Pineapple
Pineapple is another fruit of choice for gout patients, and owes its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to the bromelian enzyme. Pineapple has traditionally been used to deal with pain and swelling associated with different kinds of arthritis. It is equally beneficial for arthritis associated with gout. A cupful of fresh diced pineapple daily for one week may be helpful in easing the pain associated with gout. Canned pineapples usually preserved in sugary syrup would make them unsuitable for this purpose.
Curcumin
Curcumin is an active ingredient of tumeric, with supplements made from it known for calming the inflammation. Some arthritis patients, in search of natural alternatives for nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have switched to such supplements and have reported successful pain management after doing so. Such supplements are usually safe for long term use. Gout patients may also find these helpful during painful attacks. Tumeric powder, may also be used instead but supplements have proven to be more beneficial due to the higher concentration of curcumin contained within them.
Nettle Leaf
Nettle leaf has long been used by herbalists to help joint inflammation, but it also has the added advantage of lowering the level of uric acid as it has been found effective in flushing out excess uric acid from the system. Nettles can be used in the form of nettle tea or freeze-dried extract, but the extract has been found to be more potent. If one ventures out to pick up this common weed, precautions should be taken to avoid direct contact with the skin and gloves should be worn to protect against the stinging nettles.
Sodium Bicarbonate, Alfalfa and Nutmeg
Some anecdotal evidence suggests the use of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) for treating the symptoms of gout may be beneficial. Sodium bicarbonate is believed to neutralise stomach acid, which in turn improves the alkalinity of blood keeping uric acid level under control. Half a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water may be taken 3-4 times per day. Similarly, alfalfa supplement and nutmeg also claim some attention for providing a good level of relief to some people, as well as contributing to an overall improvement in their gout. As these are natural products with virtually no side effects, they can be trial- and-tested to see what works for each individual.
Capsaicin Cream
Capsaicin cream is made with the extract of chili peppers and has proved to be an effective topical treatment for the management of pain linked with arthritis, migraine and neuropathy. Capsaicin cream works by desensitising the nerve endings which send pain messages to the brain. Although it may not be sufficient on its own, it may well prove to be helpful in combination with other measures and gout patients may find benefit in incorporating this cream into their overall natural treatment protocol. Capsaicin cream may be obtained over the counter and should be applied at the site of inflammation 3-4 times per day.
Conclusion
Gout as a metabolic and inflammatory disorder, can have a considerable bearing on one’s quality of life. The management of this condition depends upon maintaining a normal level of uric acid in the body so as to prevent onset of a flare-up. Maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, staying sufficiently hydrated, avoiding alcohol and excessive sugar intake, plus some other dietary precautions, are the essential components of any effective gout management regimen.
Written by: Haroon Ashraf
Haroon Ashraf is a homeopath based in London, where he offers consultations in person and online. Haroon specialises in treating skin and gut conditions. Please visit his homeopathy practice at https://holistichomeopathy.co.uk/ for more information. Follow Haroon on Twitter @HolisticPathy and on Instagram holistic_pathy for all things health and well-being.
