Anyone who has suffered from gout or knows someone who does, understands the often painful, debilitating effects of the condition. Gout is a form of arthritis which is marked by significant inflammation, redness, swelling and pain. Gout has been recognised as the condition of ‘over-indulgence’. This agonising condition is caused by higher than normal uric acid levels in the blood and body tissues.
Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of purines in the body often derived from diets high in:
- meat products
- oily seafood
- alcohol
- caffeine
Other medical conditions can become risk factors for gout and high uric acid levels including:
- hypertension
- heart disease
- diabetes
- obesity
- some medications
- kidney disease
- recent medical surgery
- family history of gout
- male >40 year
What are the current medical treatment options for gout?
- Medications that inhibit uric acid production
- Anti-inflammatories
- Corticosteroids
- Medications that increase the excretion of uric acid
Unfortunately, these medications are not without risks and side effects. When prescribed gout medications, be sure to request information sheets from your GP on the possible side effects.
Going Natural
Celery seed and sour cherry have demonstrated efficacy in reducing uric acid and gout symptoms with few side effects and are generally well tolerated.
Celery
Celery has presented some great results in inflammatory cases such as joint pain and rheumatism. Celery consists of several natural chemical compounds that act as anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants that crusade in the reduction of oxidative damage that harms joints and tissues.
Sour Cherry
Tart cherry juice has long been used by natural enthusiasts in the fight against attacks of gout when used regularly over several months. Like celery, sour cherry can reduce the pain associated with attacks and reduce characteristic inflammation and oxidative damage due to its high antioxidant content.
If you or someone you know suffer from attacks of gout, speak with a medical professional or a natural medicine practitioner about the benefits of celery and sour cherry in its reduction of gout symptoms and incidences.
It should be noted that diet and lifestyle play are significant role in the presentation of gout and other inflammatory conditions and addressing the imbalances in these factors can greatly reduce the likelihood of gout interfering in one’s life. Remember, prevention is better than a cure!