Gout is an inflammatory joint disease, and a form of arthritis, occurring in about 5% of people with arthritis. This condition results from the build up of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of way substances, called purines in the body. Usually it is dissolved in the blood, processed by the kidneys, and passes out of the body via the urinary tract. In some individuals, an excess amount of uric acid occurs – too much for the kidneys to eliminate quickly. When there is too much uric acid in the blood, it crystalizes and collects in joint spaces, causing gout.
Common risk factors for gout are:
- Being overweight.
- Excessive eating steps up the production of uric acid
- Eating too many foods with purines such as organ meats which are the liver, kidney, brains, and also sweetbreads, sardines, anchovies, meat extracts, dried peas lentils and legumes. All are high in purines.
- There may be an enzyme defect present which prevents breakdown of uric acid.
- Heavy alcohol use
- Exposure to environmental lead
- Using certain medications including diuretics and salicylates, and also levadopa.
- Taking niacin can actually increase risk of gout.
Using organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) and baking soda, honey, dried cherry capsules and also alfalfa capsules is an effective, natural way to get to the root cause of gout. Watch the video to learn the recipe with Dr. Michael Karlfeldt!
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