On the Ask Dr. Michael Show, Dr. Karlfeldt answers a viewer question about causes and natural remedies for gout.
Kimberly Conder Oliver in Boise, ID asks, “What causes gout, and how can it be treated?”
Gout is an inflammatory joint disease, and a form of arthritis.
Gout which occurs in about 5% of those with arthritis results from the build up of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of waste substances, called purines in the body. Usually it is dissolved in the blood, processed by the kidneys and passed out of the body through the urine.
In some people, there is an excess amount of uric acid, 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 include being overweight, excessive eating steps up the production of uric acid, eating too many foods with purines such as organ meats like liver, kidney, brains, sweet breads, sardines, anchovies, meat extracts, dried peas, lentils and legumes. All are high in purines.
You can also have an enzyme defect that prevents the breakdown of uric acid. And also heavy alcohol use, exposure to environmental lead, and certain medications which include the diuretics, salicylates, and levadopa. Taking niacin can actually increase the risk of gout. Something that has helped a lot of people with symptoms of gout. Baking soda, honey, dried cherry, and also alfalfa capsules.
Directions:
I recommend placing three teaspoons of ACV into 8 ounces glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda. You can put some honey in your mouth to make the mixture easier to drink as it tends to have a strong flavor that some don’t enjoy. Swallow this along with 3 capsules of both the dried cherries and alfalfa. In my experience, this has provided benefit to those dealing with gout.
Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash.