The following protocols and ideas are a few examples and explanations that will help you overcome the adversities that plague you during an outbreak of gout. The recommendations are largely related to when a breakout occurs. Other than those times it is best to stay with a diet that does not tend to aggravate gout.

Gout is a common type of arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood, tissues and urine.

Uric acid is an end product of the metabolism of a class of chemicals known as purines. In people with Gout, the body does not produce enough of the digestive enzyme uricase, which oxidizes relatively insoluble uric acid into a highly soluble compound. As a result, uric acid accumulates in the blood and tissue and ultimately, crystallizes.

When it crystallizes, uric acid takes on a shape like that of a needle, it jabs its way into the joints. It seems to prefer the big toe, but other joints can be affected as well.

Uric acid is a by-product of certain foods, so gout is closely related to diet. Obesity and an improper diet increase the risk of gout. But gout is found in all walks of life. 90% of gout sufferers are male. Uric acid kidney stones may be a related problem. He best way to get a definitive diagnosis is for a physician to insert a needle into the infected area and extract some fluid, examine under a microscope looking for uric acid crystals.

CONSIDERATIONS

· Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is helpful for flare-ups. This oily liquid is applied topically. Note DMSO from a health store should be used.

· Honeybee venom has provided relief for some gout sufferers.

· Deficiencies of certain nutrients produces excessive uric acid: B5, A and E

· People who have candida or who have taken antibiotics often have increased levels of uric acid.

· Chemotherapy releases large amounts of uric acid.

· In rare cases a secondary type of gout called saturnine gout can result in toxic overload.

· Cortisone is commonly prescribed. However this may put added strain on the adrenal glands, which are already stressed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

· When gout strikes, eat only raw fruits and vegetables for two weeks. Frozen or fresh cherry or strawberries neutralize uric acid. Also include grains, seeds and nuts.

· Maintain a diet low in purines. Purines are organic compounds that contribute to uric acid formation. (I.e. anchovies, asparagus, consommé, herring, meat gravies and broth’s, mushrooms, mussels, sardines and sweetbreads.

· Consume PLENTY of water. Distilled water is best. Fluid intake promotes excretion of toxins even uric acid.

· Do not consume meats specifically beef and pork. If you do then try to eat kosher products. These products have had the uric acid removed from them.

· Consume no alcohol. Alcohol increases uric acid levels.

· Do not eat fried foods roasted nuts or any other foods containing or cooked in heated oils. When heated, oils become rancid. Rancid fats quickly destroy Vit E which increases uric acid

· Avoid rich foods such as cakes and pies. Leave white flour and sugar out of your diet.

· Avoid the amino acid glycine. Glycine can be converted into uric acid more quickly in people who suffer from gout.

· Limit caffeine, cauliflower, dried beans, lentils, fish, eggs, oatmeal, peas, poultry, spinach and yeast products.

· If you are over weight, lose the excess pounds. Losing weight lowers serum uric acid levels. Fasting for longer than 3 days can drastically increase uric acid level.