Gout

Contrary to popular belief, this painful affliction is rarely caused by too much of the good life.  True, an excess of red wine can be contributory factor, but overeating and overindulgence generally are not causes of gout.  In fact, it is a disorder of the body chemistry whereby too much uric acid and its compounds (urates) accumulate in the blood.  This results in acid and urate crystals collecting in one or more of the joints, causing extreme pain, swelling, and redness.  The joint at the base of the big toe is particularly prone to gout and repeated attacks can damage the bones of the joints.

Urate crystals can also collect in the kidneys, leading to kidney stones, kidney failure and high blood pressure.  They can also collect in the skin where they form hard lumps – the ears, fingers, and toes are all common sites.

THE ORTHODOX APPROACH

Diagnosis is made by a blood test.  It is known that excess red wine and some medicines, such as diuretics (which encourage urine excretion) increase the risk of contracting gout, so these factors could be indicative.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation.  A sufferer would also be advised to avoid excess alcohol and medicines that raise the blood urate level in order to prevent further attacks.  Drugs that increase urate excretion may also be prescribed.  Some prescription drugs reduce urate production and therefore the risk of subsequent attacks.  However, they have to be taken every day for some years.

THE HALE APPROACH

Diagnosis, as mentioned above, is made by a blood test which generally requires a physician’s opinion.  Once the diagnosis is established, complementary treatments are safe and effective.  Orthodox drugs may be required initially and you should notify your complementary specialist of everything you are taking or being given.

Nutrition plays a vital role in the treatment of gout – and in the prevention of a recurrence – so nutritional/naturopathic or Ayurvedic advice on a suitable diet is highly recommended.  Colonic irrigation would complement a nutritional program, while homeopathy has some remedies which are particularly effective in the treatment of gout.

HOMEOPATHY

Although homeopathic, treatment is very individual, taking into account such factors as a patient’s emotional and psychological state, their diet, etc, in general terms one of the most common remedies for gout is Colchicum.  Dietary advice is also given if necessary. More about homeopathy...

AYURVEDA

According to Ayurveda, bout is known as Vatarakta, meaning toxicity in the blood causing toxic deposits or inflammation commonly in joints of the toes or fingers.  In the treatment an understanding of the dosha state (the patient’s general “type”) is important, as is looking into diet and lifestyle.

Specific oral preparations are available, but a detoxification program using panchakarma (revitalizing) methods is the most important aspect of controlling gout successfully.  In general dietary terms, avoid any acidic foods, fat, “cooling” foods, meat and meat products, and eat plenty of fish, vegetables, and fruit.  More about ayurveda...

COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY

According to one colonic therapist who is also a nutritionist, gout is a form of arthritis.  If the body is not eliminating efficiently, it will obviously retain waste.  The body protects its most vital organs and so it dumps its waste at points that are not as important, depositing uric acid in the joints.  In general terms, if you can improve elimination through the bowel, it will help the other organs of elimination.  The nature of toxins is to be acidic.  Poor bowel elimination stresses the lymphatic system (our second major waste-disposal system).  In the light of this, one colonic hydrotherapist believes that the fluid retention of gout is the body’s way of protecting itself, increasing alkaline levels in an overly acidic system.  More about colonic...

SELF-CARE

Nutrition

A nutritionist will put together a specially tailored, low-protein, rehydration diet which is strongly recommended for gout.  You are likely to be recommended to concentrate on alkaline foods to counter excess uric acid production; suitable foods include vegetables, brown rice, pulses, millet, and lots of water.  “Cherries are very good for gout”, says one nutritionist.  “As are aloe vera and the essential fatty acids”.  Foods to avoid include spinach and rhubarb, and you should cut out altogether red meat, alcohol, tea, coffee, and dairy products, all of which are acidic.