Gout is an affliction you’d often come across in historical literature. It is often associated with medieval kings and lords but it is by no means exclusive to these personages. It is still around today, affecting more people than it did in the past. Its association with the more affluent members of society stems from the fact that it is brought on by a diet rich in purine. Found in rich food and drink, purine increases uric acid in the blood stream resulting to the formation of urate crystals in the joints. In turn, this condition causes an inflammatory response manifested through the pain, swelling and fever that may accompany the condition. Gout home remedies are very common then, considering that many of the rich suffer from the ailment.
Who Suffers from Gout?
Anyone can develop gout but it is a disease commonly seen in men. Women are said to be more efficient when it come to excretion of uric acid but this is not the only reason why gout develops. Excessive consumption of purine rich foods predisposes a person, male or female to gout attacks. Middle age brings with it a variety of health problems. Men in this age bracket, mostly those in their 40′s and 50′s have the greatest risk to manifest signs and symptoms of gout. The disease is also familial. Usually, people with parents and other family members who suffer from it are more likely to manifest it too. Being overweight is also a predisposing factor since overeating implies more consumption of purine rich foods. Foods loaded with purine include organ meats like liver, kidney and animal brains. Sardines, anchovies, meat extracts, dried peas, lentils and legumes also carry enormous amounts of purine especially if eaten in large amounts.
People who have an enzyme defect that prevents the breakdown of uric acid are also at risk as well as those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Exposure to lead, taking medications like diuretics, salicylates and levodopa and ingesting the vitamin, niacin or nicotinic acid, also increase risks.
Reducing the Risk for Gout
Taking steps to reduce the frequency of gout attacks prevent it from affecting one’s quality of life severely. One of the things you can start doing as soon as your medical diagnosis reflects the condition is to maintain your desirable weight. Your doctor can provide a list of high purine foods which you should avoid and you can plan nutritious, reduced calorie meal plans based on it. You should also drinks lots of water to flush out urates and prevent them from developing into kidney stones. Avoid alcohol, specifically beer because studies have shown that it increases urates. Wine doesn’t seem to promote a gout attack but all the same, drink moderately. Also, avoid medications like over the counter diuretics. They slow down the excretion of urates and promote its build-up in the bloodstream.
Alternative Home Remedies
There are many herbal home remedies for gout. These concoctions have anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits and some of them rid joints of toxins. Examples of these are Devil’s claw root, gingerroot, meadowsweet leaves and flowers, and white willow bark. Frankincense, feverfew, cayenne pepper and licorice are also used by gout sufferers as home remedies. One recipe for gout home remedy that’s simple enough to follow is a combination of one half teaspoon powdered devil’s claw root with a cup of boiling water to relieve joint pain. Cover and steep the concoction for 10 minutes. It is recommended for gout sufferers to drink one cup daily until the gout attack subsides.
Often debilitating; gout attacks last between five and ten days or even longer. Medical treatment is essential but you have to take steps to minimize its severity as well as its frequency. Taking positive action as soon as it starts ensures that you won’t be bogged down by this common ailment that severely compromises quality of life.