Herbs to help with gout
Anonymous
Question : I WAS told by my doctor recently that I have gout. My uric acid level is high. Since this may be at an early stage as I just had the pain attack, how can I manage it? Are there any supplements that can help?
Answer : GOUT is a common type of arthritis caused by an increased concentration of uric acid, a by-product of protein metabolism in the liver. It affects more men than women. Sudden attacks of severe joint pains occur when sharp crystals of uric acid (monosodium urates) form in the fluid surrounding a joint due to an elevated level of uric acid in the blood.
Foods that contain a high level of purine should be avoided, and these include red meats, organ meats and shellfish.
There are several herbs that have proven benefits for painful joints. Celery seed and guaiacum are two very popular ones. These are usually combined with other herbs such as ginger, capsicum and sarsaparilla for better synergistic effect.
Celery seed (Apium graveolens) helps the kidneys dispose urates and other unwanted waste products as well as working to reduce acidity in the body. The seeds are also a carminative, with a mild tranquilising effect. Guaiacum is used in Europe, especially in Britain, to help with arthritic and rheumatic conditions. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce muscle aches, joint pains and swelling. It is also diuretic and speeds the elimination of toxins, which makes it valuable for treating gout.
To maintain healthy joints, you need to refrain from the consumption of rich fatty foods, refined carbohydrates and alcohol, as they can be converted by the body into inflammatory substances that can aggravate the condition.
Increase your intake of foods high in dietary fibre (vegetables, fruits) and complex carbohydrates (oats, barley, bran). Reduce or avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption. Wheat, dairy products, corn, beef, tomato, potato, eggplant and peppers can aggravate arthritis. Light exercises like brisk walking help to keep the joint cartilage lubricated. Being overweight can burden the joints, especially the knees, thus aggravating the pain. Losing some weight will be of benefit.
About the author:
www.medical-explorer.com
The latest information and news on Arthritis Advice :
Federal officials ordered stronger warnings on four medications widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections.
FDA orders stronger warnings for arthritis drugs (Lake County News-Sun)
The Food and Drug Administration has ordered stronger warnings on four medications -- including Abbott Laboratories's blockbuster Humira -- widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections.
US orders stronger warnings for 4 arthritis drugs (GMA News)
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered stronger warnings Thursday on four medications widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections.
Deaths Heighten Arthritis Drugs Warning (MedicineNet.com)
Title: Deaths Heighten Arthritis Drugs Warning Category: Health News Created: 9/5/2008 Last Editorial Review: 9/5/2008
Half of Adults Will Get Knee Arthritis (WebMD)
Nearly half of Americans are likely to develop arthritis in at least one knee by age 85, a study shows.
Stronger Warnings Ordered on Arthritis Drugs (New York Times)
Federal health regulators ordered new warning language for prescription drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn?s disease and other conditions after a dozen patients died.
Arthritis Meds May Lead To Fungal Infections (WSB-TV 2 Atlanta)
The FDA finds a link between four arthritis drugs and histoplasmosis infections.
FDA orders stronger warnings for 4 arthritis drugs (AP via Yahoo! News)
The Food and Drug Administration ordered stronger warnings Thursday on four medications widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections.
FDA orders stronger warnings for 4 arthritis drugs (Atlanta Journal-Constitut...
The Food and Drug Administration ordered stronger warnings Thursday on four medications widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses, saying they can raise the risk of possibly fatal fungal infections. The drugs ? Enbrel, Remicade, Humira and Cimzia ? work by suppressing the immune system to keep it from attacking the body. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the ...
FDA warns on arthritis drugs (CNN Money)
Government regulators order stronger warnings for four types of arthritis medication, saying they can increase risk of death by infection.