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It Will Only Get Better If You Make It Get Better
Dont doubt that your gut health is poor.
The bacteria environment in a gout sufferer is basically sick.
Friendly, life-enhancing bacteria are in retreat.
And their place in your gut is being taken by that steadily increasing number of bacteria that will only do harm.
Put that way, you perhaps realize that you dont have gout at all.
You actually have a diseased gut.
Gout is one of a diseased guts many possible symptoms.
In time, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, kidney failure and some cancers are much more likely because of that same diseased gut.
Dont do this to yourself.
Do what thousands of ex-gout sufferers have done.
We took charge of our gout by taking charge of our health.
And by doing that we not only freed ourselves of that deeply unpleasant condition
. we also drastically reduced the chances of catching something even worse.
We know that if we dont address disease properly things tend to get steadily worse. Which is the last thing we want. Now, then, is the time to act.
The Role Of Medication In Prevention Of Gout
Table 3: Medications to pevent attacks of gout
Standard medications in preventing gout attacks
i. Colchicine : using the matches analogy discussed above1, using colchicine can be seen as dampening the uric acid matches. Colchicine does not lower the bodys store of uric acid, but it decreases the intensity of the bodys inflammatory reaction to these crystals. Recent studies have shown that at least one mechanism of colchicines action is by acting to prevent a cascade of reactions that lead to the production of interleukin 1-beta, which is an inflammatory protein , which is important in gouty inflammation.8
ii. Allopurinol: This agent is presently the most commonly used drug for the prevention of gout. Allopurinol blocks the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which blocks the breakdown of purines, thus decreasing the bodys total amount of uric acid. Allopurinol is effective in preventing gout no matter what the mechanism of the elevated uric acid was. Whether a person is making too much uric acid, or has difficulty excreting it via the kidney, allopurinols decrease in uric acid production leads to the same goal: a decreased total body uric acid.
Table 4: Reasons to use medication to lower uric acid
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Home Remedies For Gout
Because of the rise in health care costs and the popular inclination to try natural home remedies to prevent the need for prescription drugs and surgeries, many people are turning toward alternative remedies to treat gout. A number of these home remedies have been acknowledged for treating gout. But, are they effective or not? We will present a number of them below and discuss their likelihood of success.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used to treat gout because its acidity relieves the acute pain associated with gout and other types of arthritis. The vinegar increases the bodys alkalinity and has anti-inflammatory properties. Some individuals also add honey to the apple cider vinegar because of honeys anti-inflammatory properties.
The bad news is that you take the concoction by the spoonful, and apple cider vinegar isnt exactly known for its amazing taste. To be most effective, you need to take up to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar three times a day. Scientific results are lacking in evidence that apple cider vinegar really works. There was a study in Japan in 2010 which looked at different diets to improve alkalization of urine to increase the removal of uric acid from the body. Apple cider vinegar was in one of the diets, but was not tested alone.
Success stories are hit or miss with apple cider vinegar and the treatment of gout. We give it two stars.
2. Ginger Root
3. Baking Soda
4. Lemon Juice
5. Epsom Salt
6. Cherries
7. Bananas
Blood Pressure And Other Medications
Individuals who have high blood pressure are often prescribed diuretics to reduce it. These medications are very effective at lowering an individual’s blood pressure. Unfortunately, diuretics can be a significant trigger for gout. The reason for this is because diuretics flush the body more frequently, which means that individuals taking them are going to make more trips to the bathroom. Making more trips to the bathroom puts individuals at an increased risk of dehydration, which can then increase levels of uric acid in their bodies and trigger gout. Thus, individuals who have high blood pressure and are at risk of gout should talk to a doctor about the best blood pressure medication for their needs. If they need diuretics, they must develop an appropriate plan to manage the risks.
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Why Do I Suffer From Gout
One word: hyperuricemia. Or, in other words, increased uric acid in your blood. This is the reason why your joints are painful and inflamed. Uric acid is a normal product in your body it is a substance that breaks down purines in your body which are found in certain foods that we eat, in addition to being found in human cells. When your body overproduces uric acid, youre at risk for developing gout. But, why would your body overproduce uric acid?
The triggers of hyperuricemia include:
- Injury
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Eating large amounts of red meat and shellfish
- Dehydration
- Drinking sugary sodas
It is these types of triggers that can create the hyperuricemia, which can result in gout. When you overproduce uric acid, your kidneys have to work harder to flush out the extra uric acid out of your bloodstream, as they would normally do.
Using Epsom Salt While Taking A Bath
Epsom salt has been used as an alternative medicine for decades. It is mandatory to remember that you must not drink or consume epsom salt in any form. The only way to use it is to add 1-2 cups to warm water while taking a bath. Apparently, it will be absorbed by the skin and directly affect the inflammation thanks to high levels of magnesium. If you consume plenty of foods rich in magnesium, there is no need to use both of these remedies. But, if you want soft skin, you may want to try epsom salt.
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Consume Lean Protein To Prevent Gout Flares
One of the keys to managing gout is to choose proteins that are low in purines, since purines can increase uric acid and trigger gout flares. Beef, shellfish, and organ meat have high levels of purines, while eggs, nuts, seeds, and tofu are safer choices. There was a time when doctors thought that milk was also a hazard. But it turns out that low levels of vitamin D are linked to hyperuricemia. Integrating low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt decreases the risk of gout attacks.
Medications Are Not Good For Gout Patients
Thiazide diuretics can result in gout, as they can interfere with uric acid elimination from the body. Thiazide diuretics can lower the water content in your body, and the low fluid percentage in your body will result in reduced blood pressure. Patients who regularly take diuretics may have dehydration, and their body retains a higher amount of uric acid.
Salicylates are non-steroidal drugs for relieving pain. Salicylates like aspirin will result in gout. They also prevent the flow of uric acid from your body. Those having gout symptoms must avoid taking salicylates as painkillers.
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Daily Tips For The Treatment Of Gout
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What Causes Gout In Hands
Sadly, the increasing amount of gout cases we see today is more correlated to obesity than to our bags of gold. With more people around the world consuming sweetened soft drinks, red meat and alcohol, the surge in gout cases was inevitable.
Gout in hands is caused when excess uric acid starts forming sharp crystals in the joints. The body naturally produces uric acid to help break down substances called purines. Purines are found naturally in our bodies and in the foods we eat, especially red meat, seafood and beer.
Uric acid normally dissolves in the blood and goes through the kidneys and is finally released via the urine. However, when purine levels become excessive, the body can overproduce uric acid. The kidneys, in turn, may struggle to get rid of all the excess uric acid. This condition is known as hyperuricemia.
The leftover uric acids eventually start hardening into needle-like urate crystals in the joints or surrounding tissue areas. As the formations develop, they trigger an aggressive inflammatory response from the bodys immune system which results in sharp pains, stiffness and inflammation.
Other risk factors that can cause the development of gout in hands include genetics, certain medications and recent surgery or trauma.
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Elevating The Affected Joints
Gout can cause pain and swelling, especially in the feet, hands, knees, and ankles.
One way to reduce swelling is by elevating the affected joints. This encourages blood and fluid to move away from the joint and back toward the heart.
A person can also use an ice-pack in combination with elevation to reduce their gout symptoms.
Treatment Options For Gout In Hands
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating gout in hands. Each case must be treated individually with the goal of helping to reduce pain and prevent future flare-ups.
Fortunately, there are various medications and drugs which can alleviate the pain and swelling. Other medications can also help with rebalancing the levels of uric acid in the body.
However, one of the most effective ways to mitigate the occurrence of flare-ups entails making lifestyle changes as follows:
- Avoiding foods high in fructose corn syrup-sweeteners, as well as foods with a high concentration of purines. Instead, increase your consumption in fruits, vegetables and grains.
- Exercise on a regular basis with an eye on maintaining an adequate level of weight according to your height and age.
Of course, committing to a lifestyle change and sticking to it is much easier said than done. Many people try to manage their gout in hands on their own for months or even years before seeking treatment by a doctor.
Many do not seek treatment at all, which is a huge shame since gout in hands is a practically curable condition.
Gout in hands is a very serious medical condition. If you feel you may be suffering from many of the symptoms mentioned above, go seek an appointment with your nearest doctor immediately to get a gout diagnosis.
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What Is The Latest Research On Gout
Research is being done on using medications that block a chemical signal known as interleukin-1 to treat gout flares in patients who do not respond to other therapies. Anakinra and canakinumab are two medications that block interleukin-1. They are currently used for other conditions and are under investigation for use in gout flare-ups.
There is ongoing research in using a specialized CT scan known as a dual energy CT scan to diagnose gout. There is also a great deal of research investigating the various uric acid transporter genes that are responsible for uric acid metabolism.
What Is The Prognosis Of Gout
Gout is a chronic condition. Left untreated, patients may suffer from recurrent painful and disabling acute attacks of gout. Joint damage and other complications of gout may occur. However, excellent treatments for gout are available, and most patients respond very well to gout treatment with a good prognosis.
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Healthy Fats Can Minimize Symptoms Of Gout
Certain healthy fats decrease the number of recurring flare-ups. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential fats that humans must consume because the body can’t make its own. There are times when gout medications manage the disease but do not lower the recurring gout attacks. Omega-3s are well-known anti-inflammatories that are helpful in managing other arthritis conditions, too. However, not all sources are as effective. Two or more servings of cold-water fish, such as mackerel or salmon, are better at lowering recurrent gout attacks â by at least 33 percent â compared to fish oil supplements.
New Guidelines Suggest Doing More Of The Same The Problem Is That Many People Don’t
You never forget your first gout attack. The severe pain, swelling, and redness hits hard and fast. The initial attack often strikes your big toe’s large joint, but later ones might affect the foot or ankle. Other hot spots include the knees, hands, and wrists.
First-line treatment is quite effective and includes anti-inflammatory medications, ice therapy, and rest. A combination of diet and lifestyle changes and prescription drugs an approach called urate-lowering therapy, or ULT is typically recommended if attacks recur or become more severe.
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Medicines For Gout Prevention And Complications
Your doctor can prescribe medicines that can help keep a healthy level of uric acid in your body, which can prevent future gout attacks and the complications from gout. When you have gout, your body either makes too much uric acid, or cannot get rid of enough of it, which causes it to build up. Some medicines are safe to take when you have kidney disease, but some are not. Talk to your doctor about which medicines are safe for you.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol is a medicine for people who make too much uric acid. It is the most common medicine used to treat chronic gout. Your doctor can tell you if allopurinol is safe for you to take if you have kidney disease.
Probenecid
Probenecid is a medicine that works for people who cannot get rid of enough uric acid. It works to remove extra uric acid through your urine. Probenecid can increase your risk of kidney stones. Probenecid is not safe to take for many people with kidney disease, so talk to your doctor for more information about probenecid.
Pegloticase
Pegloticase is an infusion medicine given by injection into your vein at your doctors office, usually every two weeks. It is used for severe chronic gout when other medicines do not work. Pegloticase can quickly bring your uric acid level down to a lower level than most medicines can. Talk to your doctor about whether pegloticase is safe for you.
How Can I Manage My Gout And Improve My Quality Of Life
Gout affects many aspects of daily living, including work and leisure activities. Fortunately, there are many low-cost self-management strategies that are proven to improve the quality of life of people with gout.
For gout in particular:
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that may trigger a gout flare, including foods high in purines , and limit alcohol intake .
CDCs Arthritis Program recommends five self-management strategies for managing arthritis and its symptoms. These can help with gout as well.
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