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Gout: the symptoms and a natural remedy to try out

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Gout affects around 14 million people in Europe. It is a very painful type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid accumulates in the blood. So what are the symptoms of gout? And is there a natural remedy?

What are the causes for gout?

Gout can be caused by the breakdown of certain substances called purines, which make up our bodies and certain foodstuffs such as red meat, seafood, dried beans and peas, and alcohol.

Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood after having been filtered by the kidneys, and it is then eliminated via the urine. But when the kidneys are affected, they cannot effectively eliminate this acid, which crystallises and accumulates in the synovial fluid that normally lubricates the joints, generally in the feet.

A person can have a sudden attack of this illness, and it can affect several joints, reducing the person’s mobility.

Symptoms of gout

The symptoms of an attack of gout are unmissable: 

  • symptoms occur generally at night
  • the pain is strong
  • the affected joint swells up (the toes, knees, wrists, feet, hands, elbows, etc.)
  • the joint feels hot and red and becomes very sensitive
  • the first attack lasts between 3 and 10 days

Even if the episode usually ends without leaving any marks or traces, consult a doctor, because without treatment, you could have another attack.

Gout: what are the risk factors?

Certain risk factors have now been identified that increase the likelihood of developing gout:

  • men are more affected (85%) than women, especially men over 40 years of age
  • family history of gout
  • following a transplant
  • certain medications such as diuretics, aspirin, cyclosporin or levodopa
  • being overweight
  • excessive consumption of alcohol, red meat or seafood
  • periods of stress
  • other illnesses

How to treat gout?

Attacks of gout are generally treated with anti-inflammatories, which are most effective early on in the attack.

If a diagnosis of gout is confirmed, the doctor will recommend guidelines and a special diet to avoid attacks, such as:

  • avoiding foods that increase levels of uric acid
  • eating foods that lower your levels of uric acid (dairy products, oranges, grapefruit, cherries)
  • maintain a balanced weight
  • drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day and avoid alcohol

Natural remedy for treating gout

Mix the following ingredients in a bowl:

  • 1 cup of juice from organic acidic cherries 
  • 5 slices of organic pineapple
  • 1/2 a teaspoon of organic turmeric
  • 1 dessertspoon of honey

Take this remedy every morning during the attack and outside of an acute attack, take a maintenance dose twice a week.

Sources: Améliore ta Santé, Esanté, Créapharma

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