Nutritional Therapy As A Treatment For Gout
- Date: 2010-03-04 - Word Count: 740
Share This!
Gout is a condition that usually affects people later in life and there is no medical cure for the condition. For that reason it could be something that could benefit from alternative therapies and it is widely accepted that nutritional therapy could help. In this article we will look at what gout is, what nutritional therapy is and how it can help sufferers of gout.
What is Gout?
Gout is a form or arthritis that usually effect people over the age of 40. It is caused by excessive uric acid in the body that can build up in the joints and cause them to become inflamed. Often it is a hereditary condition but can also be caused by a number of other things particularly diet. In addition it can also be caused by excessive alcohol intake as well as surgery, medications and stress. People who suffer from gout often have severe pain in their lower legs and have difficulty with walking and mobility.
What is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional therapy involves a patient working with a therapist very closely to assess the patient's diet. They will look at what you are eating and the vitamins and minerals that this is giving you. Based on this they will be able to see what you are lacking and changes you need to make. Some of the things they will do is advise on dietary changes, things you need to include and things that you should reduce or remove from your diet. In addition they may also recommend a number of nutritional supplements including vitamins and minerals. The idea is that your diet has a significant effect on your health and so by making changes to your diet you can help to improve your overall level of health and this could have an effect on a number of conditions.
Nutritional therapy and Gout
It is widely accepted by the medical profession that gout can not only be affected by your diet but also caused by it. For that reason certain dietary changes are recommended by most doctors in order to help your condition as well as helping you to manage it. Some of the things that may be beneficial for gout include removing alcohol from your diet as well as losing weight and so putting less pressure on your body. In addition to that we have put a list of supplements below that may be recommended by a nutritional therapist.
1. Folic Acid - this is a synthetic form of Folate that is a B vitamin found naturally in green leaved vegetables and citrus fruits. It is thought that taking folic acid can help to reduce the uric acid in your body which could be very beneficial for gout sufferers. It is important to take care with folic acid as in high doses it can put stress on your digestive system. It is also not recommended for pregnant women as well as those that suffer from seizures or liver or kidney disease.
2. Vitamin C - This is also found in green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits and is thought to help increase the urinary excretion of uric acid and so reduce the amount in the blood. Care should be taken though as very large doses could adversely affect the uric acid levels and bring on a severe gout attack.
3. Bromelain - this is an enzyme that is found in pineapple and is thought to be a very effective anti-inflammatory to help with your condition. Note that it is not recommended for those allergic to pineapples, pregnant women, those with high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease. It can also interfere with some medications and can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also intended for short term use.
4. Quercetin - A bioflavonoid that acts as an antioxidant that is found in onions and it is thought to retrain the enzyme that creates uric acid and some studies have shown it an effective anti-inflammatory.
5. Other supplements - there are a number of other supplements that could be recommended and they include vitamins A and E, Pantothenic acid, Selenium, evening primrose oil, fish oil and aspartic acid.
Conclusion
If you are considering using any of the above remedies for your gout then it is a good idea to consult your doctor. They will also be able to help with dosages, side effects and anything else that you may need to consider. Your doctor will also help by monitoring your condition and advising on any changes required.
What is Gout?
Gout is a form or arthritis that usually effect people over the age of 40. It is caused by excessive uric acid in the body that can build up in the joints and cause them to become inflamed. Often it is a hereditary condition but can also be caused by a number of other things particularly diet. In addition it can also be caused by excessive alcohol intake as well as surgery, medications and stress. People who suffer from gout often have severe pain in their lower legs and have difficulty with walking and mobility.
What is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional therapy involves a patient working with a therapist very closely to assess the patient's diet. They will look at what you are eating and the vitamins and minerals that this is giving you. Based on this they will be able to see what you are lacking and changes you need to make. Some of the things they will do is advise on dietary changes, things you need to include and things that you should reduce or remove from your diet. In addition they may also recommend a number of nutritional supplements including vitamins and minerals. The idea is that your diet has a significant effect on your health and so by making changes to your diet you can help to improve your overall level of health and this could have an effect on a number of conditions.
Nutritional therapy and Gout
It is widely accepted by the medical profession that gout can not only be affected by your diet but also caused by it. For that reason certain dietary changes are recommended by most doctors in order to help your condition as well as helping you to manage it. Some of the things that may be beneficial for gout include removing alcohol from your diet as well as losing weight and so putting less pressure on your body. In addition to that we have put a list of supplements below that may be recommended by a nutritional therapist.
1. Folic Acid - this is a synthetic form of Folate that is a B vitamin found naturally in green leaved vegetables and citrus fruits. It is thought that taking folic acid can help to reduce the uric acid in your body which could be very beneficial for gout sufferers. It is important to take care with folic acid as in high doses it can put stress on your digestive system. It is also not recommended for pregnant women as well as those that suffer from seizures or liver or kidney disease.
2. Vitamin C - This is also found in green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits and is thought to help increase the urinary excretion of uric acid and so reduce the amount in the blood. Care should be taken though as very large doses could adversely affect the uric acid levels and bring on a severe gout attack.
3. Bromelain - this is an enzyme that is found in pineapple and is thought to be a very effective anti-inflammatory to help with your condition. Note that it is not recommended for those allergic to pineapples, pregnant women, those with high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease. It can also interfere with some medications and can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also intended for short term use.
4. Quercetin - A bioflavonoid that acts as an antioxidant that is found in onions and it is thought to retrain the enzyme that creates uric acid and some studies have shown it an effective anti-inflammatory.
5. Other supplements - there are a number of other supplements that could be recommended and they include vitamins A and E, Pantothenic acid, Selenium, evening primrose oil, fish oil and aspartic acid.
Conclusion
If you are considering using any of the above remedies for your gout then it is a good idea to consult your doctor. They will also be able to help with dosages, side effects and anything else that you may need to consider. Your doctor will also help by monitoring your condition and advising on any changes required.
Related Tags: gout, alternative therapies, nutritional therapy
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Prrevent Alzheimer's Disease With Natural Lifestyle
No other disease stirs more fear than Alzheimer's disease. This mind robbing affliction is presently - Stop Heartburn -heartburn Home Remedies
Heartburn consists in a burning sensation that starts in the lower part of the chest and can extend - Biomagnetic Therapy - The History Of Healing With Magnets
At first glance, it may seem that using magnets for healing is a recent phenomenon, but using magnet - Salvia Divinorum Ingestion And Possible Side Effects
Salvia divinorum is a psychoactive mint which is used in traditional spiritual practices. This drug - Upper Back Pain - Natural And Alternative Treatments For Backache Relief
Upper back pain is not normally the result of a spinal disorder, but it is more likely to be caused - Aromatherapy Massage Activates Your Emotional Memory
Aromatherapy is body and skin care treatments use essential oils to make you feel calm, relaxed, or - Muscle Joint Pain Treatment And Herbal Remedies That Work Effectively
Muscle and joint pain is not at all a rare medical condition. It can be the result of certain diseas - Lower Back Pain - 7 Useful Herbs And Herbal Remedies For Treating Lower Backache
Lower back pain is a common medical condition that affects almost everybody at some point or another - Hip Joint Pain Causes And Effective Natural Ways To Get Relief
The pain in hip joint is also very painful. There are many causes of hip joint pain. Some of the mos - Complementary Alternative Medicine For Cfs- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Have you or someone you are acquainted with been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? This condi
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Natural Remedy for Yeast Infection - Candida Albicans Symptom Help
For many people the cycle of yeast infection is complicated often by the use of antibiotics leads t - Why Use Beeswax Candles? Beeswax Candles vs Paraffin
When you compare beeswax candles vs paraffin, pure beeswax candles are:More economicalBetter for you - The Eyes Are the Soul of the Body - Iridology is Not a New Science
Iridology is by no means a new science. It is often said that "The eyes are the key to a person's s - Aromatherapy: Your Guide to Essential Oils for Healing (A-B) from Aches to Burns
ACHES & PAINS - Chamomile, Juniper, Lavender, Rosemary, Marjoram, Birch, Clary Sage, Clove, Geranium - The Healing Benefits of Vegetable Oils and How you Can Use Them in Home Remedies
The healthiest oils are made of olives, flax seeds, walnuts and cedar nuts. Peanut oil and corn oil - Boost your Immune System
The main function of the immune system is to protect the body against various infections. It is the - Whipworm Infestation A Possible Crohns Disease Treatment?
There are many alternative treatments for Crohn's disease; aloe vera isn't the only remedy out there - Natural Herbs - Power of Herbal Medicine
Natural herbs can be used to cure many health problems. Here are a few ways in which you too can imp - Miracle Healer, John of God of Brazil
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE from around the world diagnosed as terminal or incurable by modern medicine trav - What is Nutritional Healing
Nutritional Healing is an established scientific approach aimed at balancing the needs of the human