Imagine a time when gout was considered a condition exclusive to wealthy kings due to their indulgence in rich foods and wine. But today, we know better. Gout, a common health problem, can affect anyone. It’s characterized by inflamed, painful joints due to the buildup of urate crystals in the body (Ragab et al., 2017a).
Gout is a complex disorder that progresses through four phases, each with unique symptoms and characteristics. The first phase is known as asymptomatic hyperuricemia, which typically does not cause any symptoms. However, high levels of uric acid are found in the blood. The second phase, acute gouty arthritis, is where you start to notice symptoms such as unexpected and acute joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. The third phase, inter-critical gout, is a period between acute attacks when the patient is symptom-free. Finally, chronic tophaceous gout is the disease’s most severe and advanced phase, characterized by the formation of tophi, deposits of uric acid crystals that can cause joint damage and other complications (Ragab et al., 2017b).
It is important to note that gout is over four times more common in men than in women and that the peak incidence occurs in patients between the ages of 30 and 50 (Kuo et al., 2014). Therefore, it is essential for individuals in this age group, especially men, to be aware of the risk factors for gout and to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of the disease (He et al., 2023).
The Signs and Symptoms of Gout
1. Gout, a form of arthritis, is notorious for its unpredictable nature. It can strike suddenly and cause excruciating pain in the joints, often at night. While the big toe is a common target, any joint in the body can be affected, including the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. The most intense pain usually occurs within the first four to 12 hours of the disease’s onset.
2. Although the worst pain will subside after a few days, joint discomfort may linger for several days to weeks. Future attacks are likely to last longer and may affect more joints. Inflammation and redness are common symptoms of gout. The affected joints will become tender, swollen, warm, and red.
3. As gout progresses, the range of motion of your joints may become limited, making it difficult to move them normally. If no action is taken in the early stages, gout can cause permanent joint damage and disability. Therefore, seeking medical attention in the early stages is paramount if you suspect you may have gout.
(Mayo Clinic, 2022)
What Causes Gout?
The primary cause of gout is the accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream, which occurs after the digestion of certain foods, beverages, and sugary drinks. When the uric acid levels become too high, crystals form that settle in the joints, resulting in inflammation, pain, and stiffness (Yip & Berman, 2021). Uric acid is a naturally occurring waste product produced when the body breaks down purines. Purines are found in certain foods and the body’s tissues (Aihemaitijiang et al., 2020). Some foods that are rich in purines include:
· Alcoholic beverages
· Red meat
· Organ meats
· Fish and shellfish
· Vegetables including asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, and
· Mushrooms
· Natural Ways to Help Reverse and Manage Symptoms.
Gout is a medical condition that can be effectively treated and managed through a comprehensive approach that includes medical treatment, natural supplement protocol, and self-management strategies. This approach has been proven to be highly effective, giving you the confidence to manage your gout effectively.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Gout
Your healthcare provider may recommend a medical treatment plan that includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or your holistic practitioner may suggest a natural way to decrease inflammation during a flare-up by incorporating supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) or gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) into your daily routine.
Empower yourself to prevent future flares by changing your diet and lifestyle positively. Managing your body weight (decreasing body fat) and paying closer attention to food and alcoholic beverage choices are crucial.
To prevent tophi and kidney stones, which occur due to chronically high levels of uric acid, doctors may recommend taking certain drugs like allopurinol, febuxostat, and pegloticase. Alternatively, a holistic practitioner may suggest a natural supplement like Naka Uric Cleanse—Gout Relief, which can lower uric acid levels and may prevent future flare-ups.
Besides medical or natural treatment, self-management strategies play a significant role in managing gout. It is crucial to live a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. It is also critical to monitor your symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any changes or worsening of your condition (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health [CDC], 2023).
Supplements That May Help With Gout Symptoms
Studies have shown several supplements have a positive impact on uric acid levels:
Vitamin C
Among these, vitamin C has been shown to have a potentially lowering effect on uric acid levels. However, most of the research has been conducted on individuals who did not have gout, and uric acid levels were often tested in response to physical activity. Although some evidence suggests that vitamin C may assist in reducing uric acid levels, there isn’t enough substantial evidence to indicate that it can protect against gout completely. Further research is necessary to understand vitamin C’s and other supplements’ full potential in managing uric acid levels and avoiding gout attacks (Liu et al., 2021). Vitamin C supplements may not be suitable for everyone. People with kidney disease or hemochromatosis should consult their healthcare provider before taking them (Unlu et al., 2016). In addition, some reports have suggested that taking vitamin C supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of Coumadin (warfarin). Although rare, it’s good to be aware of any potential interactions between medications and supplements to ensure you care for your health in the best way possible (Tan & Lee, 2020).
Tart Cherry Juice
A recent study has shown that tart cherry juice appears to help reduce uric acid levels in some individuals who do not suffer from gout. However, the same study found that it did not significantly impact uric acid levels or gout flares in people who already suffer from chronic gout (Stamp et al., 2019).
Uric Cleanse
Elevated levels of Uric Acid in the blood can result in a painful arthritic condition known as Gout. Primarily affecting men between the ages of forty and fifty, numerous attacks of Gout can eventually lead to joint damage.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Recent case studies have shown that individuals who consume omega-3 fatty acids from fish within 48 hours have a significantly lower risk of recurring gout flares than those who do not. Additionally, the risk reduction is proportional to the number of fish servings or supplement doses consumed, whereby an increase in the number of servings is associated with a decrease in the risk of gout flares (Zhang et al., 2019).
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for our overall health, and fish oil is an excellent source. However, it’s important to note that omega-6 fatty acids are also crucial for managing gout in our bodies. They play a vital role in reducing inflammation. That said, if you’re looking for a natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps decrease inflammation, you can find it in black currant seed oil, evening primrose oil, and borage oil (Rengachar et al., 2022). While omega-6s tend to be prevalent in foods, GLA is a unique form that is not as common in foodstuffs.
Takeaway
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes joint pain and swelling. It is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. The condition leads to sudden and severe attacks of joint pain, frequently in the big toe and at night. It can also affect other joints, such as the knee or ankle. Men are four times more likely than women to develop gout, and it typically affects men over 40 and women after menopause, when the protective effects of estrogen are lost. Lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and weight loss may help alleviate joint pain. A holistic approach to gout treatment involves taking vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), tart cherry, and uric acid cleanse may yield positive effects. This stigma, as well as the fear of another painful flare-up, can raise stress levels and contribute to more inflammation in the body. As with other forms of arthritis, inflammation in gout is linked with a slightly greater risk of depression, particularly in people who experience frequent flares.
Sources
Aihemaitijiang, S., Zhang, Y., Zhang, L., Yang, J., Ye, C., Halimulati, M., Zhang, W., & Zhang, Z. (2020). The association between purine-rich food intake and hyperuricemia: A cross-sectional study in chinese adult residents. Nutrients, 12(12), 3835. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123835
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health. (2023, June 12). Gout[Arthritis]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/gout.html#:~:text=Making%20changes%20to%20your%20diet,like%20diuretics)%20may%20also%20help.
He, Q., Mok, T.-N., Sin, T.-H., Yin, J., Li, S., Yin, Y., Ming, W.-K., & Feng, B. (2023). Global, regional, and national prevalence of gout from 1990 to 2019: Age-period-cohort analysis with future burden prediction. JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, 9, e45943. https://doi.org/10.2196/45943
Kuo, C.-F., Grainge, M. J., Mallen, C., Zhang, W., & Doherty, M. (2014). Rising burden of gout in the uk but continuing suboptimal management: A nationwide population study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 74(4), 661–667. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204463
Liu, X., Wang, X., & Cui, L. (2021). Association between oral vitamin c supplementation and serum uric acid: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 60, 102761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102761
Mayo Clinic. (2022, November 16). Gout [Diseases & Conditions]. Retrieved May 4, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897
Ragab, G., Elshahaly, M., & Bardin, T. (2017a). Gout: An old disease in new perspective – a review. Journal of Advanced Research, 8(5), 495–511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2017.04.008
Ragab, G., Elshahaly, M., & Bardin, T. (2017b). Gout: An old disease in new perspective – a review. Journal of Advanced Research, 8(5), 495–511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2017.04.008
Rengachar, P., Bhatt, A., Polavarapu, S., Veeramani, S., Krishnan, A., Sadananda, M., & Das, U. N. (2022). Gamma-linolenic acid (gla) protects against ionizing radiation-induced damage: An in vitro and in vivo study. Biomolecules, 12(6), 797. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12060797
Stamp, L. K., Chapman, P., Frampton, C., Duffull, S. B., Drake, J., Zhang, Y., & Neogi, T. (2019). Lack of effect of tart cherry concentrate dose on serum urate in people with gout. Rheumatology, 59(9), 2374–2380. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kez606
Tan, C., & Lee, S. (2020). Warfarin and food, herbal or dietary supplement interactions: A systematic review. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 87(2), 352–374. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.14404
Unlu, A., Kirca, O., Ozdogan, M., & Nayır, E. (2016). High-dose vitamin c and cancer. Journal of Oncological Science, 1, 10–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jons.2015.11.010
Yip, K., & Berman, J. (2021). What is gout? JAMA, 326(24), 2541. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.19770
Zhang, M., Zhang, Y., Terkeltaub, R., Chen, C., & Neogi, T. (2019). Effect of dietary and supplemental omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on risk of recurrent gout flares. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 71(9), 1580–1586. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.40896 Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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