GOUT

Gout affects men and women around middle age when our bodies slow down. This disorder happens when the body produces excess uric acid and can´t eliminate it fast enough. Uric acid is the end product of the metabolism called purine, a compound found in animal food products. This can result in the blood level or uric acid being 15 times its normal level. There can be a uric acid buildup which crystallizes and eventually lodges in the joints, especially the big toe which represents the head, causing swelling, tenderness and acting as an abrasive on the joints.

This condition can run in families but is affected by organ meats and gravies high in fat content, sweets, alcohol, being overweight, smoking and any foods containing a substances rich in purines, which causes excess uric acid. A doctor´s care should be enlisted for any prolonged treatments. Your doctor would know not to give you anything which would actually aggravate the gout. Medications such as antibiotics, cancer drugs, salicylates, and diuretics also can leave you prone to a gout attack.

A gout attack can also be brought on by stress, any trauma, drugs, surgery, alcohol or foods made from animals. If you start a diet this can bring on an attack because your body is adjusting.

Recommended Treatments you can do at home

- Never go on a diet since a reduction in calories can bring on an attack of gout

- Never go on a diet - diets kill, eating well and keeping fit in oxygen with a gradual weight loss will result in a permanent weight loss with a lifestyle change. These changes come from within, not from an outside source. Always see your doctor first.

Gout Juices - You need a juicer for these.

The Neutralizer

Juice about 4 handfuls of pitted cherries with 1/2 cup of strawberries. This can help neutralize the excess uric acid which may help prevent gout attacks. Strawberries & cherries neutralize uric acid.

• Green Leaf
• 1 large kale leaf
• 2-3 green apples, cored & seeded
• Lime twist as garnish

Bunch up kale and juice with apples.

Grass of Home

• Handful of wheatgrass
• 2 mint sprigs
• 3 inch pineapple slice with skin

Bunch up wheatgrass and mint, juice with pineapple

Gout Juices

Apple A Day

• 1 green apple, seeded
• 1 celery stalks

Juice both.

Red Cantaloupe Juice

• 1/2 cantaloupe with skin
• 5-6 strawberries

Juice cantaloupe then strawberries.

Red Cheeks

• 1-2 apples, seeded
• 6 strawberries

Juice apples then strawberries. Garnish with a strawberry.

Gout Food

Pineapple - the only source of bromelain - an enzyme which is an effective anti-inflammatory agent
Eat blueberries and cherries - up to 1/2 pound a day or as little as a handful
Greens - parsley, spinach, beet tops. Eat carrots & apples.
Avoid eating mushrooms, organ meats, asparagus and anchovies - these are high in purines.

ICE TREATMENT - Use ice and cold water treatments as first aid on gout attacks

Apply compress bag wrapped in a towel over affected area for 20 mins. Never leave an ice pack on for more than 20 mins. or you can damage your skin.