Gout is a complex form of arthritis that can drastically affect the lives of those who have it. Related to inflammation, it shares similarities with other forms of arthritis. However, gout can often be distinguished by key and unique symptoms.
Gout can be identified by intense swelling and redness at the site of the affected joint. It characteristically manifests in the feet, particularly at the base of the big toe joint. These points of inflammation experience tenderness and discomfort, but gout is characterized by greater attacks of pain at these sites. Sudden “flares” of severe and intense pain plague individuals suffering from gout, and can disrupt daily life and sleep patterns. Fortunately, doctors understand what causes this condition, which allows us to treat and manage it effectively. (1)
Gout occurs when high levels of uric acid in your are present in your blood. Uric acid is a naturally occurring substance your body produces when it breaks down purines. Purines also occur naturally in the body or can be found in foods like red meat and seafood.
Uric acid is normally filtered from your blood through your kidneys. However, having too much uric acid in your body can create an imbalance, leading to a surplus in the blood. Too much uric acid can result in the formation of urate crystals, which can ultimately accumulate in your joint. This build-up of sharp crystalline structures is what cause the inflammation and pain of gout and its flares.
The most basic and natural remedy is to maintain or adjust your diet. As discussed, uric acid is a natural byproduct of broken down purines. Limiting your intake of foods that have higher purine counts is key in reducing uric acid levels. A healthy way to accomplish this is by shifting your primary protein intake from meat and fish to high-protein vegetables.
Drinking alcoholic beverages or drinks sweetened with fructose can also lead to higher uric acid levels. Avoid consuming these beverages wherever possible. Staying hydrated also leads to healthier kidneys, so make sure you are always drinking plenty of water.
Ginger is also a food source widely known for having positive effects when treating gout. (2) Studies have found that applying ginger in a topical compress can reduced pain related to uric acid in gout. (3) Another study showed ingesting ginger can actually reduce the amounts of uric acid within the blood of rats. (4)
Magnesium may also hold a key to combating symptoms and reducing the risk of gout. Several studies have identified a potential correlation between sufficient magnesium levels and healthier levels of uric acid. This comparison is stronger in men than in women. Still, these findings support the idea that maintaining magnesium levels could help fortify the body against gout.
Eating a magnesium-rich diet is a great way to make sure you have enough magnesium. Fortunately, foods high in magnesium – primarily green vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains – are also lower sources of purines. Drinking enough water can also account for up to 10% of your body’s required magnesium intake. (7, 8) Hydration is key in more than one aspect of regulating uric acid in our bodies!
Topical magnesium oil is one of the best ways to get immediate relief from pain associated with gout. Magnesium oil provides an on-the-spot application to joint pain due to inflammation. The on-site application provides immediate and rapid absorption by bypassing the digestive system, whenever you need it. Carry it with you anytime to make sure you are always equipped with a solution to your body’s magnesium needs.
Some of you may already know years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
I can still recall what it felt like to have my life change overnight…
I went from an Executive Director of a non-profit organization, running marathons, rock climbing, hiking canyons and kayaking to being completely bedridden and staring at a wall for 15 hours a day.
Of course, I went to see many doctors but unfortunately I didn’t find the help I needed. So, I had to set off on my own journey to learn my true path to healing.
I’d pretty much turned-over every rock trying to find relief for my pain, sleep issues and myriad of other symptoms…
Fast-forward 18 years.
I was determined to climb one of the true wonders of the natural world, Machu Picchu, the mystical home of the Incas in Peru.
It was there, after a grueling day when my feet, knees, legs, and lower back hurt so bad, that I thought I would have to abandon hopes of our next climb which was Rainbow Mountain! That night I pulled out a little spray bottle of “aceite de magnesio” that a friend had given me before I left on my trip.
What the heck, I thought. I was desperate. And I applied it all over my body before bed.
Because of the grueling day, I woke up expecting to be immobilized, but instead we were off to climb Rainbow Mountain and…I was totally pain-free!
I know it sounds impossible, but it’s 1000% the truth.
This content was originally published here.
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Uric acid crystals tend to form on our body when the levels of uric acid are abnormally high. Uric acid is basically…
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GoutInformation.com takes a holistic approach to treating gout. It was created by individuals who themselves have experienced gout and want to share their knowledge with fellow gout sufferers. It can be managed, we're here to help!