When I was young, I rarely, if ever, heard anyone talk of gout. I actually thought of it as a disease that had been conquered, and was no longer a concern. However, as I have gotten older (an my clients have too), gout has popped up in the conversation more and more.
Gout is a kind of arthritis that occurs when uric acid build-up in the joint(s) occurs. Acute gout is when one joint is affected. Chronic gout is when more than one joint is affected or repeated flare-ups occur.
The exact cause of gout is unknown. It may run in families, more males are affected, as well as post-menopausal women, and people who drink alcohol. Those who take diuretics for blood pressure or fluid retention may also be more prone to gout. It may also develop in people with kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, leukemia, and sickle-cell anemia.
Traditional allopathic treatment consists of NSAIDs, cortisone, oxycodone, and allopurinol and colchicine for pain, swelling, and inflammation. These are not without their own side effects.
New research is showing promise with natural remedies, such as vitamin C, tart cherries or cherry juice, and apple cider vinegar. I’ve started a client on a regimen of the natural remedies above-he has been getting recurrent flare-ups for over a year despite taking allopurinol daily. I’ll keep you posted.
I was saddened to see Jack LaLane passed away recently. I was surprised to read that his daughter told the audience at his memorial service, that “Dad really hated to exercise, but he loved the results.” I feel that way often, and it’s nice to know that I’m in good company.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.