Can one get rid of Gout for good? While there is a lot of evidence out there on great ways to prevent outbreaks, there is no clear research that one can completely rid themselves of Gout’s Uric Acid challenges in the body. However, as mentioned there are some terrific options to help keep outbreaks from reoccurring.
This month, in honor of Father’s Day, I am doing a blog on Gout for my husband and the Father of my son, Tristan, the best gift I have ever been given. Gout is more often found in men than women and is often passed down through generations. My husband’s father also suffers from Gout and I want to find a solution this problem before this debilitating disease continues on to plague our son.
What we have found interesting enough is that Gout makes it so proteins do not break down in the body correctly and builds up painful amounts of Uric Acid in joints like the toes and ankles. The biggest change in our lifestyle that has had an impact on my husband’s Gout challenges is not getting less proteins, but instead eating no seeds of grass or more specifically wheat. We eat mainly a Paleolithic Diet and a Wheat Belly Diet. Paleo and Wheat Belly diets consist of eating no seeds of grass and high amounts of proteins.
My husband has never had fewer incidents. When he does have outbreaks it tends to be when he pulls a no-no at work and eats something containing wheat, or consumes large amounts of coffee, alcohol or legumes. These things are not suggested for a Paleo diet. If you suffer from Gout outbreaks I would suggest making a journal of all the foods you eat daily, when you eat, along with the times and dates of the outbreaks. If you see patterns around certain foods eliminate them from your diet and keep the journal going.
I was curious why eliminating wheat and seeds of grass from a diet had anything to do with a protein deficiency, so I started the research. According to many scientist and doctors including, Dr William Davis author of The Wheat Belly, just like sugars any seeds of grass that is high in starchy carbohydrates will elevate blood sugars to extremes when eaten, causing release of insulin in large amounts. This increases inflammation and raising uric acid levels; the very thing that causes painful gout. Wheat also contains gliadin, which causes craving for more wheat. This in turn causes weight gain and lowers the levels of nutrient rich foods needed to stay gout free. Wheat is also one of the top eight allergens in the U.S. and any allergic reaction followed by inflammation is exactly what causes an attack.
Things we have learned in our family that are good for Gout:
- Drink Cherry Juice
- Take Turmeric (even better juice with turmeric- also good in men’s health for the prostate).
- Pineapple eat and juice
- See our Joint Juice Recipe fantastic for Gout!
- Avoid all food with Purines like: wheat, seeds of grass, organ meats, sardines, shrimp, lentils and alcohol beverages (largely made with seeds of grass like wheat).
- Avoid taking aspirin, it contains the active ingredient salicylates which effects levels of uric acid in the body, use instead Advil. (This is also the case in drugs like some diuretics and some pills prescribed for edema, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, ask your doctor if there are other alternatives).
- Avoid caffeine (caffeine is related to raising uric acid levels).
- Take fish oil
- Eat walnuts
- Freshly ground flax seed
- Drink plenty of water
- Do not take protein supplements
- Eat on a lifestyle like Wheat Belly or Paleolithic
- Use essential oils: Basil and Frankincense together are great to reduce inflammation. Another goodie is peppermint oil on inflammation with a warm compress.
- Walk of ride a bike daily (a easy light weight impact to exercise the joints is good).
Remember I am not a doctor and this information should not be substituted for professional medical advice but used as a supplement of knowledge to talk about with your doctor. I prefer a doctor with a favor towards eastern practices and thoughtful to naturopathic medicines.
What is your favorite Gout tip? Share below.
Until next time, enjoy the good life,
Woman on the Journey
References:
Wheat Belly Books by Dr, William Davis
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/ART00691
http://www.livestrong.com/article/480087-gluten-free-gout-diet/