| | | | Other Names | | | Uric Acid Crystal, Uric Acid Buildup, Crystal-Induced Arthritis.
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| | | Also known as: Arthritis (Gout).
Gout is a form of arthritis that
occurs when crystals of uric acid accumulate in a joint, leading to the
sudden development of pain and inflammation. People with gout either
overproduce uric acid or are less efficient than other people, at
eliminating it. The joint of the big toe is the most common site to
accumulate uric acid crystals, although other joints may be
affected.
What are the symptoms of gout? The pain of gout can arise
suddenly and is often very intense. The affected joint is usually red,
swollen, and very tender to the touch. A low-grade fever may also be
present.
Conventional treatment options: Acute gout attacks are
typically treated with colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve,
Anaprox), and corticosteroids. Resting the affected joint is commonly
recommended. For long-term treatment, doctors may prescribe medications
such as allopurinol (Lopurim, Zyloprim) to decrease uric acid production,
or probenecid (Benemid) or sulfinpyrazone (Anturane) to increase the
excretion of uric acid from the kidneys.
Dietary changes that may
be helpful: Foods that are high in compounds called purines raise uric
acid levels in the body and increase the risk of gout. Restricting purine
intake can reduce the risk of an attack in people susceptible to gout.
Foods high in purines include anchovies, bouillon, brains, broth,
consomm‚, dried legumes, goose, gravy, heart, herring, kidneys, liver,
mackerel, meat extracts, mincemeat, mussels, partridge, fish roe,
sardines, scallops, shrimp, sweetbreads, baker's yeast, brewer's yeast,
and yeast extracts (e.g., Marmite, Vegemite).
Avoiding alcohol,
particularly beer, or limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day or less
may reduce the number of attacks of gout.1 2 Refined sugars, including
sucrose (white table sugar) and fructose (the sugar found in fruit juice),
should also be restricted, because they have been reported to raise uric
acid levels.3
According to a 1950 study of 12 people with gout,
eating one-half pound of cherries or drinking an equivalent amount of
cherry juice prevented attacks of gout.4 Black, sweet yellow, and red sour
cherries were all effective. Since that study, there have been many
anecdotal reports of cherry juice as an effective treatment for the pain
and inflammation of gout. The active ingredient in cherry juice remains
unknown.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: People who are
overweight or have high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing
gout.5 However, weight loss should not be rapid because restriction of
calories can increase uric acid levels temporarily, which may aggravate
the condition.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Large
amounts of supplemental folic acid (up to 80 mg per day) have reduced uric
acid levels in preliminary research.6 However, other studies have failed
to confirm the effectiveness of folic acid in treating people with
gout.7
In one small study, people who took 4 grams of vitamin C
(but not lower amounts) had an increase in urinary excretion of uric acid
within a few hours, and those who took 8 grams of vitamin C per day for
several days had a reduction in serum uric acid levels.8 Thus,
supplemental vitamin C could, in theory, reduce the risk of gout attacks.
However, the authors of this study warned that taking large amounts of
vitamin C could also trigger an acute attack of gout by abruptly changing
uric acid levels in the body. Despite this concern, some doctors recommend
vitamin C supplementation (sometimes starting with one gram per day) as a
method for reducing elevated uric acid levels.
In test tube
studies, quercetin, a flavonoid, has inhibited an enzyme involved in the
development of gout.9 10 However, it is not known whether taking quercetin
by mouth can produce high enough quercetin concentrations in the body to
achieve these effects. Although human research is lacking, some doctors
recommend 150-250 mg of quercetin three times per day (taken between
meals).
Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the
individual supplement for information about any side effects or
interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful: Autumn crocus (Colchicum
autumnale) is the herb from which the drug colchicine was originally
isolated. Colchicine, a strong anti-inflammatory compound, is used as a
conventional treatment for gout. Both the herb and the drug have
significant toxicity and should only be used under the guidance of a
physician.
Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the
individual herb for information about any side effects or
interactions.
References:
1. Ralston SH, Capell HA,
Sturrock RD. Alcohol and response to treatment of gout. BMJ
1988;296:1641-2.
2. Scott JT. Alcohol and gout. BMJ
1989;298:1054.
3. Emmerson BT. Effect of oral fructose on urate
production. Ann Rheum Dis 1974;33:276-80.
4. Blau LW. Cherry diet
control for gout and arthritis. Tex Rep Biol Med 1950;8:309-11.
5.
Loenen H, Eshuis H, Lowik M, et al. Serum uric acid correlates in elderly
men and women with special reference to body composition and dietary
intake (Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System). J Clin Epidemiol
1990;43:1297-303.
6. Oster KA. Xanthine oxidase and folic acid. Ann
Intern Med 1977;87:252-3.
7. Boss GR, Ragsdale RA, Zettner A,
Seegmiller JE. Failure of folic acid (pteroylglutamic acid) to affect
hyperuricemia. J Lab Clin Med 1980;96:783-9.
8. Stein HB, Hasan A,
Fox IH. Ascorbic acid-induced uricosuria: a consequence of megavitamin
therapy. Ann Intern Med 1976;84:385-8.
9. Bindoli A, Valente M,
Cavallini L. Inhibitory action of quercetin on xanthine oxidase and
xanthine dehydrogenase activity. Pharmacol Res Commun
1985;17:831-9.
10. Busse W, Kopp D, Middleton E. Flavonoid
modulation of human neutrophil function. J Allergy Clin Immunol
1984;73:801-9.
Source: NOW Foods
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Please Note: This Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. The products indicated above may be listed in error. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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Gout - Health - Chitosan - 450 mg - 95% De-acetylated
60 capsules
13.69 US
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