Podagra Gout
Imagine how it would feel to have burning hot needles piercing the base of your big toe joint…while that area was swollen and very tender. Not a pleasant thought? That’s how those who suffer from podagra feel.
What is Podagra and What Causes Gout
Podagra is a form of gout which primarily affects the joint at the base of the big toe. It comes about when an excessive amount of uric acid is present in the blood, either because too much is being produced (as a by-product of the amino acid purine) or not enough is being excreted.
This surfeit uric acid precipitates into crystals, which then settle in the joints. The body’s reaction to these crystals is an inflammatory immune response, leading to redness, swelling, tenderness, and intense pain. While the crystals will dissolve over time, unless the underlying conditions are addressed, more flare-ups are inevitable.
Tip: Podagra is not-often misdiagnosed as B-12 deficiency. You should be aware of that and make sure it’s not the case.
Podagra Gout Treatment
The treatment of Podagra gout involves two to four factors: pain relief, anti-inflammatory agents, increased excretion of uric acid, and/or decreased production of uric acid. The conventional medications to achieve these goals include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicines, and steroids, and are generally prescribed over long periods of time to prevent further attacks.
All of these drugs, while they could be helpful in the short term, interfere with the body’s normal functioning, and can manifest numerous negative side effects. Since the body normally works very well to heal and balance itself without such outside intervention, what can you do to prevent Podagra from occurring or reoccurring?
Synergistic Approach to Podagra Gout
Podagra Diet – Foods to Avoid With Gout
One of the first items to look at is, of course, the food we eat. Diet is one of the factors in bringing on Podagra, though not necessarily the primary one. (Genetics, drugs, dehydration, gender and trauma also play a part.) Foods containing purine should be reasonably reduced, including red meat, organ meats, fatty fish and yeasty bread.
Sugar (especially high-fructose syrup) and alcohol should be avoided as much as possible. Gout foods: More vegetables (just like mom said!), fruit and dairy (Note from Regev: I’d be careful with dairy) products are beneficial to preventing gout in all its forms and overall health.
Supplements to Treat Podagra Gout
A nutritional supplement high in minerals like zinc and magnesium, as well as herbs like the ones mentioned above, can go a long way towards both reducing the symptoms and fighting recurrences. A great, comprehensive supplement for gout isDePurine, available fromMegaCare.com.
Podagra Gout Herb Treatment
Turmeric: The beneficial compound in turmeric is curcumin, which gives the spice its yellow color and a lot of health benefits.
Curcumin worked as well as ibuprofen for pain relief in a study about arthritis of the knee, and appears to be as cortisone in certain inflammation models. In addition, it can inhibit the inflammation inducing protein NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa-B), and suppress the activity of an enzyme involved in the production of uric acid called xanthine oxidase.
Celery Seed: Celery seed is a diuretic, which will help move uric acid out of your body through urination, in addition to anti-inflammatory properties.
Licorice: A very popular root in Traditional Chinese Medicine, licorice boasts a long list of beneficial effects, including stimulating the production of cortisone and aldosterone to reduce inflammation. Like curcumin, it also inhibits the xanthine oxidase enzyme.
Drinking more water will also help dilute the blood and lower the critical uric acid level, as well as help to flush the excess acid from the body. In addition, the “most prescribed” medicine, exercise will help eliminate uric acid from your body, as well as a give you a long list of other benefits.
Tielman Cheaney is the author of this article in addition to MegaCare.com.
