Gout and Uric Acid

What exactly is gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by elevated Uric Acid levels in the blood and the subsequent deposition of Uric acid crystals in the joints.

What are the signs and symptoms of Gout?

• Warmth, pain, swelling, and extreme tenderness in a joint, usually the big toe.
• Gout can also cause joint pain in the feet, ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows.
• Skin that is extremely red or purplish around the affected joint. It is possible that the joint is infected.
• Gout can begin with nodules (tophi) on the hands, elbows, or ears. You may not have any of the classic gout symptoms.
• The pain frequently begins in the middle of the night. It can worsen quickly, last for hours, and be so intense that even light pressure from a sheet is unbearable.

What are the normal levels of Uric Acid?

Females: 2.4 to 5.7 mg percent
Males: 3.4 to 7.0 mg per litre

What should I do if my Uric Acid level is high?

When you are diagnosed with having a high blood Uric Acid level, you must immediately consult a physician.

In addition to the medications prescribed, the following dietary changes may aid in the management of your condition:

1. Make sure to drink plenty of water. Water aids in the removal of uric acid from the bloodstream via the kidneys.
2. Consume more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while consuming fewer refined carbohydrates like white bread and cakes.
3. Alcohol impairs your body’s ability to eliminate uric acid. Beer consumption in particular has been linked to gout attacks.
4. Avoid meat, poultry, and fish because animal proteins are high in purine, which causes high uric acid levels in the body.
5. Eat plenty of vitamin C-rich foods such as cherries, apples, limes, French bean juice, celery seeds, berries, carrot cucumber and beet root juices.
6. High fibre foods- Dietary fibre may aid in the absorption of uric acid in the bloodstream, allowing it to be eliminated from the body via the kidneys. Increase your intake of dietary soluble fibres such as isabgol, oats, spinach, and broccoli, to name a few.
7. Antioxidant-rich foods- Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidant vitamins include red bell peppers, tomatoes, blueberries, broccoli, and grapes.
8. Instead of our usual tea, switch to green tea.

Celery seed extract- Celery has sedative, antioxidant, and mild diuretic properties and is used as a urinary antiseptic.