How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”
Dr. Seuss ( 1904-1991)
“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.”
James Matthew Barrie ( Author of Peter Pan)
Dr Seuss said it perfectly. Where has the year gone? We are already in the month of December. It is the first night of Hanukkah and Christmas is 24 days away. For me the month of December has mixed emotions. As a child I loved the festivities. The family gatherings were bountiful. I loved the decorations. My mother loved to decorate for Christmas. The house turned into a Christmas Cottage. As I became involved in academics, the holiday season became less important until I had children of my own. I tried to emulate what my mother did. Years later the children are grown and my immediate family is no longer here. Mr. Barrie is correct when he states "God gave us memory" My memories belong to me and only me. Memories are special. Concentrate on the happy memories as you approach the holiday time.
In the last few days I have seen many patients with gout. It has been increasing in number within the United States mainly due to the populations dietary habits and the increased incidence of two major epidemics, diabetes and obesity. Both of these twin epidemics lead to heart disease. Gout has increased in frequency in recent decades affecting approximately 1–2% of the Western population at some point in their lives
Gout (also known as podagra when it involves the big toe is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected (~50% of cases).The big toe is called the hallux. However, it may also present as tophi, kidney stones, or urate nephropathy. It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood which crystallize and are deposited in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues.
Diagnosis is confirmed clinically by the visualization of the characteristic crystals in joint fluid. I usually make the diagnosis of gout by examining the joint as well as high uric acid in the blood sample.
Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, or colchicine improves symptoms. Once the acute attack has subsided, levels of uric acid are usually lowered via lifestyle changes, and in those with frequent attacks allopurinol or probenicid provide long-term prevention. A new drug called uloric is now being used instead of allopurinol.
Can you treat gout any other way? Of course you can. Diet is essential. Diets which are rich in purines and proteins have long been a cause of increased risk of gout. Foods that are very high in purines include heart, herring, mussels, and sardines. Foods that moderately high in purines include anchovies, veal, salmon, turkey, haddock, liver and scallops. So see you must be careful. If you have uric acid stones and no gout I would definitely change your diet to purine free. However, with a history of gouty arthritis I usually do not limit the patient to what they can and what they cannot eat.
I rather turn to the plants. It always comes down to the plants.There are medicinal herbs for natural gout treatment. The primary goal of any herbal remedy for gout should focus on assisting the break down of crystalline deposits in the body formed by uric acid deposits and reducing the intake of uric acid.
Here are natural Remedy for Gout . I do not recommend all four herbs together I prefer both Devil's Claw and Celery Seed.
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
This herb is well known as a herbal remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is also well indicated as a treatment for gout as it works as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory with a secondary action as a mild diuretic. Note that devil’s claw is not indicated if there are gastric ulcers or hyperchlorhydria (over production of digestive juices).
Celery Seed (Apium graveolins)
Celery seed has been used traditionally for the clearance of acidic metabolites via the kidneys, and traditional sources recommend its use for rheumatism, arthritis and gout. This herb has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity against chronic inflammation during an Australian open, pre-clinical trial of 12-weeks duration. People prone to gout may reduce the frequency and severity of their episodes by using celery Seed as a preventative measure. Do not take celery seed on your own. The doses must be changed if the patient has any sort of renal insufficiency.
These last two herbs I have discussed at other times as the great anti-inflammatory herbs/ I would also put Ginger in this group.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Tumeric is a member of the ginger family and has a distinctive yellow colour; and is often used as a spice and colouring agent. Curcumin, found in tumeric, which gives Tumeric’s bright colour, is regarded as a potent anti-inflammatory and pain relieving agent. In two studies tumeric has shown to have similar efficacy to cortisone when taken at the tested dose of 6-12 grams. This high dose of tumeric may casue soime gastrointestinal upset. Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) Boswellia resin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The active constituents, boswellic acids, reduce the formation of inflammatory leukotrienes, which is a principle characteristic of gout. Improvement in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was observed in open trials for both boswellic acid and Boswellia. For gout, boswellia works well in combination with celery seed and ginger.
I have seen other herbalists use both rosemary and nettles for gout. I have used dandelion to decrease the fluid retention that sometimes occurs in gout. I have never used Juniper or Mugwort for Gout, but there is literature regarding these herbs.
While reading and studying for herbs I came across the Autumn Crocus also called the Meadow Saffron being used to treat gout. I will blog about this flower at another time.
Natural gout treatment is also aimed at treating the cause of gout, including dietary habits that have contributed to this condition and foods that help to relieve gout. Combining diet with a herbal and nutritional approach is the best way to proceed. If you want to improve elimination via the kidneys and liver, and reducing foods known to aggravate gout, is a sensible approach to an easily prevented condition.
Historically gout played a role in the American Revolution as well as the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson both signers suffered from severe gout. It has been said that Benjamin was carried to the Constitutional Convention due to his gouty symptoms.
Since gout was once considered the rich man disease you can see why King Henry VIII suffered from gout. Maybe it was his many wives that predisposed him. But then again he disposed of his wives rather quickly.
Until tomorrow...
How much Boswelia would you suggest for the reduction of inflammation over a long period of time? Are there any interactions with medicines I should know about?
ReplyDelete