NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2000

GOUT DESCRIPTION A metabolic disorder defined by an elevation in blood uric acid provoking an acute local inflammation, usually in only one joint at a time. In the past, gout was often a severe disease leading to joint impotence. Gout can be associated to the formation of renal uric acid stones, responsible for nephritic colics which can induce renal failure in cases of therapeutic neglect. Diagnosis is made with the elevation of blood uric acid levels, superior to 80mg/liter. Normal level reside between 30 and 60 mg/litre. The normal level is lower in females than in males. This physiological trait explains why gout affects males ten times more often than females. SIGNS ANS SYMPTOMS An acute gout attack hits 80% of the time the big toe joint. It can also affect the back of the foot, the ankle, the knee, the wrist and the fingers. The affected joint is red, warm, swollen and very painful. When it is untreated, the intensity of the pain is such that the person cannot put his/her foot down or put on a sock. In most cases, a second attack occurs six months to two years after the first one. CAUSES There can be an overproduction of uric acid due to food indulgence, or a decrease in uric acid elimination due to renal insufficiency. 95% of the time, there is hereditary predisposition. RECOMMENDED PLANTS Gravel root #410 to help dissolve crystals. Corn silk #45 to help eliminate uric acid form the body. KID-W # 809 to reinforce kidneys. Una de gato #504 and/or Arthrex to #2400 to reduce inflammation. Formula #5 (#769) in application to relieve the pain. It is recommended to drink six to eight glasses of water daily to help eliminate uric acid crystals. The elimination system must work perfectly (part of uric acid excretion is done by the intestine). If this is not the case, consider a good cleansing. Cleansing: C.C.E.-W #735 or Depurative formula #766, L.G.-W #820 and a laxative such as Cascara Sagrada #2500 or Buckhorn #322. NUTRITION Reduce all excess body weight since it increases the risk of gout by 20 to 30%. However, do not fast or go on a severe diet since they increase uric acid levels. Drink juice or cranberry cocktail. Drink water with bicarbonate added to it. Drink freshly squeezed lemon juice. Eat figs and cherries which are antacids. Avoid foods rich in uric acid and purines (giblets, liver, game meat, turkey, pork, sausage, anchovies, sardines, herring, caviar, mussels, shell fish, cheeses, lentils, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, chocolate, coffee and tea). Eliminate alcohol, particularly beer, since its metabolism (in the liver) induces a reaction chain reducing the elimination of uric acid in the urine. PRESCRIBED MEDICATION Allopurinol: Inhibits uric acid synthesis, reduces hyperuricemia. Does not reduce the pain but reduces the frequency of the attacks. Possible side effects are nausea, skin eruptions and itching. Colchicine: Relieves joint pain and inflammation. It is more effective when taken at the beginning of the attack. Possible side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. NSAIS (NON-STEROID ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES): Relieve the pain but do not heal or stop the disease process. Possible side effects are irritations of the digestive system. Nathalie Lebrun T.d, N.D. Bibliography: Grand dictionnaire médical pour la famille Encyclopédie médicale pour la famille Compendium des produits et spécialités pharmaceutiques Guide des produits des Herbes Pures Rester jeune en mangeant mieux