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Disease & Conditions

Gout

The Most Common Gout Treatment Options

Gout:

The treatment of gout entails a decrease in the protein intake of a patient suffering from this type of disease. For many years doctors have tried to decrease protein while allowing the usual fats and gelatinous stocks, this has brought about a significant decrease in the occurrence of gout attacks, while preventing the buildup of uric acid.

Cherry juice was also used to prevent uric acid buildup and lessen the attacks of gout. An intake of one teaspoon of cherry juice twice a day has kept some gout patients from experiencing an attack. Aside from the cherry juice, high-vitamin cod liver oil is also needed to supply the vitamin A required by gout patients. It is usually taken in the dosage of 1 teaspoon per day. The high-vitamin cod liver oil is also ideal for hindering the build up of uric acid, and is excellent nourishment for the kidneys.

It is also better to avoid purine-rich foods like organ meats, including liver, heart, kidneys and sweet breads. Likewise, herring, mackerel, anchovies and trout are also rich sources of purines. Peanuts are technically considered as legumes, however the purine content compared to other legumes such as lentils, peas and beans is much lower.

Moreover, as part of the gout treatment, doctors also advise a weight control program. They do not want patients using crash diets and rapid weight loss, which can trigger the gout, but they do advice patients to take off extra weight to help their condition.

Increases in fluid intake are also recommended to dilute the uric acid in the urine. This also helps in preventing the formation of kidney stones made of uric acid. Drinking of two to three liters of water a day assists in diluting the uric acid and also aids in bowel movement. Your liquid intake may consist of not only water but also herbal teas, vegetable juices, milk, unsweetened fruit juices and soup.

Likewise, limiting the intake of alcohol and caffeine is also beneficial to gout patients since alcohol contains purines and interferes with the body's excretion of uric acid. Beer is rich in purines. Heavy drinking also increases body weight and blood triglycerides, which are two factors that are believed to be important contributors to gout. Moderate drinking is unlikely to induce an attack of gout.

You can also take vitamin B12 supplements (or better yet eat foods that are rich in vitamin B12 such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products). Remember to include moderate levels of these foods as most of them do also contain purine.

Black berries are great for preventing an attack of gout. Plus, don't forget to add raw seeds such as pumpkin and flax seeds to your diet. Likewise, fish oil supplements that contain omega 3 fatty acids are ideal for reducing joint inflammation. Increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits will also help in preventing further gout attacks.

Lisa McDowell. For more information and to sign up for a Free Newsletter dedicated to treating Gout please visit Cure Gout Now or for more articles click here Gout Articles.