If you have recently had your first Gout attack, it is important that you keep a check on the progression of the disease. Good news for all Gout patients is that now this disease can be battled with natural methods. You can seek nutrient therapy for management of your Gout. Following is the list of nutrients that, if taken in right quantity, can greatly help ease off your Gout symptoms.
Magnesium
Magnesium and Calcium have a very close association. Calcium metabolism is regulated by magnesium. It also helps to utilize the Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C and E in our bodies. It is used in the treatment of kidney stones and also influences the kidney functions. Rich sources of magnesium include soybeans, fig, apple, and unmilled wheat germ. Recommended intake for Gout patients is approximately 400 mg daily.
Potassium
Potassium has a direct influence on the kidneys – eliminating the waste and poisonous materials from the body. Rich sources include vegetables, whole grains, oranges, sunflower seeds, nuts and mint leaves. Taken in the form of potassium citrate it is helpful in the breakdown of kidney stones and also in the prevention of the formation of uric acid crystals in the Gouty joints. Poultry and sea food should be avoided as they have adverse effects on Gout treatment. Recommended intake for Gout patients would be approximately 4200 mg daily.
Vitamin E
It is helpful to keep the uric acid in blood at low levels and dosage should be around 22.5 IU daily.
Pantothenic Acid or Vitamin B5
This enzyme is very useful in the breakdown of uric acid during body metabolism and facilitates the maintenance of optimum levels of uric acid in blood. Recommended intake for Gout patients would be approximately 10-15 mg daily.
Evening Primrose Oil
It is an essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which benefits in Gout treatment.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
This is very good in the cure of inflammation and also in weight management. It also has influence in the metabolic process, in the breakdown of purines and uric acid. Rich sources include flax seeds, walnuts and some fruits and vegetables. Though this enzyme is found in sea foods, one should avoid the intake of sea food as they are contraindicated in Gout treatment.
Chromium Piconate
This enzyme too is useful in Gout treatment. This helps to reduce weight by burning up unwanted fat in the body and also reduces the uric acid levels in the blood. Approximate allowable daily allowance as per US FDA is 600 mcg daily.
Some other nutrients like iron, phosphorus, iodine, coconut oil and cherries (blue or black) are also very useful in the treatment of Gout. Cherries are best if consumed in the form of juices. Coconut too can be consumed grated or tender. Tender coconut is very rich is most minerals like potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, etc., which can again be a rich and direct source of minerals.
Iron is an anti-inflammatory enzyme. One should avoid iron consumption from meat sources as they have adverse effects in Gout treatment. Iron is rich in most of the green leafy vegetables. When taking iron for Gout treatment always take the consent of your nutritionist or doctor. Raisins are also beneficial as anti-inflammatory food and they also help in weight management and are a rich source of potassium and magnesium which have an influence on function of other nutrients.
Nutrients to be avoided:
- Niacin of more than 50 milligrams per day to be avoided.
- Iron supplements to be avoided as they might cause increased uric acid levels in the blood
- Over dosage of vitamin C
Always discuss individual problems and physical condition with your doctor and ask him/her for specific recommendations on nutrient therapy and before using the remedies we have talked about here.
