Gout

Nutritional Therapy

Long-term goals of nutritional therapy should be to reduce susceptibility to recurring flare-ups. During acute gout attacks, supplements should act to reduce inflammation and combat high uric acid levels in the blood.

Folate

Folate has been recommended as a preventive treatment for gout for more than a decade. Many clinicians vouch for its effectiveness; however, the clinical evidence is contradictory. It has been suggested that a contaminant found in folate, pterin-6-aldehyde, may actually be responsible for the positive effects observed by some clinicians.

Dosage: 10 mg daily. Take folic acid with a B complex to prevent imbalances.

Caution 

Folate can mask vitamin B12 deficiency. Consult with a qualified health-care practitioner before using this method.

High doses of folate can cause digestive distress and may worsen seizures in epileptics.

The safety of high doses of folate in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe kidney or liver disease has not been established.

Other Supplements

Vitamin C

In one small study, vitamin C was shown to increase urinary excretion of uric acid. This enhanced excretion of uric acid from the body might be beneficial.

Dosage: 1,000 mg three times a day. Some naturopathic practitioners also recommend supplementing the diet with 1 to 2 tbsp of flaxseed oil a day. 

Caution: Consult a physician or healthcare practitioner familiar with nutritional therapies when taking large doses of vitamin C. It can cause side effects.

B vitamins are  important for enzyme production.

The B vitamin pantothenic acid helps break down uric acid.

Vitamin E keeps uric acid levels normal.

Evening primrose oil is rich in the essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Caution: Vitamin B3 (niacin) in large doses may elevate uric acid. Avoid niacin except for small amounts. 

Bromelain

Bromelain is derived from pineapple. The proteolytic enzyme of pineapple has been demonstrated to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent in both clinical human studies and experimental animal models. It is a suitable alternative to stronger prescription anti-inflammatory agents used in the treatment of gout. For best results, bromelain should be taken between meals.

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid, inhibits the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which makes uric acid. Quercetin has shown anti-inflammatory effects in test tube studies. Although human research is lacking, some doctors of natural medicine recommend 150-250 mg of quercetin three times per day (taken between meals).

Alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and glycine These amino acids have been shown to lower serum uric acid levels, presumably as a result of decreasing uric acid resorption in the renal tubule. This results in an increase in uric acid excretion.

Drink plenty of clear, nonalcoholic fluids such as fruit juices, herbal teas, or water. This helps to dilute the urine and promote excretion of uric acid through continued flushing of the kidneys.

Fish oil, vitamin E , selenium, bromelain, vitamin A , and aspartic acid have been recommended for both prevention and treatment of gout.

See Also: Nutritional Therapy for Arthritis

Next Topic: Reflexology

[Gout Home][Rheumatoid Arthritis Home][Osteoarthritis Home]
[Arthritis Home][Remedies Home][Holisticonline.com Home][Alternative Therapies Home]

Holisticonline.com is developed and maintained by ICBS, Inc.
Send mail to: info@holisticonline.com with comments about this web site.
Copyright © 1998-2007 ICBS, Inc. Terms of Use
All Rights Reserved.