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Gout is an arthritic condition caused by excessive uric acid. The body cannot absorb uric acid; therefore if kidneys are not filtering normally, needlepoint crystals build up in joints causing abrasion, inflammation, swelling and extreme pain in surrounding tissue.

The first and most common symptom is pain at the base of the big toe joint, though other joints affected may be the knees, ankles, wrists and small bones of the hand.

Verifying gout is a simple procedure. Ask your doctor to do this test, when symptoms first appear. This condition becomes chronic if not dealt with immediately.

Diet, stress and obesity are the main causes of gout or gouty arthritis. Emotional or mental causes may be anger, impatience or a need to dominate.

Control gout with diet, nutritional supplements, Bach Flowers, herbal treatments, and therapies, such as acupuncture and reflexology.

Newer medications are being tested for gout, many with fewer side affects. Talk to your doctor about anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and uric acid reducers. Side affects of all these include nausea, constipation, intestinal bleeding, sedation, and skin eruptions.

Avoid meat, shellfish, poultry, rich gravies, cakes, pies, sweetbreads and anchovies. These foods are high in purines. Alcohol increases uric acid. White flour,sugar, and refined foods will aggravate inflammation, increasing pain.

The best foods are fruits, especially strawberries, cherries and cherry juice, which reduce uric acid. Tomatoes, leafy greens, and green peppers, high in Vitamin C are the best food choices. Plenty of water is important to rid the body of toxins. Flaxseed oil acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and may be taken as a supplement or used in salad dressings.

Spirulina and chlorella are good supplement choices. With high antioxidant properties, they are high in beta-carotene and Vitamin E,helping to reduce acidity in the body. Glucosamine helps to reduce pain.

Avoid high doses of Vitamin A and Niacin, which raise uric-acid levels, as well as increase inflammation.

Juniper Berry, a diuretic, reduces uric acid. Hawthorn and Bilberry reduce acidity and protect the tissue surrounding the joints. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Read the product labels and discuss dosage with your practitioner or health food specialist.

Bach Flowers, help to counteract emotional tendencies. Beech, Holly, Vervain and Impatiens are the best choices for gout sufferers.

Reflexology, works to increase circulation, and assists kidney and digestive function. Acupressure and Acupuncture work similarly. Talk to your therapist about the best program for the level of pain and the number and length of gouty episodes. These same practitioners may also be helpful in terms of diet and exercise.

Gout is a painful and often chronic condition, but with proper food choices, good supplements, therapy and low impact exercise, you can still enjoy many pain free days.

Learn more about this author, Julie Melville.
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