Arthritis, Pain Relief and soft Drinks
Because arthritis is so widespread now, it gets a lot of attention from all of us - from the average person to the health professional. Some experts believe that arthritis was first introduced by a strain of virus some two centuries ago. But then, other experts have found conclusive evidence of arthritis in ancient Egyptian mummies. But whether it's two centuries or four millennia, arthritis does seem to be age-related. We are clearly more prone to have it the older we get. And we have therefore come to regard arthritis as a degenerative disease.
But that should by no means mean that arthritis is inevitable. "But why should we have to take natural hormone creams and supplements?" my clients often ask. "Our ancestors didn't take them, and arthritis wasn't nearly as prevalent in times past." The simple fact is, most of our ancestors didn't live to the ripe, old, healthy ages we do nowadays. They died younger and were worn out earlier - while we go on playing golf and tennis into our 70s and beyond. We live longer now, and want to enjoy ourselves more. So why suffer - unnecessarily - the aching joints and low energy of arthritis?
Sure arthritis is a fact, but we needn't resign ourselves to it. By being smart we can stay healthy. From my clientele and personal experience I've learned four easy ways to diminish or get rid of arthritis:
1. Soothex: It's a base of olive oil that's infused with anti-inflammatory herbs. Rub Soothex topically wherever you have pain and it takes the pain away, reduces swelling, and directly introduces healing oxygen to the joints and tissues. Soothex has no side effects… and you can use it as often as you wish.
2. Oil of Oregano: This herbal healer works on the same principles as Soothex, but more mildly. But it also is a completely natural antibiotic, and is antiviral and antifungal, and gives a great boost to the immune system. With such intense healing properties, both Soothex and Oil of Oregano are a far cry from commercial products that often offer mere numbing and heating effects.
3. Natural progesterone creams - These creams - such as Prosperin for women and Prosperon for men - naturally balance the hormones whose imbalance is the origin of so many stresses and bad sensations that can plague us in our middle age and senior years.
4. A natural healthy diet with lots of veggies and not too much animal protein. If you like red meats then go organic - you'll be cutting out a lot of artificial animal hormones that can play havoc with your health and well-being.
Did you happen to read that soft drinks can diminish arthritis? And did you wonder, as I did: Could this possibly be true?
The answer, it turns out, is both yes and no. If you have a bad case of arthritis and do not improve your diet and lifestyle, a six-pack of soft drinks might give you some relief from arthritis - but just temporarily. This can happen because the phosphate in the soda can dissolve some of the calcium deposits in your joints, which are the source of your arthritis pain and swelling. Indeed, what we call "arthritis" is actually an internal internal infection and inflammation.
But if you then take up drinking soft drinks as a regimen to keep your arthritis at bay, it will dissolve the calcium in your bones and put you on the fast track to osteoporosis. A losing proposition. Some recommend trying a six-pack over the course of a few hours, to see if your pain is reduced. If you try this, afterwards please stop with the soft drinks and take up with healthy, natural foods. This way the vitamins and minerals in your food will be well absorbed, and won't form deposits that congest your joints with the blockage and pain we call arthritis. For improved intestinal absorption of nutrients you should also drink kefir and / or take acidophilus.
Sure - arthritis is a degenerative disease, but it can be cured or dramatically reduced if you have the knowledge, persistence, and willingness to change your lifestyle. I've never quite understood why many of us seem unwilling to give up our suffering. It seems some just aren't ready for it yet. Are you?
Let Soothex jump-start the hope that arises when pain actually decreases, movement comes easily again, and your energy starts to flow. If you follow through with a natural diet, you can definitely enjoy your long life more. What else could we wish for?
"Health is our greatest wealth". - Benjamin Franklin
Warmly, Pieternel van Giersbergen.
Arthritis Help From Your Kitchen Cupboard
Arthritis, whether it is osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, have the common symptoms of inflammation of one or more joints. This is accompanied by pain, swelling and sometimes joint deformity. Traditionally, with herbal medicine, anti-inflammatory herbs such as black cohosh, feverfew, yucca and wild yam were recommended. And a naturopath might prescribe vitamins like vitamin A, the B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Plus a host of minerals like chelated zinc, chelated calcium and magnesium, copper salicylate, selenium and bromelain. And supplements like evening primrose and fish oils, glucosmaine, and superoxide dismutase, which is found in good quality dehydrated (but not juiced) green barley powder.
But scientists have found some very effective anti-inflammatory agents in our own kitchen. Some of them, like ginger, can be bought as a supplement. And due to ginger's strong taste, this might be a preferable way of taking it to get the quantities you need for a significant anti-inflammatory effect. But others, like olive oil, can easily be integrated into the daily diet. Cinnamon is not commonly used as a supplement here, but in India it has a rich traditional use and may be available as part of an Ayurvedic supplement.
Ginger
One of the active constituents in ginger is a phenolic compound known as gingerols. These have been found to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In a study reported in the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal, the participants who took the ginger compound had significantly less pain during movement than those who took the placebo. This study followed 29 people over 12 months, and also found that swelling in the knees was also reduced.
However, if you are taking blood thinning medication like warfarin, you may need to be careful about the amount of ginger you take, as ginger can thin the blood also. (Australian Healthy Food)
Cinnamon
This rather delicious spice has a number of health benefits. Specific to inflammation and arthritis, cinnamon can help inhibit the release of inflammatory fatty acids. (Australian Healthy Food)
Yellow and Orange Fruits and Vegetables
Some of the carotenoids in yellow and orange fruit and vegetables help reduce inflammation. Carotenoids are what gives these vegetables and fruit their color. (Australian Healthy Food)
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil acts similar to the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, though it doesn't have the immediate pain relieving effects that ibuprofen does. But a compund found in extra virgin olive oil, called oleocanthal has been found to inhibit the COX enzymes like ibuprofen, in what researchers describe as a 'dose dependant' manner. This research was originally reported in the September, 2005 issue of Nature magazine by Paul Breslin and his associates from Monell Chemical Senses Center. He describes oleocanthal as a natural anti-inflammatory compound that is potentially as strong as ibuprofen. He suggests that taken over the long term, it will have the same potential benefits that long term use of ibuprofen does. Their results found that taking 50 grams of extra virgin olive oil is equal to approximately 10% of the dosage of ibuprofen recommended for pain relief for adults. Olive oil also has a host of other benefits, including a heart protective effect.
Interestingly, scientists have also found that a diet high in refined grains, sugary soft drinks, processed meat and even diet soft drinks can encourage both inflammation and type 2 diabetes.
Joint Support
Joint Support by Chester Ku-Lea
Everyone old enough to walk appreciates the value of flexibility and ease of movement. Unfortunately many of us take such good things for granted. A famous folksinger sang, "You don't know what you've got till it's gone." That's certainly true for millions Americans who live with stiff and uncomfortable joints.
Fortunately there are a number of nutrients available that provide the vital components of healthy joint structure and function and ease of mobility. These nutrients are referred to as "chondroprotective agents," and include glucosamine and chondroitin, which supply the raw material necessary to produce new cartilage, and may even help rebuild worn cartilage. Other chondroprotective nutrients and herbs, like Cetyl Myristoleate, MSM, and Boswellin, work synergistically with glucosamine and chondroitin and further support normal joint function.
To understand how chondroprotective agents work, one must first understand how joints work. The key element in human joints is articular cartilage, the shock-absorbing tissue that connects two bones together and allows pain-free movement. Articular cartilage is comprised of two different molecules, collagen and proteoglycans, with the remainder composed primarily of water (65-85%). Collagen, a protein that binds tissue together, provides elasticity. Proteoglycans, composed of sugars and protein, absorb water, which provides lubrication and resiliency, nature's shock absorber for your joints. Both compounds are produced by chondrocytes, caretaker cells responsible for the formation and maintenance of cartilage. A deficiency in any one of the above constituents will increase the likelihood of wear and tear on articular cartilage, which can eventually lead to compromised joint function. Glucosamine and chondroitin are safe, natural and effective nutrients that support healthy joint function by supplying the materials needed to produce collagen and proteoglycans.
Arnica Native to Europe and southern Russia, Arnica montana is a perennial plant with bright yellow, daisylike flowers. Some of its common names include leopard's bane, wolf's bane, and mountain tobacco. Arnica montana has a long history of use in herbal healing, as do other arnica species grown in the western part of North America. The dried flower heads and occasionally the underground stems and roots are the source of medicinal arnica.
* Muscle strains and sprains. Arnica is widely applied to ease the inflammation and pain of muscle strains and sprains caused by overuse or injury. Although results have been contradictory, some studies concluded that for a short period immediately following a marathon run, arnica reduced muscle soreness. The effect was only temporary, however.
* Arthritic joints. Inflamed and painful joints are said to benefit from arnica as well. Using the herb in a hot, moist compress may be helpful for arthritis pain, though it is not known whether it is simply the heat or the arnica that provides the relief.
* Psoriasis and eczema. Numerous herbal formulas for these persistent skin disorders contain extracts of arnica, which may help given its anti-inflammatory and numbing qualities.
* Insect bites. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, topical arnica is believed to reduce the swelling and pain caused by insect bites. It may also help prevent infection.
Celadrin is a medically and clinically proven pain management compound developed through a proprietary process of esterifying oils. Celadrin is a novel, all natural ingredient which has been medically shown to reduce inflammation and pain with no side effects. Celadrin systematically enhances and lubricates cell membranes throughout the body providing youthful cell fluidity and elasticity. This includes the enhancement of fluids that cushions your bones and joints to maintain flexibility and mobility so that you can move with ease and pain free. Celadrin has been proven to provide cumulative (continuous and restorative) benefit. In a double blind clinical trial, oral Celadrin showed significant benefit beyond the arthritic medication the subjects were taking - with cumulative improvement shown throughout the study.
Chondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Chondroitin sulfate is a major constituent of cartilage, providing structure, holding water and nutrients, and allowing other molecules to move through cartilage--an important property, as there is no blood supply to cartilage. The only significant food source of chondroitin sulfate is animal cartilage.
Glucosamine is composed of glucose (a sugar) and glutamine (an amino acid). It is utilized by chondrocytes to form glycosaminoglycans (GSG) and proteoglycans (PG). Both of these constituents attract and bind water into cartilage, increasing resiliency. Research indicates that glucosamine may actually help your body repair damaged or eroded cartilage. A number of studies have been conducted on glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride, with a preponderance of positive results. Glucosamine sulfate is considered the more effective of the two.
For a long time, glucosamine dominated the market among supplements used to ease joint pain. Now, many practitioners prefer to use a combination of both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Many have found this combination to be effective, particularly for runners, who tend to develop problems with their knees. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are well absorbed by the molecules that make up cartilage. They are not available from food. It is not uncommon to have to take these supplements indefinitely to continue to experience relief.
MSM Methyl-sulfonyl-methane is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in our bodies as well as in many common beverages and foods, including milk, coffee, tea and green vegetables. In its purified chemical form, it is an odorless, essentially tasteless, white, water-soluble crystalline solid. It is one of the safest substances in biology, similar in toxicity to water.
Recent research has shown that the results of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis in the knee is no different than that of placebo. This gives people further reason to at least give supplements, such as chondroitin sulfate, a try before enduring more invasive, expensive approaches.
Benefits of Joint Support Formulas
* helps rebuild and repair worn cartilage
* support healthy joint function by supplying the materials needed to produce collagen and proteoglycans
* eases joint pain
About the Author
Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements.
A Look at Some Arthritis Help Recommendations
A Look at Some Arthritis Help Recommendations by Trevor Mulholland
Arthritis is a disease of the joints that strikes millions of people worldwide every year. Although it is most commonly associated with aging, it can appear in young people as well. Being afflicted with arthritis is inconvenient and discomforting, to say the least. To minimize loss in quality of life, you should be aware of the many avenues of arthritis help that are available to you. With the rapid development of medical technology as well as the growth of information technology, you can learn more about the disease than ever and get the right help to manage it better.
Arthritis help and treatment comes in many forms, but one of the most important things for the early management of the disease is to recognize the symptoms. There are many, many variations of this disease, but they share some things in common. Joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling are the most prominent signs of the disease. In addition, many patients experience fatigue, weight loss, and a condition called crepitus -- a cracking sound that is also called popping joints. It may or not be painful, and it usually indicates that something is wrong with one's soft tissue or joint.
Relief from pain and preventing the disease from getting worse are the main goals of arthritis treatment. Even though arthritis is a very common disease, the way people experience it can differ, with some experiencing more pain and others less. It's important to resist the urge to self-medicate -- seek immediate medical help from your primary care physician, who will be able to prescribe the best treatment for your particular condition. Medical experts also recommend that patients take a proactive part in the management of their disease. In addition to possible concerns about medication, such as side effects and contraindications, patients should feel free to ask their doctors questions that will help them understand the disease better because doing so will help them help themselves even more.
Apart from pharmaceutical formulations, there are alternative or holistic arthritis help options that patients can consider. Acupuncture, yoga, hypno-therapy, ayurveda, and aromatherapy are just some of the many natural treatment choices available. These therapies were used by ancient cultures hundreds and thousands of years ago to treat a variety of ailments, and they have been passed down us and more and more people are reaping their benefits. Be careful, though, and make sure that you are seeking holistic treatment from a qualified or certified practitioner; going to quacks will definitely not bring you any pain relief.
A healthy diet is an essential part of arthritis help programs. Making sure you get a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals in order to keep the body as healthy as possible. There should be a healthy balance of foods that are rich in protein, phytochemicals, fiber, and other nutrients, and these are most often found in whole foods -- not in the junk food, fast-food, and foods rich in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates that many of us have become accustomed to. However, individuals with certain types of arthritis, such as gout, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are advised to know about whole foods that can aggravate their condition. Again, consultation with a medical professional or nutritionist should not be neglected in order to learn which foods could help or worsen the disease's symptoms.
Proper rest is important, especially when joint pain is at its worst. But this doesn't mean shouldn't neglect physical activity. There are exercises that are appropriate for arthritic patients; these are non-impact activities that can benefit aching joints and reduce the loss of range of motion. Certain water and stretching exercises and walking are just some of the activities that help keep arthritis patients in better health both physically and psychologically.
Patients can also take comfort in the fact that there are many arthritis help products available in the marketplace, all of which are designed to make living with the disease easier. Gardening paraphernalia, arthritis-friendly clothes and dress accessories, and house furnishings modified for easy operation -- all these and more are bestsellers because they help individuals with arthritis live as much of a normal life as they possibly could.
Having a positive mindset and a healthy style of living are in themselves major factors in arthritis help. Add them to the abundance of relief and treatment options available today and you will find that life is still good -- even with arthritis.
About the Author
Rheumatiq.com provides you with information on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, arthritis help, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, causes of gout, and gout treatments. We want to help battle the pain.http://www.rheumatiq.com/
Get your "apple-a-day" with Apple Cider Vinegar
Get your "apple a day" with Apple Cider Vinegar by Lena Hilltorp
The powerful health and healing qualities of natural Apple Cider Vinegar have been known and used since 3,000 B.C.
The ancient Egyptians, and even the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, sang the praises of this unique, yet humble, product and he was said to recommend it to his ill patients, Julius Caesar treated his wounded soldiers with it, and vinegar was even mentioned in the bible for its medicinal properties.
Apple Cider Vinegar is an all-natural substance derived from the acetous fermentation of sweet apple cider. The apple is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, and these nutrients are also present in Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made of apples fermented in water with a small quantity of calcium and magnesium.
Apple Cider Vinegar contains cholesterol-reducing pectin and the perfect balance of 19 minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, fluorine and silicon.
Apple cider vinegar has recently found new use as a weight-loss and weight-management aide, and has been included in many over-the-counter weight loss nutritional supplements. The combination of the acidic vinegar and fruit pectin is supposedly the reason behind this solution's "fat burning effects".
Proponents say that it can cure arthritis, guard against osteoporosis, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent cancer, destroy infection, assist in digestion and weight control, maintain memory, and protect the mind from aging.
Possibly what contributes to the all round potency of apple cider vinegar is the number of enzymes and organic acids produced during the 2 fermentations. apple cider vinegar is claimed to be a natural multi vitamin and mineral treasure house.
Little-Known Secrets About Apple Cider Vinegar. Save Money With Our Huge Index. http://www.applecider-vinegar.net/
Copyright © 2006 Lena Hilltorp
About the Author
Lena Hilltorp is a freelance publisher based in Sweden. She publishes articles and reports and provides Applecider Vinegar resources on http://www.applecider-vinegar.net/
Natural Relief For Arthritis And Joint Pain?
The years of teaching high impact aerobics are catching up with me. Sure it's been great for the ticker, but the knees on the other hand are showing signs of age and making icky noises. What my Physical Therapist friends call "creep" and "crepitus" (which is just nice technical way of saying "grinding") had become loud enough to be heard by the naked ear! At the rate I was going - I was sure I'd need a knee replacement by 40. Of course this just won't do. So I've taken to doing leg extensions regularly and… taking glucosamine.
Glucosamine - What's That?
"Glucosamine" is a natural constituent of cartilage which has been shown to stimulate the production of connective tissue! In more technical terms, glucosamine is considered an "amino sugar." An amino sugar is the component of a carbohydrate which does not contribute to the body's energy - instead it gets incorporated into body tissues, forming such structures as tendons, ligaments, bones, skin, nails, eyes and heart valves.
What is Glucosamine Used For?
Glucosamine supplements have been used most recently (according to the research I consulted) for everything from joint pain to connective tissue repair. It's best know for its contribution to tendon and ligament support, for building joint cartilage as well as reducing destruction of cartilage. It has also shown promise in reducing inflammation due to asthma and bursitis, lessen the incidence of food allergies, tendonitis and skin problems! As if that isn't enough - what I find most exciting about glucosamine is its use in relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How Glucosamine Works
It's fairly basic. We produce less glucosamine as we age, therefore our cartilage has difficulty retaining water. Depletion of this fluid, which ads "cushion" to the joints and other tissues, can create everything from joint pain to arthritis. Glucosamine (together with its counterpart chondroitin - another naturally occurring substance) - helps to counteract this water loss as well as restore cartilage.
Side Effects
So What's the bad news? I always want to know. Here's what I found: Since these substances are naturally occurring - they work on the body differently than synthetic drugs (think Prednisone) or anti-inflam's like Naproxen. This said - it takes a while to notice signs of joint help - more than likely it could take up to a year of regular supplementation before the benefits take hold. Once they do, however, 50% of all regular users have reported definite decreases in symptoms of joint pain - I will let you know! The only other downside I could find to the glucosamine/chondroitin complex users were nausea and heartburn - although they are rare and counteracted by eating prior to supplementation.
How To?
As I've just stated, always take the glucosamine/chondroitin complex with meals to avoid side effects. I take one, 500 mg tablet once a day. Dr. Mindell (I am a big fan of his work: see below) recommends taking just 1-3 500 mg. tabs daily for three weeks (to get a boost), then take one, 500 mg. tab daily.
My Usual Disclaimer:
As always, please check with your healthcare provider before supplementation - discuss with him/her any medications you are taking to avoid interactions. Although herbs and other naturally occurring substances are considered "food" (simply because they can't be patented and trademarked thus cannot come under scrutiny of the FDA) they are still very strong substances in the body and should not be taken lightly! Check out more literature - educate yourself!
My Favorite Resources (and research sources for this article) Include:
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.
Khalsa, Dharma Singh, M.D. Food As Medicine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. The Vitamin Bible. New York: Warner Books, 2004.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. Prescription Alternatives. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Laura Turner is a natural health practitioner and author. She hosts http://www.beauty-and-body.com and publishes the New Body News and Wellness Letter, The Online Magazine Healthy People Read. ( http://www.new-body-news.com ) Subscribe for f.r.e.e. and receive her Special Report: "Take Charge of Your Health!" and check out her latest book: Spiritual Fitness!
Do I have Arthritis?
Pain when bending by Anonymous
Question : WHENEVER I change position from standing or squatting, I cannot bend or straighten up immediately. It takes a few seconds because I feel pain and I strain. After that, there is a sense of relief. Can you tell me the cause of this and the remedies?
Answer : YOU may be suffering from arthritis. Arthritis refers to an inflammation of the joints. It may also indicate many disorders. Arthritis can attack any joint of the body such as fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, feet, ankles, neck and back.
Collectively, these are the symptoms of arthritis -- pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or stiffness in joints. The pain may worsen after physical work. A severe attack may cause fever or nausea as well as fatigue and depression. Among the causes are ageing, loss of cartilage, fracture and mechanical damage, improper alignments of joints, obesity or an autoimmune disease.
Celery seeds are regarded as a diuretic that eliminates acidic metabolites through the kidneys, making it very useful in gout and other arthritic conditions. Guaiacum possesses anti-rheumatic actions, which is beneficial for stiff and painful joints. These two herbs are usually used in combination with ginger, capsicum and sarsaparilla for synergistic actions.
Diet also plays an important role. Omega-3 (from fish oil) and omega-6 (from evening primrose oil) essential fatty acids have been found to increase the body's production of the prostaglandin that suppresses inflammation.
Avoid all red meat and saturated fats as they can be converted to inflammatory substances that can aggravate the condition. Increase intake of foods high in dietary fibre and complex carbohydrates. Watch out for foods like wheat, dairy products, corn, beef, tomato, potato, eggplants and peppers that may aggravate your pain. Cut down on the consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Drink plenty of water.
Light exercises such as brisk walking helps to keep the joint cartilage lubricated. It also strengthens the supporting structures (muscles, tendons and ligaments), and increases the range of motion and flexibility of the joints. Keep the joints warm at night and in cold weather by using a hot water bottle or towel and wear socks or cotton gloves.
About the Author
www.medical-explorer.com
Major Causes of Gout and How to Avoid Them
Major Causes Of Gout And How To Avoid Them by Lisa McDowell
The major cause of gout is the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. The uric acid is a chemical that is a natural part of the normal breakdown and build up of food in body tissues. The level of uric acid may be found and measured in the blood.
The condition where there is a rise in blood's uric acid level is called hyperuricaemia. With the presence of such condition it is no wonder that uric acid crystals are formed in the joints. These crystals are responsible for the inflammation called gouty arthritis or acute gout.
Gout usually attacks people whose uric acid level has always been above normal. There are various reasons why uric acids level increases in the body:
* The higher than normal uric acid levels may be inherited in some families * Obesity was also found to cause gout attacks * High alcohol and caffeine intake * High intake of food containing purines * Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure and long standing kidney diseases
The first step in treating gout is to correct the factors that increase the levels of uric acid in the body. Patients should also work to refrain from eating purine rich foods since these substances are found to contain a lot of uric acid.
Here are foods high in purines and to be avoided:
* Organ meat products such as liver, kidneys, tripe, sweetbreads and tongue, * Excessive amounts of red meat, shellfish, fish roe and scallops, * Peas, lentils and beans, * Alcohol and caffeine intakes should be reduced. A glass of beer a day or less is recommended * Crash diets should also be avoided * Some drugs for high blood pressure may need to be altered or adjusted
An important aspect of treating gout is lowering the uric acid levels. There are some drugs that can bring down the uric acid level in the body. However, it should be noted that these drugs only temporarily treat symptoms of gout and should not be taken on a long-term basis. The dosage is based on the level of uric acid found in the body. Regular check ups are required in order to arrive at the maintenance dosage that will prevent recurrent gout attacks.
As long as the level of uric acid continues to be lower than the normal any symptoms of gout are a remote possibility. Provided of course that medication is continued. Some drugs work by increasing elimination of uric acid through the kidney while others simply hinder the formation of uric acid in the first place.
Likewise, it is important for patients using medications to realize that during the first few months of treatment, it is still possible to have gout attacks, however severe gouty attacks are lessened.
Some of the complications of long time and acute cases of gout are deposits of uric acid salts that may appear around the affected joint and even in tissues in the earlobes. These uric acid salts are chalk colored nodules, and are also called tophi. The presence of uric acid salts is an indication further treatment is needed.
About the Author
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.
