Gout often earns the label “disease of kings,” and one such unfortunate sufferer was King Henry VIII. So painful was the affliction it rendered him unable to walk. In fact he had to be carried around in a chair, which left him in a perpetual bad mood.
It has plagued humanity for centuries with its painful manifestations and distinctive association with indulgence. Benjamin Franklin, Christopher Columbus and Goethe were said to suffer from gout. Interestingly an old article showed a positive correlation between gout and ambition/accomplishment. Gout is characterised by sudden and severe attacks of joint inflammation, predominantly affecting the big toe although it can also target other joints. Uric acid crystals accumulate, which form due to the body’s inability to adequately metabolise purines found in certain foods and beverages.
Historically, gout was emblematic of excess, afflicting those who indulged in rich foods, alcohol, and luxurious living. Kings and aristocrats, with their lavish diets and sedentary lifestyles, were particularly prone to its grasp. However, in modern times, gout’s reach has extended beyond the realm of the elite, affecting people from all walks of life, albeit often still linked to dietary choices, imbalances and lifestyle factors.
The excruciating pain of a gout flare-up is often described as akin to having one’s joint crushed or set ablaze, rendering even the slightest movement unbearable. Gout attacks can be triggered by various factors, including certain foods high in purines, alcohol consumption, dehydration, obesity and even stress. Although there is more too it….
Is Gout a Disease of Iron Overload
Iron overload is simply iron excess that accumulates to toxic levels in the tissues, liver, joints, pancreas and heart.
Accumulating evidence suggests that gout is a disease of iron overload and that actually hyperuricaemia (an abnormally high level of uric acid) and/or crystal deposits are not sufficient enough to cause attacks of gout.
When iron is in excess, ceruloplasmin levels are low and is associated with copper deficiency. Ceruloplasmin is made in the liver and it stores and transports copper in the blood to parts of the body that need it. It is essential to the normal movement of iron from cells to plasma and to prevent excess build up. High iron to copper ratio results in higher uric acids. To support iron/copper balance ensure you are consuming wholefood vitamin C and copper rich foods. Vitamin A and adequate magnesium are also required to help the liver to produce ceruloplasmin.
It is important to have a full blood panel to check iron status. If iron is in excess giving blood is an option. Turmeric supplementation is also a consideration as it positively supports how the body metabolises and handles iron.
Thyroid and Gout
There may be a link with gout and thyroid disease and so this is worth checking out.
“I think hypothyroidism and bowel inflammation are the important things in gout. Raw carrot salad and aspirin, and correcting thyroid function, usually take care of it.” -Ray Peat, PhD
Thyroid and Gout – study
Cherries – a Natural Remedy for Gout Relief
Cherries and cherry juice/supplements have emerged as a natural remedy for gout. Rich in antioxidants they contain certain compounds that help reduce uric acid levels –
- Anthocyanins: These powerful antioxidants found in cherries have anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation and pain in affected joints.
- Vitamin C: Cherries are a great source of vitamin C, which can help in reducing uric acid levels.
- Potassium: The potassium content in cherries can help excrete excess uric acid through the kidneys, lowering the risk of crystal formation in joints.
Apple Cider Vinegar the Old Fashioned Answer
According to Earth Clinic apple cider vinegar is the most popular remedy for the symptoms of gout.
They suggest consuming as a drink 2 tablespoons of raw ACV diluted in water 2-3 times daily. Adding to cherry juice may enhance its benefits. It is important to stay hydrated to help flush out the uric acid crystals.
You may also find relief by wrapping a cloth soaked in cider vinegar around the affected joint. A cider vinegar foot bath may provide relief adding a few tablespoons of vinegar to warm water to a shallow bowl and soaking for about 15 minutes.
Other Natural Remedies to Consider for Gout
- Magnesium
- Birch juice
- Devil’s claw
- Nettle juice
- Dandelion juice
- Hibiscus
- Ginger
Treatment for gout typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and remedies aimed at reducing inflammation and lowering uric acid levels.
Despite its historical association with opulence and excess, gout serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between diet, lifestyle, and health. Through understanding and addressing the underlying causes of this ancient affliction, individuals can strive for a life free from the tyranny of gout’s agonising grip.
