When you hear the word gout, you might associate it with kings or rich and famous people. This is quite a common impression about this disease and it has often been known as a rich man's disease or as a disease of the kings. However, gout can affect any male or female of any age. Gout is just one among the many inflammatory joint diseases that a significant number of Americans suffer from. It is a form of arthritis that can affect any person of any age, and it is not some mysterious illness of the rich and famous.
Gout is often brought about by high levels of uric acid in the blood that causes crystalline buildup in the joints and other parts of the body. A gout attack can happen any time of the day but is usually observed during night time and typically affects the big toe first (although it can also affect other joints in the body). Although gout can affect almost anyone, it still remains as primarily a disease often suffered from by men, especially those who are overweight, has a history of gout in their family, and those in their 40s or 50s.
Excessive consumption of alcohol, having a surgery, too much intake of purine-rich foods, going on a crash diet, having chemotherapy, injuring a joint or being under stress are only some of the factors that can trigger or worsen a gout attack. At the first signs of a gout attack, it helps that you seek professional medical attention right away so you can be given appropriate gout remedies. There are different kinds of prescription medications available that can be very effective in reducing discomforts associated with gout attacks, and can also help in reducing, if not eliminating, excess uric acid in the blood.
There are also several gout remedies that you can find inside your very own kitchen. You can start by making it a habit to drink about eight 6-ounce glasses of water everyday. You can also use herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve you of gout pain. Helpful herbs include boswellia or frankincense, capsicum or cayenne, Devil's claw root, feverfew, gingerroot, licorice, meadowsweet leaves and flower tops, and white willow bark.
Other gout remedies that you can find and do inside your home include comfortable shoes, homemade splints that can be used to immobilize the affected joint, elevating the affected joint, and following relaxation techniques.
Author Resource:
Cherries are good for gout in elbows. Gout of the elbow is caused by a build up of uric acid in the bloodstream.
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