Homeopathy and Supplements for Gout

In gout the uric acid crystals often accumulate in the big toe joint where they cause intense pain, redness, and swelling.

Using homeopathy and supplements to treat gout

With conventional medicine, symptoms are suppressed, in the hope that whatever caused the problem goes away, or if not, the medication is needed indefinitely to keep suppressing the symptoms. Some of these medications have such unpleasant side effects that there are people who choose to live with the gout instead. This is where homeopathy offers a real alternative.

Homeopathy treats the person with the gout, getting to the root cause, so that the issue is resolved and medication not needed long term. The treatment is gentle and has no side effects. Homeopaths see symptoms as the body's expression of "dis-ease", and though the symptoms may seem to us as unconnected to the underlying issue, we recognise that the body is amazing in the way it operates and protects itself.

Using homeopathy and supplements to treat gout ensures, not only that the underlying issue is resolved, but that the body has the right building blocks to fully heal.

What is Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness, most commonly in the big toe, but it can develop in other joints such as the knees. It occurs due to excessive uric acid production or reduced kidney excretion, often triggered by a diet high in purines (found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol), obesity, genetics, stress, prolonged antibiotic use, and certain medical conditions. If left untreated, gout can cause joint damage and chronic pain.

Why the body produces uric acid

The body produces uric acid as a natural byproduct of purine metabolism. Purines are substances found in certain foods (like red meat, seafood, and alcohol) and are also produced by the body as cells break down and regenerate.

How Uric Acid Is Produced

1. Breakdown of Purines – When purines are metabolized, they go through a series of chemical reactions, ultimately converting into uric acid in the liver.

2. Transport to the Bloodstream – The uric acid is then released into the bloodstream.

3. Excretion – The kidneys filter most of the uric acid from the blood and excrete it through urine. A small portion is also eliminated through the intestines.

Why the Body Produces Uric Acid:

• It’s a natural waste product from breaking down purines.

• Uric acid has some antioxidant properties that may help protect blood vessels.

However, when the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys don’t eliminate enough, it can build up in the blood (hyperuricemia). This excess uric acid can form crystals in the joints, leading to gout and other health issues.

Dietary advice

What to eat and drink for Gout

Good hydration is essential, preferably filtered water. Drinking lots of water dilutes the uric acid in your system and helps flush it through.

If you are prone to gout you want to focus on eating fresh, non-inflammatory foods that are not high in purines. Eat plenty of raw, fresh fruit and vegetables focussing on green (except asparagus) and root vegetables. Beware of the "nightshades", e.g., tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines, and capsicums, as these can be inflammatory for the joints. Watered down celery juice is very good for neutralising the uric acid, and although orange juice has been shown to reduce uric acid, it is high in fructose, so not so good for your liver or weight. Unrefined, whole grains, seeds and nuts are okay for you, as are cheese, eggs, and milk.

What to avoid for Gout

You want to avoid anything high in purines. Various fish, especially anchovies, mackerel, herring, shellfish, mussels, or sardines. All meats should be avoided, including gravies, broths, and sweetbreads. Other things to cut out of your diet are yeasts, all fried food, white flour, sugar, pies, cakes, and salt.

Be aware that crash diets can trigger attacks of gout. But it is advisable to have two weeks of just fresh fruit and vegetables at the onset of an attack.

Conventional Treatment

Gout treatment focuses on relieving pain during attacks and, with continued use, preventing future flare-ups by lowering uric acid levels. Conventional treatments include:

1. Pain Relief Medications:

   - Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin) – Reduce pain and swelling during an acute gout attack.

   - Colchicine – Helps reduce inflammation and pain by blocking the inflammatory response to uric acid crystals.

   - Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) – Used for severe cases when NSAIDs or colchicine are not suitable; they suppress inflammation and pain.

2. Uric Acid-Lowering Medications (Long-Term Management):

   - Allopurinol & Febuxostat – These drugs reduce uric acid production in the body, preventing future gout attacks and complications like kidney stones.

   - Probenecid – Helps the kidneys remove excess uric acid through urine, lowering blood levels.

Useful Supplements to Support you in Gout

Tissue salts

Tissue salts are the minerals that are needed in small amounts for the proper functioning of the body. They are made in a similar way to homeopathy, but they contain a very small, material dose of the salt, unlike homeopathy which is diluted to the point where it retains only the energy of the substance. These seemingly benign salts can work surprisingly quickly.

Tissue salts can be found online, in homeopathic pharmacies, or some good health food stores. Dosage depends on the size of the tablet, and is normally taken four times a day to provide a steady release. However, in acute situations they can be taken every 15 minutes for the first few doses.

• Natrum Phos - keeps uric acid soluble in the blood, thus stopping its crystallization, which is what causes the terrible pain of gout.

• Natrum Sulph - helps the body excrete uric acid by drawing it out of the space between cells and sending it to the kidneys. It then helps the bladder release the urine. It stimulates the bile ducts, pancreas, and intestinal canal to effectively excrete waste.

• Ferrum Phos - this salt of iron attracts oxygen into the cells of the body, when insufficient, the blood vessels dilate and blood becomes congested, with oxygen not getting to where it is needed. Congestion of blood vessels happens when there is red, sore, inflammation, increasing the intake of this tissue salt helps alleviate that inflammation.

Tissue salts can be taken alongside your homeopathic medicines, but ensure that your homeopath is aware you are doing this.

Food Supplements

The following supplements are worth considering, according to your personal circumstances. I suggest starting with a small number of targeted supplements, according to your circumstances, and seeing what difference they make. Then adding in more if necessary.

• Omega-3 - Gout is often the result of an excess of saturated fats, adding in a well-sourced Omega-3 with antioxidants can help restore the proper balance of essential fatty acids, and it helps the efficiency of all cell functions.

• Vitamin B complex - Ensures proper digestion and all bodily enzyme systems.

• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - Adding more of this anti-stress vitamin can be useful if you think stress is the cause.

• Methylfolate - The methylated version of folic acid is more easily metabolised by the body and is an important aid in nucleoprotein metabolism.

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids - Take up to 2,000 mg per day in split doses to lower serum uric acid.

• Vitamin E - Use 90 mg per day in a d-alpha-tocopherol form to improve circulation.

• Zinc - Up to 40 mg daily will aid protein metabolism and tissue repair.

• Calcium and Magnesium (chelated forms) - Use before sleep to reduce stress and avoid cramping.

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin - Helps repair joint tissue damage.

Homeopathic Treatment for Gout

As always, constitutional treatment via a qualified homeopath is the best way to treat someone with gout, as it gets to the root cause rather than just palliating symptoms. Your homeopath will look at your lifestyle, the circumstances leading up to your first attack of gout, the progression of this and other past illness, and your family medical history. They will also want to know how you experience the gout, as we are individuals and all experience illnesses in our unique ways.

Most illness is a result of some kind of "dis-ease" in your life that blocks or disrupts your energy. Treatment focuses on identifying the cause of that block and releasing it, not only helping your physical symptoms, but also addressing the underlying emotional disruption, leaving your spirit feeling lighter, and you with more energy.

Narayani Gout Mix 82

The Narayani remedies are mixtures that were developed in a rural African setting where homeopaths would travel to villages only a few times a year. These mixes were devised to cover a general complaint, which while not not the normal way of prescribing, can be useful for acute issues.

You should always treat the person rather than disease with homeopathy, but this type of mixture can be useful in an emergency, whilst waiting for a full consultation, or if you are prone to gout and away from home.

This mix contains the following remedies, and is suggested to be taken three times a day.

• Berberis

• Colchicum

• KBS Mix

• Ledum

• Liver Balance

• Pituitary (post)

• RA Pills Mix 25

• Urea

• Uric Acid

• Urtica Urens

If you are, or someone you know is, suffering from gout why not book a consultation with me through my website www.moniquecarmen.com, and let's get you back on the road to good health.