Gout is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation, usually in one joint, that begins suddenly.Gouty arthritis is caused by the deposition of crystals of uric acid in a joint.Gout can cause symptoms and signs such asnodules under the skin called tophi,joint redness,swollen joints,joint pain, andwarmth of the joint.The most reliable method to diagnose gout is to have fluid removed from an inflamed joint and examined under a microscope for uric acid crystals.Chronic gout is treated using medications that lower the uric acid level in the body.Left untreated, gout can cause irreversible joint damage, kidney problems, and tophi.Triggers for acute attacks of gout include surgery, dehydration, beveragessweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup, beer, liquor, red meat, and seafood.Cherries may help prevent gout attacks.
What causes gout
Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the bloodstream and accumulation of uric acid
crystals in tissues of the body. Uric acid crystal deposits in the joint cause
-inflammation of the joint leading to pain
– redness
– heat, and swelling.
Uric acid is normally found in the body as a byproduct of the way the body breaks down certain proteins called purines. Causes of an elevated blood uric acid level (hyperuricemia) include genetics
-obesity
– certain medications such as diuretics (water pills),
-chronic decreased kidney function.
What are risk factors for gout
There are many risk factors for gout. Gout is more common after surgery, trauma, and dehydration. Certain medications such as diuretics (commonly known as water pills), which treat high blood pressure, that raise the level of uric acid in the bloodstream are risks for gout. Surprisingly, medications that lower the level of uric acid in the bloodstream, such as allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim), can also initially cause a flare of gout. This is because anything that raises or lowers the uric acid level can cause a gout flare by causing uric acid crystals to deposit in a joint. Low-dose aspirin can precipitate gout attacks. The treatment of certain types of cancer can cause gout because of high levels of uric acid released when the cancer cells are destroyed. Degenerative arthritis also makes affected joints more likely to be the site of a gouty attack.
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
-Maintain a diet low in purines.
-Limit intake of caffeine, cauliflower, dried beans, lentils, peas, oatmeal, spinach and yeast 
products.
-Consume plenty of purified water as this promotes the excretion of uric acid and prevents development of kidney stones.
-Drink fresh or frozen cherry juice as it prevents uric acid crystals from forming.
-Blueberries, cherries and strawberries neutralize uric acid and have antioxidant properties so eat more of them.
-Enjoy foods such as rice, millet, starchy vegetables, green vegetables, corn, cornbread, fruit, eggs, nuts, and herbal teas.
-Avoid alcohol as it may provoke acute attacks.
-The gout diet should be high in complex carbohydrates and low in protein.
Homeopathic Treatment for Gout
Homoeopathic medicines can be a big boon for all those who suffer from high uric acid. These medicines work by reducing the uric acids overproduction by the body and accelerating the removal of this waste product from through the kidneys.
Homoeopathy is known to control the uric acid diathesis and is also useful in acute attacks. Homeopathy helps in controlling the pain during the acute attack of gout as well as helps in preventing the recurrence of such episodes. It helps in reducing stiffness and improves the mobility of the joints.
One big advantage that homoeopathy offers in the treatment of high uric acid is that once treated the chances of relapse are very less, this is also subjected to the condition that diet and Alcohol and weight are well controlled.
The Homeopathic medicines for Gout have to be specific to every individual person. That is the reason a detailed history is required to customise the treatment for Gout. The Homeopathic treatment for Gout is chalked out after a detailed analysis and review of your past treatments for Gout and medicines for Gout taken by you.
With continued treatment patient notices the reduction in the frequency of attacks and intensity of pains with gradually leading to complete cure.
