What Causes Gout...?
Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines... substances that are found naturally in your body, as well as in certain foods, such as:
The kidneys usually regulate the levels of uric acid in the body. When this process is compromised, gout can occur. Chronic gout can lead to deposits of hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints (most commonly found around the fingers, at the tips of the elbows, and around the big toe) and can also lead to decreased kidney function, and kidney stones. Some people may only develop elevated blood uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) without having arthritis or kidney problems. Tiny fluid-filled sacs (bursae) can be deposited around the joints – inciting inflammation in the bursae leading to joint pain and swelling – and a condition called bursitis. In rare instances, gout leads to a more chronic condition that mimics rheumatoid arthritis. Risk factors for developing gout include:
Certain drugs, such as:
and others can also cause elevated uric acid levels in the blood and lead to gout. Interestingly, a recent study demonstrated an increased prevalence of abnormally low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) in patients with gout. If you experience sudden, intense pain in a joint, call your doctor. He or she knows what causes gout and how to help. Gout that goes untreated can lead to worsening pain and joint damage. Seek medical care immediately if you have a fever and a joint is hot and inflamed, which can be a sign of infection. So...it's important to know what causes gout...but isn't it even more important to know what we can do about it? Testimonials...Author: Vicki McShannock 2005-01-15 "In July my husband got pneumonia. Antibiotics and oils on his feet were not enough. I added digestive enzymes and nebulizations with asthma drugs but saw little improvement but the mucus came up with the digestive enzymes. Still very ill, his feet started getting bile green on the soles. His circulation was not good and the oils were not getting to his lungs. We started using oils in capsules and saw improvement by morning. Next problem, gout. What causes gout? Well...as his kidneys were under stress from the antibiotics...that was a good guess. I had a small bottle of Ledum I was going to use on his liver for an old diesel oil absorption on his skin. (He has lots of lesions on his back from chemical contacts as a farmer.) I put 20 drops in a capsule the first day as it was the only gout remedy I had. Cut back to 15 drops of ledum the next day and for whatever reason rubbed his throbbing, purple big toe with lemongrass. Presto, relief in 20 minutes, and it continued if I did it 2-3 times a day. Good in 2 weeks. Doctor said he would be sick for at least 5 weeks! I should add that he also has a severe sleep apnea and uses a machine. From touch and go to feeling good. Now if I could only make him drink all the time! Conclusions?... I don't know what worked, but the lemongrass was immediate and obvious in pain relief from the gout. How much the ledum did is not as obvious, the lemongrass may not have worked so well alone. My husband will not volunteer to try getting gout again and see which worked! I have started my shoulder on the road to recovery with valor then lemongrass twice a day. It's my best friend. Just asked the colt who is here today with the help of lemongrass!" Author: Russ Eberhardt 2005-08-23 "I have at two separate times used Peppermint and Panaway Oils to support the reduction of severe inflammation and pain of my left big toe, which has previously been diagnosed as 'Gouty', in conjunction with dietary changes and other herbal remedies. The relief I received was more effective than when I used pharmeuticals, as prescribed by a physician, and I was back on my feet sooner as well! I don't fully understand what causes gout, but I know what helps it!"
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