Gout is a type of arthritis caused by elevated uric acid in the blood and then depositing in the joints. The classic area involved is the big toe, but any joint can be involved. 4% of the adult population is affected, and African-Americans are at the highest risk.  Pain usually occurs with intermittent attacks.

Despite a popular misconception that gout is merely an episodic nuisance, it is a serious disease that can significantly affect physical function and quality of life. A 2013 systematic review found that quality of life was significantly reduced in patients with gout. I have seen many acute flares in patients and it does not look fun.

Economic costs include decreased worker productivity and increased absences from work. From 2001 to 2005, an estimated 2 million visits were made to primary care providers due to gout.

Although gout historically has been considered a musculo-skeletal disorder, recent evidence indicates that high levels of uric acid in the blood plays an important role in the development of kidney disease and contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and death. 

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is an end-product of protein breakdown. The molecular structure is carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Although the definition of hyperuricemia (high uric acid in blood) is arbitrary, it is usually defined as a serum uric acid level greater than 7.0 mg/dl in men and greater than 6.0 mg/dl in women. 

Dangerous effects of elevated uric acid include:

1. Inhibits nitric oxide production
2. Platelet aggregation
3. Increased inflammation

High uric acid is linked to:

1. Hypertension
2. Coronary artery disease
3. Congestive heart failure
4. Atrial fibrillation
5. Diabetes and the metabolic syndrome
6. Kidney failure

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4826346/

What raises uric acid

1. Sugar-sweetened beverages
2. High fructose corn syrup consumption
3. Low omega-3 levels- Source
4. Alcohol
5. Fruit juice and fruit excess
6. Low vitamin D- Source

Cardiovascular pharmaceuticals linked to hyperuricemia include:

1. Hydrochlorothiazide diuretics
2. Aspirin increases gout attacks
3. ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
4. Beta-blockers

Some pharmaceuticals can lower levels of uric acid AND are shown to decrease the risk of heart attacks. Allopurinol is one example. But as a doctor of cause, let’s look for ways to prevent excess production of uric acid that do NOT involve drugs.

My Plan:

1. Organic Paleo (click for our pyramid).  Animal consumption is linked to higher uric acid. But the Mediterranean diet was found to lower uric acid. I think Paleo is the perfect option. Source
2. Limit or avoid alcohol.
3. Drink plenty of quality water like the brand we recommend at Pristine Hydro.
4. Eat cherries. See some delicious recipes at the bottom of this post!
5. Low sugar
6. Heavy vitamin C foods
7. Organic, mold and toxin free coffee from Cardiology Coffee
8. Organic dark chocolate- we love this brand.
9. Get sunshine

Supplements that can help lower uric acid:

1. Vitamin C- 1 tab 3x per day of our Super C. 3 grams a day. Source
2. Curcumin- Try our Curcu Gold 1 cap 2x per day. Source
3. Terminalia- Try this supplement for gout. 1-2 caps daily.
4. Potassium citrate- We call this Potassium Boost and it is great to reduce uric acid. Source
5. Daily Defense– delicious protein shake mix to assist with liver and gut health. Two scoops per day mixed with water, milk, or nut milk.

Sources:

1. Cardiology Coffee  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26905267
2. Chocolate– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30332783

Recipes:

1. Tart Cherry Sorbet
2. Paleo Cherry Chicken