Gout is a painful condition, typically felt in joints such as the big toe or ankle, caused by crystals forming from high levels of uric acid building. It can feel like intense throbbing or sharp pains, lasting one day or even weeks. It affects around 4.5% of Australians, and about eight out of every 10 people with gout are men. There are certain lifestyle choices that can make gout flare up, and for a lot of people it is something that is just lived through. However, you don’t have to resign to having gout. A naturopath and a nutritionist are able to assist in the treatment of gout, respectively.
What approach would a naturopath take to treat or prevent gout?
A naturopath is able to assist with a holistic approach to the treatment of gout that includes herbal formulations dedicated to reducing uric acid formed in the liver by foods, drinks and some medications.
The advantage in having a naturopath included in your treatment of gout is their non-invasive approach to eliminating side-effects of gout in a relatively short period of time.
Naturopaths will be able to guide you through the best supplements and herbs to assist with the pain, as well as treating the cause of gout, in the correct doses of the most high quality and high efficacy products.
Some supplements that you might be prescribed by a naturopath are:
Evening Primrose
Omega-6 fatty acid (gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)) rich supplements significantly decrease inflammation (particularly when combined with certain seed oils), helping to minimise the pain of gout very quickly.
Folic Acid
Folic acid helps to break down homocysteine levels (which typically scales with high uric acid levels), working to treat gout.
High quality dandelion tea or ointment
Monitored potent Dandelion is a wonderful ingredient for reducing the swelling that can occur with gout, as well as removing uric acid from the body.
What approach would a nutritionist take?
Nutritionists can help with the foods that can assist with the breakdown of uric acid, and generally improve your overall health. They can also help you curb some lifestyle and food choices that are causing gout to occur. Nutritionists will support you through your dietary habits, helping you with a gout-friendly diet; this would typically include fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and grains, carbohydrates, and lean meats. It will also omit things like alcohol and too much sugar and processed foods.
Treatment for gout, and its symptoms, can also be the combined effort of a naturopath and nutritionist to ensure the best possible outcome for the condition and your overall health and wellbeing. Ways to decrease the buildup of uric acid is also synonymous with advice on having a healthy lifestyle and nutrient-dense diet; while you might undertake these habits to treat gout, you will find a long term, holistic benefit to the treatment.
If you’re suffering from gout, contact our friendly team at CK Health to start your path to a pain-free future.
