John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid levels.

This results in the formation of uric acid crystals in synovial joints, most typically in the big toe. It was once called the ‘disease of the kings' as it was associated with heavy meat diets and a lot of alcohol. Festive season indulgence means that this can be for some the worst time of year.

As uric acid crystals form in the joint our immune system responds by inflaming joint tissue. This inflammation, along with the actual crystals, is what causes many of the painful symptoms. Interestingly, people with gout often have or develop other inflammatory diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and are often overweight.

Nutritional medicine author F. Hameed, MD (2010), recommends people with gout eat less red meat, increase omega 3 from fish oil supplementation rather than eating a lot of fish, increase fruits, vegetables and legumes, decrease high sugar foods especially high fructose syrup soft drinks, reduce alcohol, increase low fat dairy especially good yoghurt, and drink two litres of water daily.

Cherries have high amounts of beneficial compounds that can help, including anthocyanins and ellagic acid. These compounds help to restrict COX- 2 enzymes, which trigger inflammation. The best cherries are the tart ones, so select unripe fruit however a seasonal splurge on cherries may not be enough. Those with gout will need to adhere to a set programme of diet and supplements to ensure optimum intake of the most important nutrients.

The most successful nutritional strategies involve reducing the high purine foods, but increasing beneficial oils and plant foods that help reduce uric acid and reduce inflammation. I recommend adding mixed vegetable juices, oily fish, some nuts and seeds, avocado and olive oil. Losing weight and becoming fitter can also help.

When it comes to helpful supplements, take around 6000mg of vitamin E stabilised fish oil and add a combined antioxidant formula. Look for antioxidants extracted from acai, grape seed OPC and resveratrol. This combined with a good multi-mineral/multi-vitamin can help your immune system to produce less inflammation. Give me a call if you need more information. To join my weekly newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. To contact John phone (local) 578 9051 or 0800 423 559.