What is Gout All About?

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Painful and throbbing, debilitating and swollen -- if you've ever seen anyone with gout or suffered with it yourself, you know it can be one of the most painful and demoralizing conditions in existence. But what, really, is gout and how does it happen? How can it be treated?

Gout can be horribly painful, causing arthritis-like symptoms and tender, swollen joints that may be reddish in color and warm or even hot to the touch. While the exact cause of gout is not known, it has been thought for centuries that a diet heavy in rich foods and alcohol, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, were chief contributors.

It is believed that a buildup of uric acid crystals causes gout. Naturalnews. com writes that gout may be improved naturally by using cherry juice and eliminating or reducing the intake of sugar, alcohol and heavy, regular use of meat products.

Gout is one of the oldest recorded disorders in history, with records dating back to the 1200s. It was then known as a "Disease of Kings" due to its connection with rich, fatty foods and other gastronomical indulgences.

Gout is more likely to occur in people related to those with the condition, leading to speculation about a genetic predisposition to this condition. Exercising regularly, drinking a lot of water, cutting back on fatty foods, sugary foods and alcohol can go a long way toward recovery.

Seeing a doctor and working closely with that doctor to manage symptoms is also of utmost importance. There are many natural diets and programs to try for relief of symptoms, as well as traditional medication, which may do a world of good.

As each human being is so different, each person's lifestyle and experience of gout may be different. Just because one path of treatment doesn't work for you, don't give up. Trying several approaches may be what you need to live an active, healthy, and pain free life, without the symptoms of gout.

Aimee Boyle lives and writes in CT. She is a regular contributor to EmpowHER.

Gout and Pseudogout
Author: Bruce M Rothschild, MD; Chief Editor: Herbert S Diamond, MD
MedScape Reference
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/329958-overview

Gout - Seek a drugless approach to this painful condition
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 by: Derrell Jones
Natural News.com
http://www.NaturalNews.com/031699_gout_remedies.html#ixzz1XEIjoLcJ
http://www.NaturalNews.com/031699_gout_remedies.html

Reviewed September 7, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg R.N.
Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.