Relieve Gout And Stop The Build Up Of Uric AcidThrough Exercise Articles | Remedy

By: Richard Bleuze

Relieve Gout Through Exercise

Most of the time, gout first attacks the big toe.  Early attacks are typically short lived; however, as the uric acid builds up, the painful attacks last longer and become more frequent as the uric acid crystals begins to irritate the ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows.

There are a number of effective natural herbs, for gout including boswellia, tumeric, alfalfa, devil’s claw, celery seed, meadowsweet.  In addition, vitamin C and folic acid also aid in the natural break down of uric acid.  A healthy, balanced diet rich in whole foods is critical to curing gout; foods such as bananas, spinach, and carrots are especially helpful in reversing gout.  The above foods contain potassium which aids in the break down of uric acid.

Gout is considered a metabolic disease, and is often seen along with obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.  Uric acid is a result of the break down of  purines that produces mono-sodium urate crystals that acumulate on the articular cartilage of joints, on tendons, and in the surrounding tissues.  Uric acid chrystalines can build up under the skin creating a bumpy surface, and often cause swelling.

Purines can be generated by the body during normal breakdown of cells in cellular turnover.  Purines and an over production of uric acid can is often the result of the over consumption of purine rich foods such as anchovies, sardines, liver, beef kidneys, brains, herring, mackerel, scallops, and game meats.  Thus, gout is associated with the over-consumption of protein rich foods, red meat, and alcohol.

Gout appears to be prevelant in males ages 40-50.  There is a strong familial relationship with gout, and genetic dispositions to gout can include kidney abnormalities and the inability to produce enzymes that allow for the proper break down of uric acid.

It is important to address gout quickly, as it can cause permanent damage to the joints, kidney damage, and kidney stones.

In addition to taking herbs to bring a gout attack under control, it is important to exercise.  Exercising is an important part of strengthening the joint as well as reducing weight or maintaining the right weight level.  The reason to exercise is that gout relief is achieved when you have strong joints.  When you have strong joints, you will be less likely to suffer from a gout attack, and people who are in their healthy weight range are much less likely to suffer from the condition.

There are three primary forms of exercises that can be practiced in order to achieve gout relief and prevent its recurrence. These are:

* Strengthening exercises that help to increase or maintain muscles that support the joint.

* Range-of-motion exercises that help to keep joints well lubricated and moving, reducing stiffness.

* Endurance exercises, which assist in controlling your weight, provide you with energy, and strengthen your heart.

Even moderate stretching exercises are able to strengthen and build flexibility in the muscles and tendons surrounding the affected joint.  Thus, do not be afraid of the word "exercise".  You may also benefit from low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, or bicycling on a stationary bike. These are all great for building strength, flexibility, and endurance, without putting a large amount of stress on your joints.

A 2008 study by Jennifer Hootman Ph.D. published in the May issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that only 30 percent of adults with gout met the required minimum activity level set by federal guidelines.  One of the main reasons that these gout sufferers refrained from activity was the misconception that their joints would be further harmed by exercise.  In addition, many people in the study also feared the pain that can be involved when first getting started with an activity when suffering from gout.

Granted, when gout is at its worst, it is often difficult to exercise.  However, it is the rest of the time that gout sufferers should remain active in order to reach gout relief.  When the gout pain subsides enough for exercise to begin, sufferers should start slowly and make sure that the affected joint is always well relaxed and rested.  Any inflammation can be treated with cool and warm compresses.

In addition, remember to cut the foods mentioned out of your diet that may be helping gout to return more frequently.  Do not forget to look into your favorite beverages to ensure that you are not making your gout worse just by sipping a drink on the couch while watching TV.

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