Natural support for gout

By Mike Ventresca, Vital Choice Healthstore

Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. Symptoms include intense joint pain, inflammation and redness lasting a few days to a few weeks. It usually affects the big toe, but can occur in other parts of the body.

This painful condition is often diet related. The main culprit is an unhealthy build up of uric acid that forms crystals in the joint tissue leading to tremendous inflammation. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism. Purines are found in many foods, but in higher concentrations in meat. Alcohol, especially beer, also increases uric acid production. Avoiding purine rich foods, drinking more water and less beer can help to prevent gout attacks.

I’m often asked if there are any natural remedies that can help reduce the pain of a gout attack as well as prevent future events. The answer is, yes.

Cherry extract and quercetin are two natural options clinically shown to provide anti-inflammatory action as well as the ability to block the conversion of purines to uric acid. In addition, quercetin provides a host of side benefits including immune and allergy support.

Two products that can offer significant relief are Gouch by Redd Remedies and Drop Uric Acid by Garden of Life. Both offer effective doses of cherry extract and quercetin. Gouch by Redd Remedies also includes boerhaavia, an herb shown to support overall kidney function, providing long-term benefit as well.

Whether you choose Gouch or Drop Uric Acid, both formulas can be taken for a short-term need, but are best taken daily to help prevent future attacks.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.