In Good Health

Is Your Uric Acid Balanced Today?

Monday February 8, 2010

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Uric acid is a substance that is normally found in our blood. When we eat certain foods such as meats, grains and beans, the purines in these foods contribute to blood uric acid levels. Like the more familiar ascorbic acid, uric acid is both an electron donor and potent antioxidant when properly balanced in the body. In fact, uric acid makes up half our blood plasma’s antioxidant capacity!

It’s only when uric acid levels in the body become unbalanced that problems begin. Low levels of uric acid have been associated with multiple sclerosis. High levels of uric acid have been tied to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, uric acid stone formation, and most commonly, gout.

Gout is actually considered a type of arthritis, and is caused by a buildup and crystallization of uric acid in the joints. In some people, gout comes and goes and is never heard from again. Yet, in more than half of people who experience gout, the joint pain and inflammation of gout will return, and typically each time it does, it becomes more severe.

Some people will even develop a constant, though less severe form in what’s known as “chronic gout”. Chronic gout is a condition that can be quite debilitating and is often confused with other types of arthritis.

Gout Symptoms

The symptoms of gout are actually symptoms of high uric acid. However, by the time gout symptoms appear, uric acid is already far out of balance, and has formed uric acid crystals on one or more of the joints. Symptoms of excess uric acid and gout can include:

Pain that starts in the big toe joint

Warmth, pain, and swelling in joints – most typically in the toes, ankles, knees, and sometimes in the hips, fingers, wrists and elbows

Intense pain, especially at night

A rapid increase in discomfort

Very red/purplish skin which may appear infected

Fever

Limited joint movement

“Tophi” (hardened nodules on the joints)

Infrequent but intense attacks, or ever present though less severe chronic gout

Contributing Factors

Gout can develop in any one at any time, but there are certain risk factors that make you more susceptible. These include:

Being male

A history of gout in the family

Obesity

Regular or heavy consumption of alcohol, especially beer

A diet of purine-rich foods such as meats, grains and beans

Diuretics use

Regular aspirin use

Frequent dehydration

Serious illness or infection

Exposure to lead

Kidney problems

Very low-calorie diets

Joint injury

At Home Treatment

Though gout can strike randomly, you don’t need to wait for it before you do something about it. There are ways you can lower your risk of reoccurrence and reduce the severity of symptoms at home, helping ensure your peace of mind and consistently active lifestyle.

IMPROVE YOUR DIET

A healthy diet is a big part of uric acid and gout symptom management. As discussed, high-purine foods increase uric acid levels in the body, which is exactly what a gout sufferer wants to avoid. Limit high purine foods, such as:

Alcohol

Asparagus

Beans

Beef

Cauliflower

Dried Peas

Fish

Game Meats

Gravy

Green Peas

Lentils

Meat Extracts (often found in broth)

Mushrooms

Oatmeal

Organ Meats

Pork

Poultry

Sea Salt

Seafood

Spinach

Sweetbreads

Wheat Bran

Wheat Germ

Of course, many of these foods are otherwise beneficial to health and well being, so when you occasionally enjoy them, make sure you assist your kidney and liver to help remove excess uric acid and decrease risk of a gout attack. Many natural herbs can help boost kidney and liver function, and simply drinking enough water (1/2 oz for every pound of body weight, per day) can help flush out toxins and excess uric acid as well.

Because being overweight is also a gout risk factor, you may want to limit the amount of fat and calories you eat, and add exercise to your list of priorities. However, a diet that is too low in calories can also spur attacks. Your best approach is to stay in the normal range of 2,000 – 2,500 calories every day, or consult your health care provider for your individual needs.

AVOID CERTAIN MEDICATIONS

Some medicines may increase the severity or risk of gout. Avoid medications which reduce salt and water in the body, such as diuretics. Niacin should also be avoided in individuals with gout or at risk for developing gout. Low-dose aspirin may also raise uric acid levels. Before making any changes to your medication regimen, it’s best to talk to your doctor first.

BE KIND TO YOUR BODY

During attacks especially, listen to your body. If a joint is painful, don’t stress it further. Elevate painful joints and rest as much as possible during the attack, and for 24 hours after the attack subsides. Avoid taking aspirin, as it actually increase uric acid levels, and instead opt for ice or topical pain relievers.

Lower Your Food Budget without Sacrificing Nutrition

Friday February 5, 2010

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Lower Your Food Budget without Sacrificing Nutrition

While jobs and incomes are growing scarce across the United States, people may think that eating from a value menu at their local fast food restaurant is the best way to save money – but there are easier and cheaper ways to reduce your food budget, without risking your future health.

Visit your local health food store or join a local organic food co-op that offers quality products at reasonable prices, and scope out their bulk dried goods selection. Dried organic beans and rice are both inexpensive and have the nutrition, including fiber and protein, you need to stay healthy. (Skip the canned beans, as the can lining may contain toxic chemicals such as Bisphenol A that leach into food, and don’t buy packaged rice from the grocery store, as this is more expensive per unit and not usually as good of quality).

You can buy dried black beans, dried garbanzo beans, and dried red or green lentils – these are all high in protein. Dried black beans also contain resveratrol, the super-antioxidant that is also found in grapes and supports heart health.

Soak beans in water overnight before use; black beans need to be soaked longer than garbanzo beans. Use two and a half to three times (purified) water than beans in the container, and the beans will absorb and swell. Lentils typically don’t need to soak. Beans and lentils cook quickly and make a great pairing with brown rice.

Brown rice is a healthy choice, as is basmati rice that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic recipes (Ayurveda is the ancient medicine of India). Basmati is the preferred rice because it is easy to digest and balances the doshas, the three mind/body doshas (qualities) that are the basis of Ayurvedic medicine.

Brown rice generally needs little rinsing, but basmati may require rinsing to remove an oil coating – just rinse until the water runs clear. There are several ways to cook rice, and a pan with a tight fitting lid or a rice cooker works well for fluffy, hot rice in an hour or less. Serve immediately or store for later use – or better still, combine with beans or lentils and make enough to serve as sides for lunch and dinner all week.

To make your rice and bean or lentil meal a bit more interesting, add some liquids and seasonings. Olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice, along with organic fermented soy sauce, can provide excellent flavor. Add some chopped onion and garlic, tomatoes, olives or peas, or some finely chopped nuts or ground flaxseed over the rice and beans to add to the nutrition, texture and flavor profile. Seasonings like curry, ginger, and turmeric provide excellent nutrition without any sacrifices for flavor.

There are so many interesting combinations you can make with these basic ingredients, all tasting like a completely different meal and providing excellent nutrition on the cheap. Buying in bulk saves money, and you will have ingredients on hand for future meals. It may be wise to start experimenting now with storing and stockpiling food, just in case it becomes difficult to find nutritious foods in the future.

Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/028007_food_shortage_costs.html