Gout is known throughout the world for hundreds of years as the "Disease of Kings", due to the fact that it has long been linked to overindulgence in rich foods that only the wealthy could afford. People who suffer from Gout can tell you that it in no way makes you feel like a king, nor is it only a disease for the wealthy. Gout affects appx. 4% of the population.

What is Gout?
Gout is a kind of complex arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. The excess uric acid in the system forms needle like crystals that build up in the joint causing sudden onset of intense pain and swelling. Symptoms often develop without warning (often at night) and cause such intense pain that even the slightest pressure can not be tolerated. Gout can develop in any joint in your body, but most generally begins in the large joint of the big toe. Other commonly affected joints are: wrists & fingers, ankles, knees, & elbows. Older men are more likely to suffer from gout than younger men and women.

What are the symptoms of Gout?

• Sudden onset of extreme inflammation and pain usually lasting 12 hours or more. The swollen area is usually extremely tender and warm to the touch.
  
• Lingering pain and inflammation. Even when the most intense pain and swelling begin to subside, the sufferer will often continue to experience discomfort and swelling for several days to weeks. Many times subsequent attacks can be more violent and last longer.
• Extreme swelling and redness at the site. The affected joint is many times visibly larger, bright red, and warm to the touch.
• Decreased range of motion. Movement in the joints is extremely painful due to the needle like crystals irritating the nerves. As Gout progresses, many people are not able to move these joints like they used to.

What are the most common triggers of Gout?

• Eating large amounts of foods high in purines such as red meat, turkey, shellfish, organ meats, alcohol, etc.
• Joint damage from injury or surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Certain diuretic medications such as for edema, high blood pressure, and heart failure
• Fasting & crash diets which can cause dehydration
• Drinking more than a couple of portions of alcoholic beverages and sweet sodas per day

Genetics do play a key role in developing Gout, however an unbalanced diet is often to blame for Gout flare ups. Many foods that are high in purines cause excessive amounts of uric acid to build up in your system, leading to the development of the needle like crystals that disrupt the homeostasis of the joint.

There are several "Dos and Don'ts" to avoid Gout flare ups.

Dos

1. DO eat citrus that is low in fructose : Most studies show that we should get at least 500mg per day of Vitamin C. This amazing little vitamin decreases the amount of uric acid levels in your body. Grapefruit, pineapple, oranges, and strawberries are good low fructose citrus options.
2. DO drink plenty of water : Dehydration is one of the many triggers of Gout. Studies show that we need to drink a half ounce to an ounce of water for each pound that we weigh depending on activity level. For example: I weigh 125 lbs, and I'm relatively healthy & active with no diet restrictions. I should be drinking 115-125 ounces of water per day. (always check with your doctor to ensure that your water intake is optimal for your personal health and activity level.)
3. DO drink/eat low-fat dairy : Low fat dairy works to reduce uric acid levels and promotes excretion of uric acid.
4. DO drink coffee : Enjoying your coffee ( without sugar and high fat cream) decreases your chance of developing gout. It is not clear whether drinking coffee can decrease chances after you have had an attack.
5. DO eat vegetable proteins : Vegetable proteins do not raise uric acid levels in the body and are a great alternative to rich red meats and organ meats.

Don'ts

1. DON'T drink liquor or beer : Your body produces uric acid as it breaks down alcohol. Beer has a high level of purines which can cause an excessive build up of uric acid in the body.
2. DON'T drink soda : Soda contains fructose (most contain high fructose corn syrup). Fructose is broken down in the body as purines.
   
3. DON'T eat red meats or organ meats : Organ meats such as liver, tongue, & sweetbreads are very high in purines. Red meat contains a higher level of purines than white meats and should be consumed only in small quantities & only occasionally.
4. DON'T eat certain seafoods : Seafood such as oysters, muscles, shrimp, crab, lobster, & scallops are high in purines & should be eaten only in moderation. Other heart healthy fish (such as salmon, & tuna) are relatively high in purines, but are also high in Omega-3 fatty acids. The cardiovascular benefits could outweigh the risk of gout in some people.

CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help not only fight the symptoms of gout, but can also work to prevent gout in the first place. CBD works with your body's own Endocannabinoid System to promote homeostasis in your body. It works to relieve pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the pain signals. It's a powerful antioxidant that works to fight free radicals. It reduces stress and anxiety which can amplify existing pain.

When it comes to any disease that has a violent inflammatory onset I always recommend using an oral as well as a topical CBD. Oral preparations are absorbed and distributed into your blood, whereas topical applications go directly to the affected cells in the area of flare up. Try reaching for CBD the next time you or someone you love has a painful gout flare up.

Click here for an article on CBD and Arthritis.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease