Natural health: Gout

Q. Are there any natural treatments for gout?

I am 34 years old and I suffer with the condition on and off. I have noticed that drinking more water seems to help. I eat a lot of meat, and I know that this isn’t the best thing for it.

A. Gout is now believed to be in the arthritis category of conditions. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints and tissues as a result of having too much uric acid circulating in the blood, and an inability to break down the uric acid.