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.

It is relatively simple to treat, including drinking plenty of water to help dilute the uric acid — as you have already discovered.

Diet plays a significant role in keeping gout at bay, with a reduction or elimination of organ meats, herring, mackerel, trout, and meat or yeast extracts (Bovril, Marmite, etc.). These foods are all rich in purines, which break down into uric acid in the body.

Eating small meals throughout the day will also help, since the digestion of larger quantities of food at one time is another trigger for uric acid production. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided because they both interfere with the ability of the body to excrete uric acid via the kidneys and bladder. Alcohol also contains purines, so it’s best to be avoided. If you are on diuretic medication or take aspirin, then these will also impair the body’s ability to remove uric acid.

Stick to white meats for a few months, and include them around three times a week and you will notice a difference. Increase the amount of vegetables and fruits in your diet — soup is a great way to get in a load of nutritious vegetables at this time of year. Make sure that your stock includes celery, since this specifically contains nutrients that help to prevent gout.

You will benefit from supplementing with essential fatty acids, and a vitamin B-complex would also help, since you would typically be getting many of this group of vitamins from the meat in your diet.

Q. My sister has been diagnosed with the skin condition vitiligo. Do you have any information on how to treat this disorder?

A. The success in any form of treatment when you are dealing with vitiligo depends on how early you catch it. If she is still in the early stages, then her body will respond more favourably to any treatment she takes.

Vitiligo is a relatively rare skin condition where patches of skin gradually lose pigmentation. It is also known as leukoderma, and thought to be an autoimmune disorder — where the body is effectively working against itself. It also appears to be linked with emotional and physical distress, nutritional deficiencies, and even fungal disorders. Research so far suggests that there is a genetic link, since vitiligo appears to be hereditary.

The light patches of skin occur when the cells responsible for pigmentation, melanocytes, are destroyed by the immune system — which is why any hair growing from the area is likely to be white as well. These lighter areas are more sensitive to sunlight, so your sister should invest in a quality natural sunscreen designed for maximum protection.

Peanuts are contraindicated in vitiligo so it’s advisable to check labels for traces of peanuts or peanut oil. Cutting out processed and refined foods, and increasing locally grown wholefoods will help her immune system to rebalance.

Homeopathy is a natural modality that has shown encouraging results in the treatment of vitiligo patches.

* To find out more about recommended practitioners, contact the Irish College of Homoeopathic Medicine on 066-9765816.