Gout is mainly caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, skin and kidneys. Uric acid is the by-product of your body’s metabolic process. Naturally the body breaks down uric acid in the blood, where it filters through the kidneys and gets passed as urine. Those that suffer gout have a much gout higher than normal level of uric acid in the blood. This occurs as a result of less uric acid being excreted by your kidneys than is produced by your body. When your blood becomes overloaded with uric acid, it forms needle-shaped crystals in the joints which results in attacks of gout. Gout can cause swelling, redness and stiffness in the joints and can be extremely painful. While doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids to lower the levels of uric acid in the blood, focusing on your diet will have a significant impact on your symptoms and can even abolish the occurrence of goat entirely.

Fruit & vegetables 

Having an abundance of nutrient-rich, fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet will assist in the detoxification of your system. Educate yourself on the acidity of certain food types (pH levels) and stock up on foods that have an alkalising effect rather than acidic. pH is the basic fundamental driving force of all of your bodily functions. pH test kits can be purchased at specialised health food stores or online, to keep track of the level of acidity in your body. Having a diet high in alkalising foods will greatly reduce the presence of uric acid in your blood. pH chartClick to expand image

Cutting out meat 

Diseases and illnesses thrive in an acidic environment in the body. Red meat has a very high content of acid. Try to cut out meat in your diet, especially red meat and pork. Pork is very high in acid and will really aggravate gout. As much as you may enjoy a juicy steak, remind yourself of the pain and swelling that follows those few moments of mouthwatering pleasure.

Raw vegetable juice 

Raw vegetable juices are packed full of nutrients that will cleanse the system and help flush out the uric acid much faster. A highly effective recipe for detoxing the system is:

Carrot juice 300ml

Beet juice 100ml

Cucumber juice 100ml

Blend all of these fresh ingredients to make a delicious, alkalising juice daily.

Limes

Lime is also very powerful at treating gout. The high mineral and vitamin content present in limes helps to strengthen the tissues around the joints. The citric acid content actually is a solvent of the uric acid which causes the disease. You should make a drink of half a lime and squeeze into a glass of water. Drink this twice daily.

RECIPES

Raw vegetable juice

Carrot juice 300ml

Beet juice 100ml

Cucumber juice 100ml

All blended together

Lime juice 

1/2 lime mixed in a glass of water twice daily

SHOPPING LIST

Fresh fruits and vegetables of your choice

Half a dozen carrots

3 large fresh beetroots

Three large cucumbers

Half a dozen fresh limes

Resources: PH Chart www.trans4mind.com/nutrition/AirWaterLife-FoodImpactOnBody-pH-Chart.png