Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood, tissues and urine. High levels of uric acid in the blood can be caused by foods with high purine content, the body creating too much uric acid itself, or the body's inability to excrete the uric acid fast enough.

The uric acid forms tiny needlelike crystals which collects in the joints acting as an abrasive causing pain and swelling. Uric acid is a byproduct of the metabolism of purines, which are made by the body and consumed in certain foods. So, this condition is closely related to diet; although, it can be brought on by stress. Obesity and an improper diet will also increase the likelihood for gout.

Gout can be controlled by diet to lower uric acid levels; although, some people develop elevated uric acid levels and gout as a side effect of another disorder. For example; kidney disease, which can interfere with uric acid excretion. Low dose aspirin therapy and some diuretic high blood pressure treatments can also cause gout.

A low purine diet is important in the treatment of gout. Low purine diets are low in vitamins B, E and other antioxidants.

Purines are ingredients from which uric acid is derived. If you are prone to gout; avoid purine rich foods including anchovies, asparagus, consomme, herring, meat gravies and broths, mushrooms, mussels, all organ meats, sardines and sweetbreads.

Avoid rich foods such as cakes and pies - leave white flour and sugar containing products out of your diet.

Limit your intake of dried beans, cauliflower, fish, lentils, oatmeal, peas, poultry, spinach and yeast products.

Avoid weight loss diets. Cutting back on foods or a fast of longer than 3 days may result in increased uric acid levels.

Cherries and strawberries neutralize uric acid, so eat lots of them. Frozen or fresh cherry juice is excellent. Also include grains, seeds and nuts to your diet.

Coping Remedies

1. Ibuprofen - Not all pain relievers are created equal. Aspirin can interfere with excretion of uric acid and actually make it worse. In addition, acetaminophen does not have enough inflammation fighting characteristics to do much good.

2. Apply ice - Try applying a crushed ice pack, if the affected joint is not too tender. The ice will have a numbing effect. Place the pack on the painful joint and leave for about 10 minutes. You may wish to cushion it with a towel or sponge. Reapply as you need.

3. Do not drink alcohol - Alcohol seems to increase uric acid production, which can lead to gout attacks in some people.

4. Drink lots of water - Flush excess uric acid from your system before it can do any harm by drinking large amounts of fluid. Plus, as an added health benefit, you may also help discourage the kidney stones that some with gout are prone to.

5. Herbal teas - An excellent way to increase your fluid intake. And neither contain caffeine or calories. Recommended herbal teas include peppermint, rosehip, sarsaparilla, and yarrow.

Helpful supplements

Vitamin B complex - helps to relieve stress, which often accompanies gout attacks. Take 100 milligrams twice daily.

Vitamin E - a deficiency of vitamin E can contribute to the formation of increased amounts of uric acid. Take 100 IU, slowly increase to 600 IU daily.

Zinc - aids in protein metabolism. Take 30 to 45 milligrams daily.

Molybdenum - this trace mineral is a component in several enzymes, including those involved with the formation of uric acid. Just look for a multivitamin-mineral supplement containing molybdenum. Additional supplementation is not required.

Germanium - helps with the pain and swelling. Take 100 milligrams twice daily.

Celery seed - lowers blood levels of uric acid. It contains 25 anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis. Celery seed is available in capsule form, follow packaging directions.

Stinging nettle - used topically, nettle can help treat gout pain. The fresh plant can be placed in a juicer to make nettle juice. Then apply topically to the affected joint.

Herbal supplements - that may be of help to those with gout include angelica, burdock, horsetail, stinging nettle, white willow bark.