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What is Gout and What Causes It?

Gout is a form of arthritis which really just means it causes joint pain. Usually gout sufferers experience terrible pain in the big toe but other areas may be affected too.  Gout commonly occurs in the ankles, wrists, elbows and knees.  The pain of gout can be so great even the pressure of a bed-sheet can be excruciating.

Gout occurs because there is a build up of uric acid in the blood.  Normal levels of uric acid are removed from the body via the kidneys through urination.  But for sufferers of gout the concentration of uric acid is so great that crystals form.  The excess uric acid crystals are then deposited in the joints.

Perhaps more alarmingly the crystals can also build up in the major organs of the body.   Plus, problems with kidney function could be causing the gout. So, if the pain of gout is felt it needs to be dealt with.  All those crystals need to be eradicated before they can cause any organ damage.

Treating Gout with Natural Remedies

Gout is a serious problem and medical attention should be sought (and indeed followed).   Most medical treatment is based around killing pain and anti-inflammatory medication.  But there are alternative ways to help the medics.  Some herbal remedies for gout can be quite effective in speeding along recovery. If you are taking medication its a good idea to let your physician know about any herbal remedies you are taking too.

Since gout is a build up of uric acid it would seem appropriate to find a way to reduce uric acid in the blood.   One effective way is to promote urine production.  When our bodies are in balance urine takes uric acid out of our bodies naturally.  So if we produce more urine and indeed urinate more often we should be able to get rid of some excess uric acid.  It makes sense doesn’t it?

Firstly drinking plenty of water is crucial.  A body which is dehydrated will not function correctly.  The kidneys will not be able to flush the uric acid from the blood effectively.

Increasing urine production by taking some form of natural diuretic is also a good idea.

Olive Leaf for Gout

Olive leaf has been taken as a diuretic since Biblical times so this is one leaf worth considering if you have gout. In 1993 a study In Japan concluded that drinking four cups of olive leaf tea a day for three weeks could increase urine production by up to 15%.

Increased urine production reduces the concentration of uric acid in the blood which is the thing you really want to do if you have gout!

There is much more work that needs to be done on the possible benefits of olive leaf tea, but so far, all indications are very positive.  There have been no major side effects reported either which is great news.  Though, since olive leaf has also been found to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels it should be taken under medical supervision by those with low blood pressure and diabetics.

Gout often runs in families so if you think you are at risk of suffering from gout, taking olive leaf tea or olive leaf extract might be a good idea.  That way you may well avoid this painful ailment.  Taking the olive leaf in tea form seems the most sensible option as that way you also keep hydrated which is very important.

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