Gout is said to be “The Disease of Kings”
This is because it usually develops due to eating and drinking like kings and queens!
So how can we tell if it is gout?
Characteristics of gout are abrupt, intense attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints, very often found in the joint at the base of the big toe. Gout is a very complex form of arthritis and it can affect anyone.
Men are more likely to develop gout, but an increased risk of gout is present in women after menopause. An extreme attack of gout can cause a person to wake up at night with an intense burning sensation in the big toe. The joint affected by gout is extremely hot, very swollen and so sensitive that even the weight of the sheet on it may cause high levels of discomfort.
Fortunately, there are ways to treat gout and also methods of minimizing the risk of it occurring in the future. If gout is left untreated, it can damage the joints, tendons, and other tissues.
How is gout developed?
Uric acid is produced by the body when it breaks down purines, which are substances that can be found in the body. Purines can also be found in certain types of food namely: organ meats, herring, anchovies mushrooms as well as asparagus.
Other foods that lead to high levels of uric acids are those that get turned into high concentrations of glucose in the body. These include sugary drinks, bread, white rice, and pasta. This also includes beverages that contain alcohol, as alcohol also results in high amounts of glucose.
Under normal circumstances, uric acid will dissolve in your blood and will get filtered by the kidneys whereafter it is excreted from the body through urination. Sometimes too much uric acid is produced or not enough uric acid is excreted by the kidneys. This is then what ultimately causes gout. Sharp crystals form in the joint or the tissue surrounding the joint which causes the swelling, inflammation and extreme pain.
What are the symptoms of gout?
Most of the time, the symptoms of gout are very sudden and painful. It often occurs in the middle of the night and can be so painful that it wakes you from your sleep.
Symptoms include:
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Extreme joint pain
Most commonly in the joint at the base of the big toe, but also feet, ankles, knees, hands, fingers, and wrists. Pain is worst 12–24 hours after onset. -
Constant discomfort
Lingering discomfort may remain for days or weeks, especially in recurrent gout episodes. -
Redness and inflammation
Affected joints become swollen, sensitive, and red.
What happens if gout is left untreated?
If gout is left untreated it can lead to more pain and permanent damage to the joint. Fever and sharp joint pain may indicate infection — seek medical attention immediately.
What complications can gout lead to?
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Recurrent gout
Some may experience gout only once, others multiple times per year. Medication can help prevent flare-ups. -
Advanced gout
Can lead to tophi (urate crystal deposits) forming under the skin. Tophi are usually painless but can become swollen and tender during attacks. -
Kidney stones
Urate crystals can form stones in the urinary tract. Medication can help prevent this.
How can I get tested if I suspect I have gout?
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Joint fluid test
Fluid is extracted from the joint and examined for urate crystals. -
Blood test
Measures uric acid levels, but may not always correlate directly with gout symptoms.
How can gout be treated?
Gout is most often caused by lifestyle factors. Treatment involves lifestyle changes:
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Eat the right food
Reduce red meat, sugar, starches and sugary drinks. Refer to the FREE Manna Acid & Alkaline Ebook. -
Stay hydrated
Drink at least 2 liters of purified water per day. -
Reduce alcohol consumption
Limit alcohol intake, ideally to 2 drinks only on weekends. -
Take Manna pH Balance
This natural supplement helps excrete excess uric acid and supports symptom relief.
Manna pH Balance contains five pH-balancing ingredients:
- Eucalyptus Extract – Anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. Helps fight inflammation from high uric acid.
- Asimum triloba (Papaya extract) – Aids acid excretion through the kidneys.
- Aloe Ferox gum resin (Aloe Bitters) – Strong anti-inflammatory and detoxifier that balances body pH.
- Curcuma longa folia (Turmeric) – Contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory effective against arthritis.
- Parsley – A natural diuretic supporting uric acid excretion through the kidneys.
Manna pH Balance assists in:
- Relief of arthritis symptoms
- The relief of gout
- Relief of osteoarthritis
- Balancing the pH of the body