Underlying inflammation can lead to gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that happens when our joints and soft tissues get inflamed due to an excess of uric acid. It can be quite painful in localized spots, often starting in a big toe.

Uric acid is a product of our body breaking down a food compound called purine. Either we take in too much or we aren’t able to get rid of this waste product fast enough. Purines are found highest in meats, seafood, shellfish, and beer.

A good night of drinking can set off a gout attack. The crystals in uric acid have adverse effects on cells and act as a toxin. The body responds to try and remove this invader by activating our innate immune system.

For most of us this elimination process works fine, but for others medications, genetics, certain health conditions, and poor diet can lead to an over accumulation of uric acid. Some factors put you at greater risk for gout including exposure to environmental toxins, impaired gut function, hidden infections, and auto-immunity.

There are studies showing that drinking high-fructose corn syrup can increase risk of gout by 85%. It can take years of not eating right before experiencing an acute attack.

When our body is working to get ride of toxins and pathogens, or repair damaged cells, it naturally increases blood flow to the affected area. This starts a complex process, called the inflammatory response, which is part of a healthy immune response.

It begins when injured cells signal the body for help. Blood flow is increased by relaxing the muscles within the vessel walls, making our veins, arteries, and capillaries open up more.

The mineral magnesium plays a major role in muscles being able to relax, especially those within our blood vessels. That’s one of the reasons it’s on my list of foundational nutrients.

When injured cells release histamine and other chemical messengers, our body will widen the gaps between the cells lining blood vessel walls in order to allow fluid and other small healing molecules to get through.

These molecules begin to flow in and out of blood vessels and supply fluid, nutrients and even whole cells, including some called macrophages and natural killer cells.

Natural killer cells are able to distinguish normal cells from stressed or damaged ones and release granules that destroy the altered cells. Macrophages will eliminate debris and literally ingest pathogens and injured tissue.

Because there is now an excess flow of blood in that area of the body, pressure increases and swelling occurs. Blood flow begins to slow down and this allows white blood cells to adhere to the vessel walls and migrate through. Eventually more fluid leaves the blood vessels than is allowed to return.

Redness and heat will appear. Ultimately pain sets in from all the increased pressure on our nerves. In the case of gout, this can be very intense.

Treatment for gout symptoms typically involves managing symptoms with a prescription drug. Preventing gout is best done between attacks. Even though you might not be feeling pain, the gout may not be gone. You could still have low grade inflammation and be causing joint damage.

Consider lowering inflammation by addressing food sensitivities, poor sleep, stressful thinking and strong emotions, adrenal fatigue, or hidden infections. Natural anti-inflammatories include curcumin, bromelain, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.

Gout is definitely a lifestyle health condition. Changes in what we eat and how we live can prevent future attacks and chronic problems. There are some nutrients that are worth looking at, like tart cherry.

High uric acid is associated with kidney stones, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, as well as kidney and heart disease. So be proactive in your own self-management. Exercising is a great place to start as it can normalize uric acid levels.

Overall, reducing your intake of purines is important. Think about limiting the amount of meat and shellfish you eat. Cut down on sugary sodas, beer and liquor. Watch your weight and keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

Come on down and we’ll chat more.

Scott Porter, a functional medicine pharmacist, is the director of the Center for Functional Nutrition at Sandpoint Super Drug.