Understanding Gout Supplements

For today’s generation of busy “pill poppers” there ought to be available food or dietary supplements that are convenient, portable and hopefully helpful in treating gout.  Search the web and you get a lot of supplements marketed as effective, natural alternative for the treatment of gout. Are they really safe? Can they replace the conventional, widely accepted treatments for gout? Here are basic things you should know when buying gout supplements.

Food supplements are (i.e., pills, powders) used to enhance the diet for lacking nutrients. These nutrients can be vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids and amino acids. In the US, food supplements can also contain an herb or a botanical extract. They can then be beneficial for gout patients as gout is a condition significantly linked to diet. Since gout is also dependent on body chemistry, they can also have harmful side-effects when used indiscriminately or when used in self-medication. To be on the safe side, always consult your doctor before complementing your diet with gout supplements.

Gout is caused by high uric acid in the blood that crystallizes and deposits in the joints causing pain and swelling. Uric acid is by-product in the breakdown of purines. They can also come from the food and beverage we take.  This means that in order for food supplements to help in managing gout they must help in slowing cell renewal, help the kidneys eliminate uric acid faster or manage the pain and swelling during an acute gout attack.  Effective gout supplements then should contain the following:

Effective Gout Supplements

 Vitamin C. Found to lower uric acid, this vitamin also boosts the immune system.

Vitamin A. A powerful antioxidant that helps slow cell renewal; it is also enhances the immune system.

Vitamin E is important in the transport of oxygen and protection of our cells.

B-complex Vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 and B12. This group of vitamins is vital to the conversion of fats, carbs and proteins to energy as well as production of antibodies and red blood cells. A deficiency in Vitamin B1 in particular can cause the nerves to be hypersensitive to inflammation.

Folic Acid is used in the digestion and use of proteins as well as protection of tissues and cells.

Minerals such calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium and chromium are considered friendly to gout due to their function in preventing cellular damage among many things.

Fruit extracts such those from cherries containing flavonoids and pineapple containing bromelian are found to be good anti-inflammatory.

Plant extracts containing quercetin, a potent bioflavonoid and anti-inflammatory as well those extracts from nettle are both widely used as supplementary gout treatments.

There are still many not mentioned here but what is important is that these are not treatments in themselves but are complements. As such, the use of any natural gout supplements should always be cleared first with a doctor before adding them to your diet.