Ever experience terrible pain on the bottom of your feet, the ankles, how about the big toe??? If so,  you may have GOUT, a disease in which uric acid causes arthritis in the small bones of the feet causing sever pain during certain periods of time. Gout can be so painful that it can prevent walking, keep you from working and other normal activities. Middle aged men are more likely to develop gout, however postmenopausal women can also be affected. When your kidneys are not filtering properly, a crystalline compound called purines  accumulate and settle in areas that have poor circulation like the feet.

What triggers gout?

  • Red meat, seafood, organ food, turkey
  • Alcohol, in particular beer
  • Sugars, especially fructose
  • Stress

What to do to treat gout?

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Soak feet in ice cold water
  • Drink 8 oz. concentrate unsweetened Tart Cherry Juice twice a day
  • Eat two servings of black cherries

What to do daily to manage gout?

  • Drink plenty of water daily
  • Keep your blood circulating with low impact walking, yoga and stretching
  • Eat fruit and vegetables that help to reduce inflammation like beets, celery, kale, spinach, collards, broccoli, mango, oranges and sweet cherries
  • Eat lean protein such as chicken and fish
  • Use spices like ginger,curry, turmeric
  • Watch your daily intake of pasta and white rice instead eat whole grains and brown rice
  • Avoid processed and refined foods

Although there is no real cure for Gout, eating healthy, exercising daily and preventing some of the triggers will reduce the risk of recurrences. It is always advisable to seek advice from your physician on any medical issues.