Gout

Last Monday, we had another meeting at the company where Dr Ep told a brief about another popular disease - Gout.

Gout is a recurrent attack at the joints. It is caused by poor purine synthesis or poor dietary intake.

Early symptoms for Gout disease are usually :

1) extreme pain underneath the toe

2) affected area appears swollen, reddish, shiny, flaky and even feels heaty

3) fever

Diagram shows where uric acid is deposited and crystallized

Factors of Gout include :

1) inherited genetically

2) high content of uric acid in the blood - because of purine intake or decrease elimination of uric acid from the body

3) diuretic intake

4) certain antibiotics intake

5) cancer treatment

6) vitamins deficiency

7) injuries

8) surgeries

Gout occurs when there is an accumulation of uric acid which is crystallized at the joints. This happens because the kidneys fail to convert uric acid to urea, thus the excess will be deposited to joints, such as knees, elbows, knuckles, shoulders, ankles, including underneath the toes. Kidney failure is known caused by heavy drug consumption (where kidneys are used to filter the drugs), and poor eating habit and lifestyle, apart from other factors.

It is also mentioned in the meeting that bed-wetting is very much related to our fear emotion which will gradually weaken the kidneys. So if you have small children, do not put fear into their thoughts as that will decrease their kidneys', and in the long run, other organs' functions.

A fact about Gout is that, men are 20 times more prone to be diagnosed with it, to a woman. So guys out there, watch what you eat and exercise for good health!

The possible complications of Gout are such as crippled and deformed joints, gallstones (especially after diuretic intake), and inflammation of bones, ligaments and tendons. If these complications occur, it can be relieved by pressing the affected areas with hot and cold pads, alternately to improve blood flow and relax the muscle walls. Also, avoid touching or putting heavy objects on the affected joints, not even with a slight touch from a blanket as the area is extremely painful, as if your eyeballs were being stepped on. Can you imagine that?

However, as always, despite the treatments of Gout disease, there are possible side effects which you have to bear. Firstly, if you feel constant fever, it is advised to seek doctor immediately. There might also be some rashes on your skin. Sore throats, red tongue or bleeding gum are some of possible effects in the mouth area. You might also experience swollen feet, increase in body weight, diarrhea or vomiting. These are the consequences of taking western drugs as medication.

Food to avoid for Gout (or potential) patients are internal organs of the animals such as liver, seafood, beans, white vegetables and mushrooms. These food are known to decrease the functions of your kidneys which will apparently worsen Gout condition.

Whereas alternative treatment is a much safer way. Besides being side-effects-free, it actually helps body to heal itself, rather than controlling symptoms in certain areas which in the long run will destroy other systems and finally your whole body. As mentioned in a book by Dr Bernard Jensen,

"Man is a holistic being composed of body. mind and soul. Treatments should be : non-invasive, non-toxic, and holistically oriented."

Chronic Gout attack at finger joints

Whatever choice you are taking, remember that it is your body you're dealing with. Do not burden this one machine as it has been equipped with organs of wonders. So the next time you meet your doctor, ask them about the medications they prescribed. Understand the possible side effects, do a little homework on other safer treatments and hopefully, you will be able to see your loved ones tomorrow, with a smile. :)

**extracted from Monday meeting at Shuang Hor KL Distribution Centre