Homeopathy - Treatment for Gouty Arthritis

Homeopathy Treatment for Gouty Arthritis 

By Heather Caruso, DHMS, HD

Gout can be a painful condition in which uric acid builds up in the blood. These urate crystals become deposited in the joints and tendons from saturated body fluids. This type of arthritis can be chronic and deforming. Not all people with high levels of uric acid crystals develop gout symptoms. Men typically develop gout more often then women. Pre-menopausal women seem to be protected from it. Once a woman is post menopausal, her chances of having gout is equal to men. People who suffer from gout may also suffer from kidney stones more frequently than others.

According to the Merck Manual, uric acid crystals can be deposited into avascular tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. They can also be deposited into the kidneys and cause an obstruction of the ureters. Long term uric acid elevation in the blood may be caused by a decreased clearance of urates by the kidneys. This happens often in people who suffer from kidney disease, are on dialysis, or have certain blood conditions such as lymphoma, leukemia, or hemolytic anemia. Certain enzymes may be lacking in conditions that may lead to secondary gout.

In the past, gout was referred to as a wealthy man's disease. It struck those who indulged in heavy fatty meals and alcohol. A diet high in purines, from proteins for example, contribute to serum uric acid levels. Uric acid is a byproduct of protein breakdown. Purines are broken down by digestive enzymes. If there is too much acid to break down and insufficient enzymes, this leads to an excess of uric acid in the blood.

According to the book, Prescription for Natural Cures by James Balch and Mark Stengler, people who are insulin resistant tend to be more susceptible to gout attacks. Insulin resistance is a term used to categorize a group of people who are unable to utilize insulin appropriately within their cells. They tend to have erratic blood sugar and cannot tolerate many grains. They may have apple shaped obesity, where the abdomen is round and the limbs are normal. This syndrome leads to the development of full blown diabetes.

These types are sensitive to sugars, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fats. They do well following a low glycemic and low fat diet. You can read more about the Glycemic Index Diet by reading Rick Gallop’s book entitled The GI Diet. He was the president of the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Symptoms of gout are characterized by sharp pains in a single joint, often in the big toe, and fever with red and inflamed joints that may generate heat on touching. They may be tender to touch and cause immobility. Sometimes the gouty deposits remain and the joint can be chronically deformed. Blood levels of uric acid may read high with medical testing.

Nutrition and Herbs for Arthritis Relief

Avoid foods like red meat, meat broth, gravies, consommé, sweetbreads, shellfish, sardines, poultry, eggs, lentils, spinach, and rhubarb. Avoidance of alcohol and refined carbohydrates – like sugar and white flour – is best for gout sufferers. Thus a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread or pasta, and lean fish is recommended. This diet is best for health in general, and once you correct any deficiencies of enzymes or your underlying health problems, you can have more variety in your diet. However, remember that diet is often the cause of gout, so don't let your demons ruin your health!

Natural remedies for decreasing uric acid in the blood are many. Cherry Juice from red tart cherries seems to have many beneficial health properties. It contains antioxidants that are useful in gout, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. According to a published report in the Journal of Natural Products, it was found that antioxidants in cherries may be 10 times stronger than Aspirin or Ibuprofen in relieving arthritic pain. There are many natural products on the shelf, such as pure concentrated cherry juice or cherry capsules, like cherry flex. This is a viable option when fresh cherries are not available.

Stinging Nettle tea helps to clear uric acid via the kidneys. It is a blood purifier and is useful for any detoxification protocol. Many people take nettles in the spring as a tonic. It is useful for other ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, and eczema. You can drink it as a tea, three times a day, or take it in a capsule form (300 to 400 mgs) one to four times daily.

(Editor’s note: One easy way to eat nettles in spring is to place a few handfuls of the leaves in a bowl, pour boiling water over them, let sit for 15 minutes, and then eat your nettle soup. Although they sting when fresh picked, a few minutes steeped in boiling water renders them sting-free and ready to eat.)

Homeopathic Remedies for Gout

Homeopathic remedies useful for gout are many. Unless otherwise recommended, one can take these remedies in a 12 or 30CH potency (two pellets, three to four times a day for 5 days). If your symptoms persist, or you do not fit these remedies, contact your Homeopath for a consultation. There are a few remedies that I often recommend in the clinic (along with some dietary guidance and supplementation).

Urtica Urens is made from Stinging Nettles. I would use it in a low potency, such as a 5CH or lower. If I were to use this remedy I would not recommend the Tea or capsules of Stinging Nettles. Some of the symptoms that suit Urtica Urens are hives accompanied by or alternating with joint pains. The skin around the inflamed part may become red with a stinging or burning sensation. It feels better to rub these inflamed areas. There is edematous swelling of the joints.

Colchicum is a remedy made from Meadow Saffron. It is appropriate when the joints have tingling, stinging, and tearing pains that are worse in cold weather. The stomach may be upset. These types may have a disgusting feeling with the mere thought of food. The stomach feels bloated and there can be diarrhea with great urging. It is useful for a condition called rheumatic pericarditis, where the heart may suffer from a metastasis of gout. The joints are very sensitive to touch and may scream with pain when contact is made with the affected joint. These types feel worse at night, from movement or exertion, and with the odour of cooking. They feel better with rest and lying quietly.

Colubrina is a remedy that is good for overindulgence. If gout comes on after indulging in rich foods and alcohol, Colubrina is often indicated. These types often suffer with heartburn, constipation, and gas. They can be quite irritable types and gout makes things worse. They have low back pains, joint pains, and feel worse in the mornings — after eating, after alcoholic drinks, and from coffee. They tend to feel better after having a bowel movement and from warm compresses. It seems that their system is clogged with dietary excess.

Lycopodium is another useful remedy for gout. These types have a tendency to form stones — kidney stones and gallstones — and have an excess of uric acid. They often are bloated and gassy. They have difficulty digesting most foods and can only eat a little at a time. They often have gout that affects the foot with sharp pains that make it difficult to walk. They feel better with warm compresses and wearing non-constrictive clothing. They feel worse in the late afternoon and whilst in a warm room. This type of gout usually stems from a digestive weakness that needs to be corrected. Lycopodium will often correct a weak digestive tract, especially if the person can only eat a little at a time and makes a great deal of wind.

A case history that highlights how homeopathy is useful for gout is as follows:

A man, aged 58, suffers with gout of the right foot. His foot is terribly swollen and painful. He cannot apply any pressure on his foot to walk. From his case history, one can deduce that he is falling into a pre-diabetic trend. His triglycerides are elevated, his blood pressure is high, and he has a very large belly. He claims to have no digestive troubles, but he does eat on the run as he is a traveling salesman. He is only home once every few weeks, which means he mostly eats in fast food restaurants.

I had to do some research on his case, so I recommended that he drink Nettle tea three times daily as well as observe the Glycemic Index Diet. At the one month follow-up, the man's foot was slightly improved in swelling, but he still could not walk on it. He was not finding any success with the Alopurinol that the doctor recommended. I had researched and found that Colubrina was the best remedy for him. It is useful for those who overindulge. He had a sedentary occupation where there was a lot of sitting for long car rides. Because of this immobility, he suffered from low back pain. He felt worse after eating fats or drinking alcohol. He was a coffee junkie and very irritable. Colubrina was an excellent remedy for him. I recommended a 12CH (two pellets under the tongue once per day). At the second follow up he had no swelling in his foot and could walk normally. The Colubrina actually helped him kick his coffee habit. He started to eat well and do some walking in-between his appointments. After six months, he continued to do well, so he has been discharged, and is to return only as needed. I did not continue the Colubrina after the third month. He hasn't needed to repeat the remedy.

Homeopathics are often very useful in helping to fortify one's natural healing mechanism. Eating a good diet and exercise is key to all health. If you take any other medications, check with your doctor, or seek professional homeopathic assistance before treating yourself. Many of these remedies can be found in your local health food store.

Heather Caruso is a Homeopath, who practices in Guelph and Port Credit. For more information go to www.carusohomeopathy.com or call 1-866-249-5755. If you would like to subscribe to her free e-newsletter online, go to www.carusohomeopathy.com to sign up or view the summer-fall issue.