Gout Busters Natural Anti-inflammatory News

October 09, 2006

Bromelain, quercetin and vitamin C eased pain and prevented flare-ups in gout sufferers during several studies. Gout the sudden pain, often in the ankle, big toe, h eel or instep of the foot is the result of a toxic build-up of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid, needle-shaped crystals that are the combination of a type of salt and ammonia, is the byproduct of digested proteins such as red meat and seafood.

Ideally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes out of the body through the kidneys and urine. But excess uric acid can collect in the joints and tissues, activating the inflammatory process that causes pain.

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme derived from pineapples that helps alleviate pain during a gout attack. The typical dosage is 500 mg, three times per day between meals.

Quercetin is a plant-based antioxidant that reduces uric acid levels in the body. Most effective as a preventative, the typical dosage for quercetin is 200 mg to 400 mg per day between meals. Bromelain helps the body absorb quercetin, and nutritionists suggest taking these two nutrients together.

Vitamin C helps the body excrete (pass) uric acid. In a recent two-month double blind trial, 184 nonsmokers took either 500 mg of vitamin c per day or a placebo. By the end of the study, uric acid levels were significantly lower in the vitamin C group compared to placebo, leading researchers to recommend vitamin C for preventing and managing gout. The typical dosage range for vitamin C is 500 mg to 2000 mg per day.

Although doctors do not know what causes gout, risk factors include family history, weight gain, consuming excess alcohol and eating purine-rich foods such as anchovies, kidneys, liver, shellfish and sweetbreads.

Reference: Arthritis and Rheumatism; 2005, Vol. 52, No. 6, 1843 -7.