The Benefits Of Food Combining As Part Of A Healthy Gout Die

Many foods are not easily digested when eaten together, which is something to be aware of whether you're following a gout diet or not.. The Hay system of food combining recommends, for example, that high-protein foods (such as meats, dairy produce, eggs, fish, nuts and soya) should not be eaten at the same meal as high-carbohydrate foods (such as rice, potatoes and bread) because proteins require an acid medium in the stomach to be broken down whereas carbohydrates require an alkaline medium. This means that the bulk of the diet should be fruits, salad and vegetables, as these are not high in either carbohydrate or protein.

Some people with arthritic disease, including gout, have claimed to feel much better within a few days of commencing a food combining diet. (More details of the Hay system of food combining available here)

Food Supplements

When an individual is in a state of disease, their nutritional requirements are increased for various reasons. There is thus a strong case for taking good quality food supplements in a sensible manner. However, steer clear of vitamin A supplementation as it is believed to increase the risk of gout attacks.

The following supplements are recommended in gout:

Pantothenic Acid And Vitamin B Complex

In order to excrete uric acid, the body needs sufficient of the B vitamins, particularly pantothenic acid - also known as vitamin B5. This vitamin is crucial for the production of the anti-stress hormones, the release of energy from protein, carbohydrates, fats and sugars, and for good health of the nervous system. It is interesting to note that gout often follows times of stress, and stress depletes the body of the B vitamins. This may be the reason why gout sufferers are typically deficient in the B vitamins and why supplementation can be useful.

The suggested dosage of pantothenic acid for gout treatment is 500 mg twice daily, one dose taken with breakfast and one with the evening meal. Follow the label dosage instructions for the B complex vitamins.

Vitamin C

One of the more potent antioxidants, vitamin C is very much the main stress vitamin, and is probably the most important nutrient for immune system function. One study found that pain was significantly reduced in elderly people with arthritis and gout when vitamin C was added to their diet.

Cod Liver Oil

Recent research has strongly suggested that the age-old belief that cod liver oil is good for the joints is true. A study in Cardiff University, UK found that cod liver oil might delay or even reverse the destruction of joint cartilage and inflammatory pain associated with joint disease. Make sure that you purchase the variety containing EPA and DHA - fish oil concentrates - since it is probably more effective. Follow the instructions on the label.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a promising treatment for all types of arthritic pain (including gout) and is backed by a number of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In these studies, glucosamine, often combined with chondroitin, has been shown to rehabilitate cartilage, reduce the progression of osteoarthritis and significantly lessen the pain from arthritis. However, one glucosamine product can be very different from another. Glucosamine provided in liquid form is absorbed more quickly, much more fully, and provides greater and longer-lasting relief than glucosamine in pill form. Follow the label dosage instructions.