GOUT OR CRYSTAL ARTHRITIS
Gout is a disease that can affect any person and can be a very painful affliction. Gout is the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. These crystals cannot develop without an elevated level of uric acid in the blood, therefore, the prevention of this elevated level of uric acid is required.
In orthodox medicine prescription drugs are given to reduce inflammation and pain for acute attacks and/or the use of drugs such as allopurinol to reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood and urine.
The naturopathic treatment is based on the modification and reduction of the main factors that increase the uric acid levels in the blood.
THE DIET
A diet low in fats and moderate in the intake of protein is the first step in reducing uric acid levels in the blood.
Foods that contain a high level of purine should be avoided. These include all organ meats: ie liver, kidney, brains, heart, sweetbreads. Other foods that must be avoided are shellfish: prawns, lobster, oysters, salami, pate, sardines in oil, anchovies. Do not eat tomatoes or oranges. You can eat milk, eggs, cereal (except whole wheat), fruit, enriched bread, butter and most vegetables. Restrict to twice a week asparagus, beans, peas, alcohol, mushrooms, oatmeal, whole-wheat cereal.
To avoid rises in uric acid level do not take aspirin. Sudden changes in weight can cause a rise so weight reductions or increases should be gradual.
The consumption of red meat is to be restricted to three times weekly. Chicken and fish can be eaten freely but they must be grilled or steamed. Tomatoes, alcohol, take-away foods such as Chinese must be avoided.
It is also important to increase the amount of fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses per day. Low purine diets are lower in Vitamin B, and a B Complex should be taken.
Supplements
B complex 1 tablet/capsule daily
Vitamin C 5000 mg daily
Pantothenic acid 50 mg daily
Cod liver oil 5 ml daily
*78\26\8*
CANDIDA (MONILIA)
Many women especially are suffering from candidiasis (infection with any species of Candida) and its associated side effects. One of the main causes of candidiasis in younger people is the use of antibiotics for skin disorders. These antibiotics unbalance the natural gut flora and diminish the normal levels of Lactobacillus acidophilus which is a friendly bacteria living in the intestine and needed for normal digestion. When it is at a low level then Candida albicans, a fungus also found in the small intestine, starts to multiply rapidly. Some of the indications of an infestation of Candida albicans are bloating, indigestion, flatulence, lethargy and thrush or redness, ulcers and irritation in either the mouth or genitals.
A diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates is necessary. Too many dairy products and those containing yeast should be avoided. Quite often it is a problem diagnosing someone who has this complaint and all too often it is treated for its various effects rather than the cause. It is therefore very important to make sure you tell your doctor.
Write everything down that you feel is abnormal. This can be of great benefit in the ultimate diagnosis. New methods of detecting Candida albicans spores in the bloodstream, with dark field microscopic examination, are available. Stool counts can also be done, but one of the most reliable is the persistence of a number of symptoms and it has been shown that the analytical laboratory technique of examination will not always pick up this condition.
The dietary method of attack is to kill off any excessive Candida albicans. A high potency garlic supplement will do this. You need to recolonise the Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement. The powdered Lactobacillus acidophilus are extremely good and palatable but do not take the garlic and the Lactobacillus acidophilus together. The garlic should be taken at least three hours before Lactobacillus acidophilus.
It must be remembered that the prevention of recolonisation is a long-term treatment and it is not going to happen in one or two days so the ongoing garlic and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement need to be continued until the symptoms disappear.
The inflamed and irritated orifices can be soothed with a diluted form of tea-tree oil which is a powerful anti-fungal and can kill off the Candida infestation which is causing this problem.
*50\26\8*
ATHLETES AND REGULAR EXERCISERS
Do athletes, joggers, regular exercisers and people who do heavy physical work require special treatment?
They may be at risk because they have low levels of essential nutrients in their bodies.
A study carried out by the Department of Sport has shown that our athletes are running the risk of having a low serum (blood) concentration of certain nutrients. This has been backed up by further experiments to show that certain micro-nutrients such as vitamin E and other antioxidant vitamins can be utilised at a faster rate by those who are striving and taking part in endurance athletic activity. Athletes need to look at eating a well-balanced diet and supplements because they are pushing their bodies beyond the normal limit.
Heavy workouts build up lactic acid in the muscles which produces free radicals. These can cause cell damage so it is important for athletes to take extra antioxidants if they are working out or training hard.
Dr Lester Packer of the University of California at Berkeley, has shown that free radicals damage muscle cells. He found evidence of damage to all major membranes of muscle tissue caused by free radicals following athletic activity. He suggested an antioxidant formula containing beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C to help prevent this damage.
If you are an athlete striving to achieve higher levels of fitness and performance in your athletic field, then consider supplementing with a Bio ACE type formula containing A, C and E, the antioxidant vitamins. However there is no substitute for a good well-balanced diet.
Consider a little extra protein if you are engaging in heavy, muscle-ripping exercises. Amino acids, found in protein, are the building blocks of life needed to repair muscle tissue damaged during heavy exercise. There are 8 essential amino acids which must be obtained from your diet. Eggs and dairy products are the best sources. Use egg whites and skim milk as these will not increase cholesterol.
Supplements of the minerals magnesium, potassium and zinc is helpful, especially if you experience cramps or muscle pain after exercise.
SUPPLEMENTS
Bio ACE antioxidant one 3 times daily
formula containing
vitamins A, C, E and K
vitamin E 500 IU daily
selenium (trace element) found in garlic and eggs
garlic 2000 mg (fresh herb equivalent) daily
Ginsana (ginseng) has been clinically tested to improve oxygen utilisation and recovery time after exercise. Skim milk and egg whites are excellent sources of amino acids. Make a milk shake:
Ingredients
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon black strap molasses
1 teaspoon honey
1 banana
1/2 teaspoon yeast
2 glasses of skim or low fat milk Blend and drink.
This is a high protein drink that also contains all essential vitamins and minerals. It is ideal for body builders.
*26\26\8*