When high levels of uric acid crystals form in joints and tissue it causes pain and inflammation, this type of inflammatory arthritis is called gout. This formation of uric acid in the joints happens either because too much uric acid is being produced or the body is not eliminating it properly. The symptoms of gout are a sudden, red, hot, extremely intense, painful swelling of a joint which is very sore when touched; typically gout affects the big toe joint. Sometimes a slight fever will accompany the symptoms of gout.

Dietary changes can help ease gout; purines raise uric acid levels in the body and increase the risk of gout, by cutting down on foods that are high in purines such as shellfish, mincemeat, anchovies, offal, game, oily fish, meats, game, partridge, fish roe, asparagus, spinach, goose and yeast extracts. Avoiding alcohol (especially beer) and the refined sugars, sucrose and fructose will also help with gout. A vegetarian style diet which is high in fibre, vegetables and fruit especially the dark blue-red pigment fruits such as cherries, blackberries, grapes and bilberries which have a high level of the antioxidant anthocyanidins will help ease the symptoms of gout.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Gout.

Bromelain

Extracts of devil's claw

Folic acid

Vitamin C

Important notes

&bull Any person suffering from a condition which needs medical attention should consult a qualified medical practitioner.

&bull Any person who has symptoms that are causing concern should consult a qualified medical practitioner.

&bull Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner before taking any supplements.

&bull Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner before changing your diet.

&bull Please seek professional advice from a qualified medical practitioner before giving supplements to children.

&bull If you are on medication, please consult your doctor or a pharmacist before taking any supplements.

&bull If you are going to have a medical operation, please tell your doctor that you are taking supplements if this is the case.

&bull If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take supplements unless advised otherwise by a qualified doctor or nutritional therapist.