Guest guest Posted February 10, 2004 Report Share Posted February 10, 2004 Tue, 10 Feb 2004 07:53:08 -0500 HSI - Jenny Thompson Live Wire Live Wire Health Sciences Institute e-Alert February 10, 2004 ************************************************************** Dear Reader, Sometimes an e-Alert unexpectedly strikes a nerve. That was the case with " Bowl of Cherries " (1/28/04), which examined different aspects of gout and how to cope with the painful symptoms. Immediately, the e-mails came pouring in with suggestions for natural ways to relieve the pain (which one HSI member described as something he would not wish on his worst enemy). And I've also found some additional information about cherries that might inspire you to pick up a bottle or two of cherry juice, even if you're not looking for ways to manage gout. ----------------------------- From the family tree ----------------------------- " Gout: no known cure, and it's hereditary? Goodness. It's been known for years that gout is mainly caused by diet. Quit eating MEAT, drinking, etc., and the gout is so improved as to go by unnoticed. " This advice comes from a member named K who has it partly right. By some estimates, as many as three quarters of all gout patients have inherited a genetic defect that inhibits the excretion of uric acid. Kidney failure and a high intake of diuretic drugs or diuretic foods (such as liver) can also cause this problem. The other precursor of gout - the excessive production of uric acid - is triggered by hereditary factors too, as well as obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. Obviously, if your gout stems from too much alcohol or a diet rich with diuretics, you can " cure " the condition by changing your habits. But for those who have inherited gout, there's no cure that can alter their genetic profile. When it comes to controlling the pain associated with gout, however, many HSI members have been there, done that, and were eager to share some of the methods that have worked best for them. ----------------------------- Botanicals to the rescue ----------------------------- Ernie writes: " You missed the best one... Celery seed will stop gout attacks, and it has many other benefits. " Several other members also wrote to suggest using celery seed, which can be taken in extract form. And Ernie is correct about celery seed benefits; in addition to gout relief, celery seed is also reputed to reduce inflammation, calm muscle spasms and fight bacteria. Some animal studies have shown that it may help protect the liver as well. Another botanical that's reputed to reduce gout pain is extract of juniper, rich in antioxidant flavonoids. A member named Lee writes: " A friend who also has Gout suggested Juniper. It works well for me and relief is usually within a few hours! I take 2,500mg capsules 2 or 3 times the first day. I then take 1 cap. 3x/day until the pain is gone completely, rarely more that 3 days. " ----------------------------- Cabbage & chiropractors ----------------------------- The most unusual gout relief suggestion came from an Australian HSI member named Jan who details treatment that calls for a warmed cabbage leaf to be applied to the inflamed joint. Jan says, " Put a bandage on securely, put a sock on, and leave it overnight. In the morning the leaf will be really black (Uric Acid). I have many friends who have had real success with this. " A little unconventional, but if it works, and if the only side effect is a soiled sock, who can argue? A visit to the chiropractor was so effective for a member named Kris that she categorizes it as a cure. She writes, " A good spinal adjustment from a good chiropractor will get the job done. My father had gout off and on for a long time. I finally convinced him to go to the chiropractor. He has not had any gout in over twenty years. Also, I was involved in an auto accident. Within two days I had gout. I went to the chiropractor and got an adjustment. That was twenty-two years ago and I have had no reoccurrence since. " And rolling out the yoga mat might lead to relief, according to a member named CL who says, " I teach the Bikram Style of Hatha Yoga and I have seen many students heal their gout pain thru Yoga. " ----------------------------- Cherries jubilee ----------------------------- In the e-alert " Pyc a Little, Talk a Little " (1/22/04), I told you about pycnogenol, a pine bark extract and a natural antioxidant that contains a variety of polyphenols that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Besides promoting cardiovascular health, pycnogenol may also help with gout, according to a member named Doug who posted this comment on the HSI Forum: " I have known of several people who have gotten relief from Gout by using pycnogenol. Cheaper than 2 pounds of cherries and more benefits besides. " Which brings us back to cherries, which are actually more valuable than Doug may realize. In a recent article, natural medical physician Dr. Joseph Mercola listed a number of cherry benefits that go beyond gout relief. Dr. Mercola reports that cherries contain: * Isoqueritrin and queritrin, two powerful antioxidant flavonoids * Ellagic acid, an anti-carcinogenic plant phenolic * Perillyl alcohol, a compound shown to deprive cancer cells of protein * Melatonin, another potent antioxidant As I've mentioned in previous e-Alerts, melatonin aids sleep by improving the body's natural circadian rhythms. And cherries also contain bioflanoids, which may help manage migraine headaches. Obviously, those who suffer from gout can't go wrong with the cherry treatment. But as our members have testified, there are other natural treatments that may work just as well. ************************************************************** To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit: http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ealert/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the HSI e-Alert. ************************************************************** ... and another thing Not just any calcium will do. In an e-Alert last month ( " A Date With Density " 1/21/04) I told you how increased calcium intake can help dieters lose weight. After reading that e-Alert a colleague reminded me of one of the most well-known sources of calcium: antacid tables. But as she pointed out: just because it's a well-known source, doesn't mean it's a good one. In fact, it's anything BUT. In a number of previous e-Alerts, HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., has explained the dangers of taking antacids and other heartburn medications. In " Fire Down Below " (12/23/02), he pointed out that with the repeated use of an antacid, " the body, in its wisdom, saves the energy required to protect the esophagus from the stomach's (normally) more acid environment, and weakens the gastroesophageal sphincter. This allows any remaining acid to sometimes slip past and irritate the esophagus. So look what's happening - the short term 'fix' assures that the problem will continue (and even worsen). " Clearly, if any antacid is used at all it should be taken sparingly. Nevertheless, the label for one major over-the-counter antacid medication carries two sets of directions for use: one for antacid needs and one for calcium needs. Their calcium advice: Chew two tablets twice daily. That provides 2,000 mg of calcium carbonate. Fine. That's a good calcium intake. But what else is happening? You're putting a steady stream of antacid into your stomach, neutralizing the acid needed to digest food! What in the world are they thinking? (What they're thinking, of course, is that if people follow their advice they'll sell a boatload of antacid tablets.) Add to this the fact that some antacids have adverse interactions with prescription drugs, and you have all the reasons you need to find another (almost ANY other!) source of calcium. To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson Health Sciences Institute ************************************************************** Sources: " The Top Six Reasons Why Cherries are Naturally Good for You " Dr. Joseph Mercola, Sarah Potts, 1/17/04, mercola.com Copyright ©1997-2004 by www.hsibaltimore.com, L.L.C. The e-Alert may not be posted on commercial sites without written permission. ************************************************************** Before you hit reply to send us a question or request, please visit here http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ealert/questions.html ************************************************************** If you'd like to participate in the HSI Forum, search past e-Alerts and products or you're an HSI member and would like to search past articles, visit http://www.hsibaltimore.com ************************************************************** Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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