High levels of uric acid
The high levels of uric acid seen in gout can be attributed to either overproduction of uric acid or problems eliminating uric acid, and in some people, it may be a combination of both. There are several reasons why uric acid levels may be high, such as being overweight, those with kidney conditions, certain medications, high alcohol intake, poor diet or a diet high in purines. Avoiding purine rich food and drinks including meats, fish, shellfish and alcohol (particularly beer) is important in the management of gout. While purines are important for the building blocks of DNA, they can also be readily converted into uric acid by your liver. Maintaining balanced, healthy uric acid levels is important for the management and treatment of gout attacks.
Managing and treating gout for quick relief
As high levels of uric acid drive gout, your first priority should be to reduce and balance uric acid levels, followed by:
- Increasing urine flow to eliminate excess uric acid
- Reducing inflammation and acidity
- Reducing stress in the affected joint
Differences between Sour cherry and Celery
Whilst both Sour cherry and Celery are valuable in the management and treatment of gout, they each have their own individual therapeutic activity, so work very well together. As an added benefit, these two herbs can also be used in higher doses during a gout attack, or in lower doses as a preventative approach.
Sour cherry
Cherries are traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of gout with Sour cherries being considerably more effective than Sweet cherries due to their higher level of therapeutic polyphenols (plant based chemicals). Sour cherry has a 3-fold action due to its high level of therapeutic polyphenols which:
1. Decrease high uric acid levels
2. Reduce inflammation and subsequent pain and swelling
3. Provide potent antioxidant activity to reduce oxidative stress within the gout affected joint
Celery
Celery has traditionally been used for the symptomatic relief of gout and provides both diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity. Diuretics help to reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood by increasing urinary flow to eliminate uric acid, preventing uric acid crystals from accumulating in the joints.