Gout
Gout is a condition in which the body has a problem in handling of uric acid. People with gout either produce too much uric acid or more commonly their bodies have problem in removing it. Normally, the human bloodstream only carries small amounts of uric acid. If the blood have an elevated concentration of uric acid, uric acid crystals are deposited in the cartilage and tissue surrounding joints.
Gout is caused by the buildup of too much uric acid in the body. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of substances called purines. Purines are found in all of our body's tissues. They are also in many foods, such as liver, dried beans, peas and anchovies. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood. It passes through the kidneys and out of the body in urine. But uric acid builds up in the blood when:
- The body increases amount of uric acid it makes.
- The kidneys do not get rid of enough uric acid.
- A person eats too many foods high in purines.
When uric acid levels in the blood are high, it is called hyperuricemia. Most people with hyperuricemia do not develop gout. But if excess uric acid crystals form in the body, gout develops.
You are more likely to have gout, if you
- Have family members with the disease
- Are a male
- Are overweight
- Drink too much alcohol
- Eat too many foods rich in purines
- Have an enzyme defect that makes it hard for the body to break down purines.
- Are exposed to lead in the environment
- Have had an organ transplant
- Use some medicines such as diuretics, aspirin, cyclosporine or levodopa
The first symptom of gout is typically the sudden onset of a hot, red and swollen joint. The most common joint involved is at base of the big toe, but almost any joint can be involved. In some people, the acute pain is so intense that even a bed sheet on the joint causes pain
Role of Noni in Gout
- Divine Noni is rich in antioxidants like anthraquinone, flavonal glycosides and melatonin. Studies showed that Divine Noni reduces uric acid concentration in blood.
- Divine Noni has xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity (preventing conversion of xanthine, a purine metabolite to uric acid). Thus helps gout patients.
- Vitamin C enhances estimated glomerular filtration rate of kidney, a measure of kidney function. Divine Noni is rich in vitamin C and that may be very helpful in preventing and managing gout and other urate-related diseases.
- Dietary fiber is beneficial for intestinal motility and has a potential role in binding uric acid in the gut for excretion; increasing one's fiber intake is suggested to lower risk of gout (Lyu et al. 2003). Divine Noni contains abundance of soluble fibers, the pectin. Hence it helps in gout.
- Noni is a selective COX-2 inhibitor- There are several other ways in which Noni alleviates undesirable symptoms of gout. Pain is the number one complaint with gout. Researchers found that Divine Noni is a selective inhibitor of COX-2 enzyme. In addition, Noni does not damage the COX1 enzyme. When scientists compared the Noni COX2 inhibition ratio of prescription pain relieving medications, they found that Noni compared “very favorably” to the prescription medications. Yet, Noni exhibited none of the negative side effects that the prescription medications cause.
- Role of Scopoletin present in Noni in arthritis and inflammation - Another reason for Noni's pain fighting qualities stems from several of its constituents. Noni contains Scopoletin, which has anti inflammatory effects. Scopoletin is needed in the body for smooth joint movement. It also produces anti-histamine effects.
- Gout is influenced by dietary and lifestyle factors, including obesity, alcohol abuse, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance syndrome. Thus, patients with gout should :
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Avoid foods high in purines.
- Lose weight (if overweight or obese).
- Increase exercise.
Recommended Dosage
Divine Noni Concentrate
5ml morning and 5ml evening for 3 days. Then
10ml morning and 10ml evening for next 3 days. Then
15ml morning and 15ml evening for next 8 months.
