3 Ways Pineapples Help Soothe Irritating Gout Pain
3 WaysPineapples Help Soothe Irritating Gout Pain - Are you looking for new ways
of getting rid of painful gout attacks? Pineapples usually don't come to mind
as a prospective treatment, but they are very helpful.
They have multiple
elements that can help soothe painful attacks and help prevent an episode in
the first place. Here are three things that make pineapples successful in
treating this debilitating disease.
Bromelain
Bromelain is very potent in dealing with this
condition, and is one of the best benefits of using pineapples in preventing
its occurrence. It is an enzyme that helps reduce swelling. Most pain is the
result of swelling in the joints, so this benefit of pineapples can be very
appealing to someone currently suffering from the symptoms of gout.
While this enzyme is in pineapple, there is not
enough of it to completely resolve your symptoms. It must be used in
conjunction with other methods.
You can purchase bromelain as a supplement. As a
supplement, this enzyme has not only been used for gout, but has also been used
effectively for digestive problems and other forms of arthritis.
It has also been known to aid in reducing blood
clots. However, you should ask your physician before taking this supplement or
any supplement prior to using it as a therapy.
Too much can pose risks. Moderate doses are not known
to have any undesirable side effects, but higher doses can increase your heart
rate along with nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea is also possible at higher levels. Since it
acts as a blood thinner, you should not take it if your physician has you on
Aspirin or Warfarin (Coumadin). In moderation, however, bromelain is considered
safe and is very good at providing gout relief.
Vitamin C
Pineapples have a high level of vitamin C. In fact, a
regular serving has 36mg which is 60% of the RDA. A study performed by
Arthritis and Rheumatism (2005;52:1843-7) revealed that 500mg of vitamin C
taken over an eight week duration lowered serum uric acid levels by an average
of 10%. While 36mg is not as potent as 500mg, pineapples are a great way to get
your vitamin C.
This crucial vitamin works by allowing the renal
system to excrete larger levels of uric acid. It also keeps purines from
metabolizing into uric acid.
Uric acid is a natural function of the body, but some
individuals have a hard time eliminating the excess levels and that is when
gout problems begin. Vitamin C can help you with this problem.
Potassium
Potassium is essential for gout prevention and
therapy. Potassium turns uric acid into a source your kidneys can get rid of
more easily.
The recommended daily potassium intake according to
the Ministry of Health is 3500mg. While pineapples do not have a large quantity
of potassium, only 115mg, when mixed with the other therapeutic qualities they
have, pineapples are an excellent part of a good treatments program.
Bromelain, Vitamin C, and Potassium are a powerful
trio that you can use when eating pineapples that will help you not only soothe
irritating gout pain, but also help prevent it's return in the future.
