What is Gout, is there a cure?

My mother has just been told she has Gout in her left leg,the doctor say's she might have to have part of her leg amputated.
Is there a cure?

Hi Cooky

Here is a POA.

Causes of Gout
Gout is caused by excessive accumulation of uric acid in the tissues. The underlying cause of uric acid accumulation is unknown, yet research has found that it can basically be attributed to metabolic or kidney problems. Increased production of uric acid may be the result of metabolic enzyme defects, certain types of chronic anemia, or other complex conditions. Dehydration and kidney disease can cause poor clearance of uric acid from the body.

Proper diet, nutrition, and metabolic balance all play crucial roles in the prevention and treatment of this disease. The conception of gout as a condition of affluence is tenuous, but a heavy diet, particularly organ meats that increase amount of uric acid, and alcohol consumption, can hinder the removal of uric acid by the kidneys.

Although most people initiate a gout attack through poor lifestyle choices (obesity, rich foods, alcohol), 10%-15% of gout patients have attacks due to a metabolic problem, such as a deficiency of enzymes (xanthine oxidase) and purine imbalances. Purines come from certain foods (meat products, especially liver and other organ meats, sausages and other processed meats, anchovies, crab, shrimp, milk, eggs, and many beans, including soy), but are also normally present, in the form of DNA and RNA in the cells. Purines are broken down into uric acid, which is then normally excreted through the urine.

Medications, including aspirin and diuretics, can cause gout by putting extra stress on the kidneys; these drugs cause 25% of new gout cases. Kidney stones and other kidney problems are present in 90% of gout sufferers, because urate crystals also accumulate in the kidneys.

Quick Action Plan for Gout


1. The goal of diet for those with gout is to reduce the production of uric acid to normal levels. Cherries, and all rich colored berries, such as blueberries, are recommended. Consume half a pound of fresh or unsweetened frozen cherries per day for a period of three to six weeks as a healing protocol.

2. Organic cherry juice is especially good for gout, as are many of the new "magic juices" such as Goji, Acai and Noni juice, puree or powder. Pomegranate fruit extracts have been shown to be effective as well.

3. Eliminate alcohol consumption, which both increases uric acid production and reduces uric acid excretion in the kidneys. Gout sufferers should also maintain a low-purine diet, which completely omits organ meats, shellfish, yeast (brewer's and baker's), herring, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies.

4. Intake of dried legumes, spinach, asparagus, fish, poultry, and mushrooms, should also be curtailed. Refined carbohydrates and saturated fats are best kept to a minimum.

5. Drink plenty of pure water, because it keeps urine diluted and promotes the excretion of uric acid.

6. Test for food and environmental allergies and avoid all foods and substances to which you are allergic.

7. Cleansing and Detoxification, including colon and bowel cleansing therapies, fasting, kidney and gallbladder flushes, physical medicine, and homeopathic remedies.

8. In clinical trials with gout patients, devil's claw was found to relieve joint pain, as well as reduce blood cholesterol and uric acid levels. For gout sufferers, professionals can recommend: 1-2 g of dried powdered devil's claw root three times a day; 4-5 ml of (1:5) tincture three times a day; or 400 mg of dry solid extract (3:1) three times a day.

9. The following nutritional supplements are recommended: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 1.8 g daily), vitamin E (400-800 IU daily), folic acid (under a doctor's supervision, 10-40 mg daily), and quercetin with bromelain (125-250 mg three times a day between meals).

Herbal Aids

The eliminative organs must be improved. Drink apple cider vinegar with honey and bathe the area in hot apple cider vinegar. To speed healing, take MCP pectin (one teaspoonful three times a day). Herbal teas work well to relieve pain. Tincture of lobelia with apple cider vinegar baths on the afflicted parts is very good. A good herb combination is equal parts of skullcap, valerian, and yarrow taken in tea form to assist in freeing the toxic waste from the tissues and to eliminate the waste through the various excretory organs.

Best of health to both of you

Oh geeze! I have gout in my big toe, but I have never heard of the amputation thing! I gotta check into that! But, there is not cure, however there is medicine to relieve it. Don't know what it is, I don't take it. But my aunt does. It's a form of arthuritus.

allergy to seafood

I used to have it in my big toes - crystals formed there from drinking too much! Avoid alcohol! Used to be treated with colchicine ( a soluble alkaloid ) but they may have something better now. Get a second & even a third opinion before taking drastic steps, but soon.

Gout is a defect of purine metabolism, causing arthritis and kidney stones. There are anti inflammatory medications for the arthritis, and medications to reduce formation of uric acid and increase secretion. I have never heard of gout requiring amputation. You may need a new doctor.

Gout results from a buildup of uric acid in various parts of the body, most notably in the joints. I have never heard of gout causing a patient to require amputation, however. I strongly suggest that your mother get a second opinion before taking such a drastic step.

gout is arthiritis (inflammation of joints) mostly of the joint of the big toe, caused by elevated uric acid. the drug to reduce uric acid is allopurinal (zyloric). Certain food items are known to invcrese uric acid .like cheese, red wine etc. and avoinding those food items can to a certain extent control uric acid levels

Cherries help me,but if its that bad she should get second opinion