|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Prevent Gout by Lowering Uric Acid Levels
Submitted by LifeExtension Gout is a kind of arthritis that can cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. These attacks often occur in the big toe and can happen over and over again, unless properly treated. Over time, this disorder causes harm to joints, tendons, and other tissues. Gout is caused by high concentrations of uric acid in the body. This condition leads to the creation of crystals in joints and tissues. Aside from pain so excruciating that some of the 8.3 million US sufferers often cringe at the thought of putting a sheet over their foot at night, gout is also associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Drugs such as allopurinol and probenecid are typically used to help reduce uric acid levels, but the side effects can include breathing difficulties, unusual bleeding, vomiting, nausea, and severe rash. These drugs may also interfere with other medications. The Source of Excess Uric Acid and Gout Uric acid is made from purines, which are organic compounds serving functions in DNA, RNA, and neurotransmission. Most purines are made naturally in the body and the rest come from purines in our diet. Xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of uric acid, also generates high levels of uric acid and can create crystals in joints and tissues—leading to gout. Some people either produce too much uric acid or their kidneys have trouble getting rid of it, resulting in hyperuricemia and gout attacks. The increasing prevalence of obesity, diuretic use, adverse lifestyle habits, and an aging population may all be contributing factors to a recent increase in the cases of hyperuricemia. Targeting the Xanthine Oxidase Enzyme Fortunately for gout sufferers and those with uric acid build up, scientists have demonstrated the effectiveness of a natural alternative with a strong history of traditional Ayurvedic use and no reported side effects. Researchers found that an extract derived from the edible fruit of the Terminalia bellerica tree has potent tannins that appear to inhibit xanthine oxidase. A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled human clinical trial has recently confirmed that the dose-dependent action of the Terminalia bellerica extract is decreasing levels of uric acid in the blood. In volunteers with elevated levels, one capsule of 500 mg of Terminalia bellerica extract, taken twice daily, decreased uric acid by a mean of 27.5%. This decrease in uric acid levels enabled 88.8% of the people in the study taking the extract to achieve targeted uric acid serum levels—with no side effects. In addition to inhibiting the production of uric acid, the bioactive compounds in Terminalia bellerica are also believed to provide anti-inflammatory effects, possibly due to inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Researchers reported Terminalia bellerica to be effective against problems involving painful or burning urination, urine discharge, bleeding in the kidney, and inflammation. It is also helpful with the removal of blocked urine and kidney stones. So if you've been experiencing problems due to high levels of uric acid, the Terminalia bellerica extract may be an effective Ayurvedic remedy to consider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
