Gout is a painful condition that commonly occurs in the joints, particularly the big toes and the fingers. This arthritis-like condition occurs due to excess levels of the chemical urate or uric acid in the bloodstream, according to Arthritis Research UK. The urate is carried to the joints in the bloodstream, where it becomes deposited, causing sharp pain and inflammation. Urate is the result of the breakdown of purines, which are naturally present in the body and also in certain foods such as organ meat, nuts and seeds. Though there is no cure for gout, it can be treated in several ways including taking certain vitamins.
Step 1
Take 500 mcg of vitamin C to reduce serum uric acid in the blood to help fight gout, as recommened by a 2005 study published in the journal "Arthritis and Rheumatism.: Take this vitamin regulalry for at least 2 months to reduce symptoms of gout and prevent damage to the joints, organs and body. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative damage due to toxins in the body.
Step 2
Take 400 to 1,200 IU or international units of vitamin E per day, as recommended by MotherNature.com. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the joints and body caused by gout. It can be taken along with fish oil or flaxseed supplements.
Step 3
Supplement with 10,000 to 40,000 mcg per day of the B vitamin folic acid. This vitamin inhibits the action of the enzyme needed to produce urate or uric acid in teh body, helping to fight symptoms and prevent gout. This high dose of folic acid is more than 25 times the daily recommended dose and you may require a prescription from your doctor. MotherNature.com also notes that folic acid should be taken in conjunction with vitamin C for best results in treating gout.
Tips and Warnings
- There are several other complementary treatments for gout that can be used in conjunction with vitamin therapy. These include the herbal remedies cherry extract, bromelain enzyme supplements and the herbal remedy nettle, according to MotherNature.com.
- High doses of vitamins can cause negative side effects and interactions in the body. Check with your doctor before treating gout with vitamins. In some patients, vitamin therapy alone may not be adequate to reduce painful gout symptoms. Consult your doctor about other therapies such as reducing purine-rich foods in the diet and also taking prescription medications for the treatment of gout.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin C supplements
- Vitamin E supplements
- Folic acid supplements
