GOUT MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT APPROACH FROM MARTVIC EXERCISE THERAPY CENTRE.
By;
Dr Martin Sisa Yauma (PHD) Sports Medicine Consultant)
Mr Joshua Waweru (Physical Therapist)
#Physical/Exercise Therapy
#Metabolic Health
#Gouty Arthritis > High Uric Acid and Insulin resistance connection.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, especially the base of the big toe. It occurs due to accumulation of urate crystals in the joints.
Here are some common causes and risk factors for gout:
- High Levels of Uric Acid: Gout typically develops when there’s too much uric acid in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, substances found naturally in the body and in certain foods.
- Dietary Factors: Consuming foods high in purines can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Such foods include red meat, organ meats (like liver and kidneys), certain types of seafood (like anchovies, sardines, and mussels), and sugary drinks. Alcohol, particularly beer and spirits, can also contribute to gout.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing gout as it can lead to higher levels of uric acid in the blood.
- Gout can run in families. Some people may inherit a genetic predisposition that makes them more susceptible to developing the condition.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and kidney disease can increase the risk of gout.
- Medications: Some medications, such as diuretics (water pills) and low-dose aspirin, can interfere with the body’s ability to excrete uric acid, leading to increased levels in the blood and a higher risk of gout.
- Age and Gender: Gout is more common in men, particularly those between the ages of 30 and 50. However, women’s risk of gout increases after menopause.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to higher concentrations of uric acid in the blood, increasing the risk of gout attacks.
Uric acid is a Product of metabolism in the body, three things can be metabolized to produce Uric acid; (purines, fructose and alcohol)
But the main reason for elevated Uric acid levels is NOT excess production. It is accumulation as a result of Poor Clearance courtesy of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance reduces the ability of the kidneys to excrete uric acid leading to high levels of uric acid (Hyperuricemia).
Insulin resistance, happens when cells in your muscles, fat and liver don’t respond as they should to insulin, a hormone your pancreas makes that is essential for life and regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Treatment (How to reverse/correct insulin resistance):
At Martvic Exercise Therapy Centre we treat Gout by managing these risk factors through a implementation of a roboust program that includes lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, to complement medications prescribed by a healthcare professional, individuals can often reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
These are some of the measures prescribed by our professionals
- Diet;
Eating complex carbohydrates instead of simple carbohydrates, the fiber content in complex carbohydrates foods helps reduce rate of intestinal carbohydrate absorption reducing insulin response.
They also Increases speed of transit of intestinal contents to ileum which induces satiety (fullness) therefore you eat less.
- Exercise/physical activity;
It improves skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, i.e. the more muscles you have the more sensitive you are to insulin.
It also makes TCA/KREBS cycle (energy making process) run faster and detoxifies fructose, improving hepatic (liver) insulin sensitivity.
- Intermittent fasting;
Eating frequently/snacking especially with simple carbohydrates foods which are quickly converted into blood glucose(sugar) overworks the pancreas to produce extra insulin in order to regulate blood glucose(sugar) levels. Overtime the cells (liver, fat, muscles) become resistant to the insulin. Therefore, reducing your meal frequency/snacking can help correct insulin resistance.
These treatment which is affordable enables patients to manage this disease to its entire extinction without struggle.
Adopt this lifestyle with Marticv Exercise Therap Centre
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