Written by Christopher Kiggins
Many years ago we had a family friend who, on occasion, would disappear for two weeks at a time. When I was younger it was curious however now I realize why he vanished; he suffered from periodic and extremely painful bouts of gout.
Gout is a systemic disease caused by the build-up of uric acid in the joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and blinding pain. One cause is the liver may produce more uric acid than the body can excrete in the urine. Another is a lifestyle problem. This occurs when a person consumes a diet consisting of rich foods such as red meat, cream sauces, nuts, red wine and beer.
This allows more uric acid into the bloodstream than the kidneys can filter. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Over time, the uric acid crystallizes and usually settles in the joint spaces of the big toe or the ankle joint. It can be so painful sufferers say even a light sheet covering the affected area is excruciating.
The signs and symptoms of gout include inflammation, swelling, and tenderness in the joint(s) affected where touching or moving that joint(s) becomes intensely painful. Gout can develop quickly, sometimes unexpectedly, but more often after a meal or two of generally rich food or alcohol.
The most reliable way to diagnose gout is to examine the joint fluid for uric acid crystals. This is done by drawing fluid from the inflamed joint with a needle and examining it under a polarized light microscope. Although the test is invasive the results are conclusive. Once diagnosed treatment can offer quick relief. This involves decreasing the amount of uric acid in the affected joint.
If dietary habits are the cause, the patient’s lifestyle must be changed to avoid further triggering the condition. Also, health practitioners highly recommend the consistent use of Far Infrared sauna therapy.
Granted there are many traditional methods to employ in the prevention of gout. Alcohol and rich foods are the primary contributors to elevated uric acid levels. Some patients do have a genetic predisposition to excessive uric acid production however most gout sufferers have normal kidneys and simply bad dietary habits.
Prevention is the best defense against this disease and learning what the food/alcohol triggers are greatly reduce the chance of another attack. There is a newer method that can also aid in the prevention of gout. Far Infrared sauna therapy actually aids in the breakdown of uric acid crystals along with reducing the acidity levels in the blood. Gout sufferers can find soothing relief using the beneficial effects of Far Infrared sauna therapy.
Far Infrared therapy is gentle and warm as it stimulates blood circulation for improved healing and natural pain relief. The thermal effect of Far Infrared therapy calms acute inflammation of affected joints and tissues, particularly useful for sufferers who are allergic to traditional pain-killers. Regular, gentle exercise is an effective and preventative measure for gout.
Far Infrared is also a great way to keep weight under control while you enjoy ‘passive’ exercise. It is still highly recommended maintaining a regular exercise routine, between attacks, to avoid the risk of permanent joint damage.
Somehow find a Far Infrared sauna if you suffer from Gout. The infrared heat has been tested and proof exists that nine out of ten times it immediately relieves pain and mitigates the new flare-up. The sweat tested not only contains up to 20% of undesirable elements it also contains a good deal of uric acid.
Remember to shower right after a Far Infrared sauna – you certainly do not want any of those toxins re-absorbing. Why not at least give Far Infrared a try? You will be pleased to feel relief, without prescription meds, and can continue enjoying your otherwise healthy lifestyle.
I am glad infrared saunas have developed the way they have, because I couldn’t imagine my life without the benefits they provide, like deep sleep, lower blood pressure, less joint pain, weight loss, and a boosted immune system. Here at SaunaCloud I sell saunas that are some of the best history has offered. My far infrared saunas use advanced ceramic-carbon combination heaters for an amazing sauna experience. For more information on how SaunaCloud’s infrared saunas work and how they can improve your health, download my book The Definitive Guide to Infrared Saunas. Just give us a call at SaunaCloud 1.800.370.0820.
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Christopher Kiggins | Sauna Enthusiast
I have been writing, learning, educating and generally pointing people in the right direction infrared sauna wise since 2012. Let me know how I can help: chris@saunacloud.com - (530) 417-1220