The secret to getting highly discounted cruise tickets
by ARALifestyle
(ARA) - The luxury, the excitement, the open sea ... a cruise can be the perfect vacation. Whether a first-timer, or a seasoned veteran, there are a variety of cruise destinations and tailored options that can make the trip perfect for you. But what could make a cruise even better? How about paying 75 percent less than your fellow shipmates?
Believe it or not, if you are looking for a cruise vacation at a low price, you do have options. Since 1984, Vacations To Go has helped tens of thousands of people save millions of dollars on discount cruises.
Over the years, the company has built up a special relationship with the cruise lines. Through this unique relationship, Vacations To Go gets the best deals, many times before other companies, and sometimes even exclusives. Here's a sample of what the Web site offers:
90-Day Ticker
Find the best cruise deals at the 90-Day Ticker. This is a complete listing of last-minute cruises on the world's best cruise lines. The site is easy to use and you can view last-minute deals with information on destination stops, port city, ship type and more. It's not uncommon for users to save more than half what they would normally pay, with some cruises selling for up to 75 percent off.
Find a Bargain
If you prefer to book further in advance, or if you have a specific cruise line in mind, you can still find discounted prices in the "Find a Bargain" section. There you'll find a treasure trove of early bird discounts, two-for-ones and other cut-rate promotions, on every cruise line in the world. Special discounts apply for military personnel, police officers, teachers, groups and people who are 55-plus.
Cruise Specials
Cruise lines develop trips and itineraries to appeal to all types of people, and there are more than a thousand cruise destinations around the world. Cruises are perfect for singles, families with kids, people who have special needs, and more.
All you have to do to gain valuable access to this information is sign up for Vacations To Go's free weekly newsletter at www.VacationsToGo.com. Once you've found the discounted cruise you want, simply call or e-mail a cruise specialist and you'll enjoy a great vacation while saving a bundle.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Obama in Hawaii
Zoo visit closes first family's stay
By Rob Shikina
Star Bulletin
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 04, 2010
On their last day here yesterday, the Obamas visited the Honolulu Zoo and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, where Obama's maternal grandfather, Stanley Dunham, a World War II veteran, is entombed. The zoo closed at 4:30 p.m., so the first family had the park to themselves as the sun set over Waikiki.
Obama squeezed in a round of golf earlier at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course on a Marine base near his vacation rental.
During their stay, the family mostly kept a low profile.
Officials said the trip was designed to give the president a break from the political demands of Washington. But Obama could not prevent work from interfering with his vacation. Even before leaving, the trip was delayed a day as Obama waited in Washington for senators to pass a landmark health care reform bill.
While in Hawaii, Obama responded to the failed terror plot to blow up an airliner heading to Detroit on Christmas Day.
He received several briefings and made two statements and a radio address about the United States' efforts to prevent breakdowns in security.
The first family, who arrived in Honolulu on Christmas Eve, stayed at the same rented $9 million Kailua beachhouse as on their last winter vacation.
Each day, the president started his day with a workout at the Semper Fit gym on the Marine base in Kaneohe, often with his wife. He also visited Hanauma Bay and Sea Life Park.
Obama played golf four times during the vacation: twice at Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, once at Mid-Pacific Country Club in Lanikai and once at Luana Hills Country Club in Maunawili.
Michelle Obama played tennis with her husband at Kailua Racquet Club. She and the president also greeted Marines on Christmas Day, but she skipped a trip to Sea Life Park, the movie "Avatar" and shave ice at Island Snow in Kailua.
Obama played basketball on two mornings with friends on the Marine base and also enjoyed a closed beach with his family on the base.
The president traveled to the other side of the island, making a one-hour drive to spend a day at the Mokuleia beachfront home of former Punahou Schools classmate Bobby Titcomb.
A dinner outing to Alan Wong's restaurant last week drew crowds as the Secret Service blocked off several lanes of King Street. He also went out to dinner at Lucy's Grill n' Bar in Kailua.
Supporters and protesters gathered and waved signs around the corner from Obama's vacation house a few times during his visit. They included native Hawaiians opposing federal legislation that would treat them similarly to American Indians, and a group of "disaffected Democrats" seeking stronger action on health care and the Middle East.
Hawaii Cruises:Hawaii's four most popular islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii
Hawaii cruises have been popular for a number of years. The proximity of Hawaii's four most popular islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii, lend themselves to a one-week cruise, where one can overnight on a cruise ship and enjoy daytime sightseeing and activities on a different island each day in a manner that's far less cumbersome than flying between the islands. Contact our cruise consultants who can best advise you on options and take advantage of any promotional offers.
What kind of Hawaii cruise vacations are there?
There are basically two types of Hawaii cruise itineraries. One involves cruising across the Pacific from the West Coast to Hawaii, usually visiting three islands and returning back to the U.S. by air, or vice versa. These trans-Pacific itineraries are usually operated in spring and fall.
On the other itinerary, you fly roundtrip to/from Hawaii (avoiding the Pacific Ocean crossing by ship), and cruise the Hawaiian islands for 7 to 10 days. NCL America, a division of Norwegian Cruise Line is presently the only cruise line authorized to cruise exclusively among these US ports.
Is a Hawaii cruise package a good way to visit the state?
If you wish to visit and explore a few islands in a week's time, and avoid the hassles of inter-island travel, a cruise is a good way to do it. The ship generally cruises in the evening, and you spend a good part of the day in port, with a wide selection of shore excursion options to choose from.
Because all meals, accommodations and evening entertainment are included, this is also a relaxing way to enjoy an all-inclusive multi-island Hawaii cruise package where you don't have to worry about the cost of meals. (Shore excursions, however, are an optional cost.)
If you prefer to explore one or two islands in more depth (more than one day on each island allows), have more time on land for various activities, prefer resort accommodations to a cruise ship, and/or savor Pacific Rim cuisine at the island's choice restaurants, a land vacation is a better option. However, because Hawaii offers no all-inclusive resorts, if you are traveling with younger children, a cruise may also offer some conveniences onboard for families.
Can you golf on a Hawaii cruise?
With some of the most exquisite golf courses in the world, many golfers welcome the opportunity to golf when visiting Hawaii, and you can readily do so while enjoying a Hawaii cruise vacation. Norwegian Cruise Line's NCL America offers Calloway clubs for rent, as well as club storage and cleaning. Norwegian Cruise Line Hawaii packages include transportation to and from the courses and the ship, care of clubs, and a variety of courses to choose from.
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Hawaii cruises vacation packages : Royal Caribbean International
Hawaii Cruises
In Hawaii, Nature Tends to be a Bit of a Show-off
Explore the islands, Maui's waterfalls and winding back roads on a four-wheel adventure through Kauai. Discover lush rain forests and orchid-scented botanical gardens on Hawaii, and hike Oahu's Diamond Head and Koko Head volcanoes. Come experience the wonders of Hawaii on an incredible cruise vacation.
Highlights
Snorkel with dolphins and sea turtles in the shadow of Lanai
Hike across the lunar landscape of Hawaii's lava fields
Watch the acrobatics as Hawaii's surfers defy death in Hawaii's famed shore break
Explore Hawaii's shoreline on horseback
Experience the true taste of treats from the Far East in Honolulu
Areas of Interest
Oahu
Hawaii's most populous and famous island, Oahu is renowned for its shopping, its food, its beautiful beaches, and its breathtaking views. Check out the surfers on the North Shore, or Diamond Head Crater in Waikiki.
Maui
The second largest Hawaiian island, Maui is known for its numerous beaches, rain forests, waterfalls, eucalyptus groves, and even unique cattle ranches. Don't miss the view from Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world.
Kauai
So green it's been nicknamed the "Garden Island," Kauai is a lush, largely unexplored paradise. Snorkel in its beautiful turquoise waters or explore the rain forests where Jurassic Park was shot.
Hawaii, the Big Island
The island of Hawaii is called the Big Island with good reason. It's more than twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined. And every inch is covered with lush scenery, from rugged volcanoes to waterfalls and rain forests. It's home to the steaming craters and hardened-lava rivers of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
What to Pack
Days onboard are casual, and you'll be most comfortable in sport clothes and resort wear. Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities. Bring a few swimsuits so you'll always have a dry one. You don't have to bring towels, as they are provided. And don't forget your camera and binoculars, so you don't miss a thing.
For evening wear, count on three basic types of attire:
Casual: Dresses or slacks and blouses for women, sport shirts and trousers for men
Smart Casual: Dresses or pantsuits for women, jackets for men
Formal: Cocktail dresses for women, suits and ties or tuxedos for men (you can arrange to rent a tuxedo onboard).
Ashore, you'll need comfortable walking shoes as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.
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Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the system
Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the system. It's most common in overweight men over age 40. Losing weight, eating right, reducing the amount of alcohol in your diet and drinking plenty of water help reduce uric acid levels, decreasing the frequency and intensity of flare-ups. The recommended diet for gout is low in purine-rich foods (purine is a protein byproduct) and high in anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3 fats, berries and cherries.
Uric Acid Metabolism
Uric acid is a normal part of metabolism, made by our bodies when purines are broken down (a byproduct of protein foods). Usually, uric acid is dissolved in the blood, filtered by the kidneys and excreted from the body through urine. Those suffering from gout either produce too much uric acid or are unable to efficiently excrete it. Over time, uric acid condenses and forms sharp crystals around joints, resulting in inflammation and severe pain. Attacks come and go but may last for weeks. Deposits of these crystals (tolphi) build up around joints and cartilage, increasing in size over time. Long-term results may be crippled joints and the development of uric acid kidney stones. Drug therapy and lifestyle modifications are beneficial for decreasing attacks.
Control Your Weight
Obese people have higher levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Thus, staying in a healthy weight range offers protection against gout. Interestingly, even a slight weight gain (six to 10 lbs.) in early adulthood increases the risk of developing gout. Those who are able to control their weight typically eat a calorie-controlled diet that's low in total and saturated fats.
Avoid Purine-Rich Foods
Eliminate foods that are high in purines. These are typically protein-rich foods, but there are other foods and beverages that contain significant amounts of purines. Doing this helps prevent severe symptoms and may enhance the effectiveness of drug therapy. Foods to be avoided on a low-purine diet include: organ meats (liver, kidney and sweetbreads), sardines, anchovies, mackerel, canned fish, mussels, beef, pork roast, chocolate, beer, red wine and beans. Foods that offer a moderate amount of purines (eat less of these foods) include: peas, legumes, oatmeal, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms and luncheon meats.
Beverages
Drink alcohol in moderation. It can worsen gout in two ways. Alcohol increases the body's production of uric acid, and it impairs the kidney's ability to excrete the uric acid. Heavy red wines have the highest purine content. Drinking water, on the other hand, helps flush the kidneys and dilutes the uric acid in the bloodstream. Juices count as well. Aim for at least 10 cups daily. If you want to drink juice, choose black or tart cherry juice and/or pomegranate juice. Both of these contain phytonutrients (disease-fighting plant compounds) that are anti-inflammatory. Water them down to decrease sugar content. Try drinking non-fat milk as well. Non-fat milk (and low-fat yogurt) have health benefits that include decreasing elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream.
Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Consume healthy fats, especially omega-3 fats, in moderation. This essential fatty acid has anti-inflammatory benefits. Choose vegan sources of omega-3 fats such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and flax and canola oil. Cherries and other dark red/blue berries are rich in compounds that protect collagen from being destroyed (an effect of gout). These berries contain an antioxidant flavonoid chemical group known as anthocyanins (that give them their bluish-red hue). Anthocyanins fight inflammation, characteristic of any type of arthritis. Tart cherries are also rich in one powerful antioxidant known as quercetin. Quercetin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent as well. Eating blueberries, strawberries and especially cherries daily may alleviate pain because of their powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
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Good foods for gout . whats should i eat i have gout?
Cherries have a natural anti-inflammation power.
Drink a Glass of cherry juice or 20 pieces of cherries
or 1 tablespoon of cherry concentrate.
What Should You Eat?
Dietary restrictions suggest what people should not eat, but what should people eat? What foods will help control gout attacks? The American Medical Association recommends the following dietary guidelines for people with gout, advising them to eat a diet:
* high in complex carbohydrates (fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables)
* low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, or poultry)
* no more than 30% of calories in fat (with only 10% animal fats)
Recommended Foods To Eat
* Fresh cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and other red-blue berries
* Bananas
* Celery
* Tomatoes
* Vegetables including kale, cabbage, parsley, green-leafy vegetables
* Foods high in bromelain (pineapple)
* Foods high in vitamin C (red cabbage, red bell peppers, tangerines, mandarins, oranges, potatoes)
* Drink fruit juices and purified water (8 glasses of water per day)
* Low-fat dairy products
* Complex carbohydrates (breads, cereals, pasta, rice, as well as aforementioned vegetables and fruits)
* Chocolate, cocoa
* Coffee, tea
* Carbonated beverages
* Essential fatty acids (tuna and salmon, flaxseed, nuts, seeds)
* Tofu, although a legume and made from soybeans, may be a better choice than meat
Foods considered moderately high in purines but which may not raise the risk of gout include: asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, spinach, whole grain breads and cereals, chicken, duck, ham, turkey, kidney and lima beans. It is important to remember that purines are found in all protein foods. All sources of purines should not be eliminated.
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Bad foods for gout . Foods to avoid for Gout:. I have gout what should i eat?
Foods and Other Things to Avoid
• Meat: organ meats, offal, meat extracts, veal, bacon, sweetbreads, meat gravies and broths, consommé/bullion
• Poultry: turkey, goose
• Seafood: salmon, mackerel, trout, cod, herring, sardines, anchovies, mussels, crab, shrimp
• Vegetables: peas, beans, lentils, asparagus, mushrooms, cooked spinach, rhubarb, cauliflower
• Yeast products: baked goods, beer
• Alcohol - it increases the production of uric acid and inhibits its excretion by the kidneys
• Coffee - it accelerates the breakdown of protein into uric acid
• All fried foods - they cause a depletion of vitamin E, which can cause uric acid to rise
• Cream and ice cream
• Rich desserts
• Spices
• Pastries
• Simple sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats - they increase your body's production of uric acid and impair your kidneys' ability to get rid of it. Eliminate fructose (found in food and drinks, like sodas)
• White flour
• Aspirin can raise uric acid levels. If you need to use pain killers, only use ones with ibuprofen.
• Oatmeal
• Whole grains
• Caffeine - it impairs kidney function, which is needed to get uric acid out of the body.
Prevention
• One of the best ways to prevent gout is to drink at least 6-8 eight ounce glasses of water, fresh juices or herb tea daily, especially at the first signs of gout. This will keep your urine diluted and will help your body excrete uric acid and prevent crystals from forming.
* Eat foods high in potassium, as mentioned above.
• Eating generous amounts of other fruits and vegetables helps keep uric acid crystals in solution.
• Take the flavonoid quercetin - see below under Folk Remedies. This should be part of your permanent gout-prevention diet.
• Lemon juice prevents gout attacks by stimulating the formation of calcium carbonate in the body. Calcium carbonate neutralizes acids in the body, including uric acid that triggers gout attacks. After each meal drink the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. To get more juice out of the lemon, bring it to room temperature, then roll it around on the counter with the palm of your hand.
• Taking 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with meals will prevent gout attacks. This will help alkalize the body.
• Keep the leg elevated.
• A high fiber diet also aids in the elimination of uric acid by absorbing bile acids formed in the liver. These bile acids can act as a precursor to uric acid.
Supplements
Low-purine diets are low in vitamins B, E and other antioxidants, so supplementation will be necessary to prevent damage from free radicals that can intensify gouty problems.
B complex One to three 50 mg tablets of the complete B complex daily, plus 500 mg of pantothenic acid (B5) in divided doses to assist the body's conversion of uric acid into harmless compounds.
Bromelain 500 mg twice daily as an anti-inflammatory.
Fish oil Take 2 grams of fish oil capsules 2x a day to reduce the chances of gouty inflammation.
L-glutamine 500 mg four times daily on an empty stomach - is an antacid.
L-glutathione 500 mg twice daily on an empty stomach - increases renal cleansing of uric acid.
L-glycine 500 mg four times daily between meals - acts as an antacid.
L-methionine 250 mg twice daily on an empty stomach - detoxifies purines.
Magnesium citrate 400 mg three times a day - an antispasmodic to relieve pain.
Shark cartilage used on a daily basis of 3-6 capsules/day can make the pain disappear and allow you to eat previously forbidden foods within one week without experiencing pain in the affected joint. After approximately one month of continuous use, you may stop taking the cartilage until the pain reoccurs. At this point you will probably only need to take the cartilage (3-6 capsules) for a week or two. You may continue this on/off cycle as needed. Your uric acid level may return to normal, but even if it doesn't, the pain will go away.
Tissue salts To prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, take two tablets of 6X Silicea three times a day. During a gout attack, increase the dosage to three tablets and add an equal amount of Nat. Phos. and Nat. Sulph.
Vitamin C 1,000 mg per hour at the very outset of a gout attack, then reduce to 500-3,000 mg daily for maintenance. Vitamin C helps lower serum uric acid levels.
Vitamin E Low-purine diets are low in vitamin E and fried foods deplete it, so supplementation will be necessary as a deficiency can contribute to the formation of excess uric acid. Begin with 100 IU of natural vitamin E, and slowly increase to 6-800 IU daily.
Acupressure
• Press just below the center of the nose toward the upper lip.
• Press and massage between the ball of the foot and the bottom of the big toe on each foot; then on the left foot only, stimulate a point halfway between the base of the little toe and the heel pad.
• Press inward and upward on the underside of the protuberance at the base of the skull.
• On both hands, press and massage a point on the inside of the pad at the base of the thumb directly beneath the index finger; then on the left palm only, stimulate a point halfway between the base of the little finger and the wrist.
Remedies
Folk
Alfalfa is a good source of minerals and other nutrients that help reduce serum uric acid.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) Add some rose hips to vinegar and boil; dab on affected area. You may need to apply this mixture several times a day for a few weeks. The vinegar changes the blood pH so that the crystals will go into solution and be excreted.
• Mix two teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and raw honey in a glass of water and drink at mealtime.
• Soak the foot in a mixture of 1/2 cup of ACV and three cups of hot water.
Bilberry is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.
Black cherry juice Get some natural, concentrated black cherry juice and drink several tablespoons of the concentrate daily. You should expect relief in 48 hours.
Black cohash moderates blood acidity.
Blueberries are high in anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins, which help ease the pain of gout.
Buchu tea helps dissolve and flush out uric acid crystals.
Castor oil packs Soak a piece of white flannel in warm castor oil, wring it out and place over the affected area; cover with plastic wrap and apply a heating pad. Do this for one hour twice daily.
Cayenne pepper Boil one tablespoon of pepper in 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water and dab onto the painful joint.
• Mix cayenne with enough wintergreen oil to make a paste and apply to the affected area.
Celery seeds These seeds are quite effective in relieving gout by eliminating uric acid from the body. According to James Duke, Ph.D., a medical botanist formerly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, celery seeds contain about twenty different anti-inflammatory agents. Although there is little scientific research on celery seeds, according to Kerry Bone, a leading expert on herbal remedies in Australia, "it (sic) works brilliantly in patients." Recommended dosage is 500 mg (standardized to 450 mg of celery seed extract) 2x daily. Note: This remedy is not to be used by pregnant women because of its diuretic effect and the fact that it can encourage uterine contractions, or those with kidney disease because of its potential diuretic effect and that the plant's oils can worsen kidney inflammation.
• Cook a tablespoon of celery seeds in two cups of water until they are soft; strain and drink 1/2 cup four times a day.
Charcoal Take 1/2 -1 teaspoon of activated charcoal daily.
• Make a poultice using 1/2 cup of activated charcoal, 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed and warm water to draw out the toxins.
Cherries If you are lucky enough to have fresh cherries, eating 6-8 cherries daily will relieve the symptoms of gout. This remedy was reported in 1950 by Dr. Ludwig W. Blau who cured his own gout. Frozen and canned cherries may also be used. When you feel an attack coming on, eat 20-30 cherries immediately. Cherries are rich in compounds that prevent the destruction of collagen, which the body uses to form connective tissue. The connective tissue is damaged by gout. Cherries also have an enzyme that neutralizes uric acid and are high in anthocyanins which have high antioxidant properties as well as anti-inflammatory action. For greatest effectiveness eat them between meals.
Devil's claw reduces uric acid levels and is a natural cleansing agent for toxic impurities. Take 400 mg of the dried extract 3x a day for as long as desired.
DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) is very effective in relieving pain and swelling caused by inflammation. It helps dissolve crystalline deposits.
Garlic Eat several cloves of raw garlic daily. Mince the garlic and add it to black cherry juice for a potent remedy.
Ginger Put 1/3 cup of ground ginger (buy in bulk to keep the cost down) in a bathtub of water and soak for 30 minutes. This will cause you to sweat (a good thing) which will help eliminate the uric acid from your tissues. When you are finished the bath be sure to rinse off thoroughly, as the ginger can cause skin irritation if it dries on your skin.
Grapes are high in alkalines which lessen the acidity of uric acid and aid in its elimination from the body.
Hawthorn is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.
Hydrangea is an anti-inflammatory.
Ice Apply an ice pack for ten minutes, then alternate with a moist hot-towel compress, to soothe and numb the pain.
Mullein Soak mullein leaves in a hot vinegar/water mixture. Pack the leaves on the affected area.
Nettle contains alkaloids which neutralize uric acid.
Parsley acts as a natural diuretic.
Quercetin The flavonoid quercetin inhibits uric acid production in a similar fashion to commonly prescribed drugs for gout. Take 1000 mg of quercetin along with 1,000-1,500 mg of the enzyme bromelain (to enhance absorption) two to three times daily between meals. Bromelain also help reduce the inflammation.
Red clover has traditionally been one of the standard remedies for gout, as well as removing toxins from the body, and treating psoriasis, eczema, and hot flashes. Studies have shown that red clover may thin the blood, so it should not be used by patients who are also taking an anticoagulant medication. While red clover is high in isoflavones, the reason it is helpful in treating gout has not been studied.
Saffron neutralizes uric acid buildup.
Spearmint Make a poultice of spearmint leaves and wrap the affected area.
Strawberries Eating a cup of strawberries with each meal should bring quick relief. They neutralize uric acid.
Yarrow Make a tea by using equal parts of yarrow and stinging nettles; strain, cool and drink several cups a day.
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• Meat: organ meats, offal, meat extracts, veal, bacon, sweetbreads, meat gravies and broths, consommé/bullion
• Poultry: turkey, goose
• Seafood: salmon, mackerel, trout, cod, herring, sardines, anchovies, mussels, crab, shrimp
• Vegetables: peas, beans, lentils, asparagus, mushrooms, cooked spinach, rhubarb, cauliflower
• Yeast products: baked goods, beer
• Alcohol - it increases the production of uric acid and inhibits its excretion by the kidneys
• Coffee - it accelerates the breakdown of protein into uric acid
• All fried foods - they cause a depletion of vitamin E, which can cause uric acid to rise
• Cream and ice cream
• Rich desserts
• Spices
• Pastries
• Simple sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats - they increase your body's production of uric acid and impair your kidneys' ability to get rid of it. Eliminate fructose (found in food and drinks, like sodas)
• White flour
• Aspirin can raise uric acid levels. If you need to use pain killers, only use ones with ibuprofen.
• Oatmeal
• Whole grains
• Caffeine - it impairs kidney function, which is needed to get uric acid out of the body.
Prevention
• One of the best ways to prevent gout is to drink at least 6-8 eight ounce glasses of water, fresh juices or herb tea daily, especially at the first signs of gout. This will keep your urine diluted and will help your body excrete uric acid and prevent crystals from forming.
* Eat foods high in potassium, as mentioned above.
• Eating generous amounts of other fruits and vegetables helps keep uric acid crystals in solution.
• Take the flavonoid quercetin - see below under Folk Remedies. This should be part of your permanent gout-prevention diet.
• Lemon juice prevents gout attacks by stimulating the formation of calcium carbonate in the body. Calcium carbonate neutralizes acids in the body, including uric acid that triggers gout attacks. After each meal drink the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. To get more juice out of the lemon, bring it to room temperature, then roll it around on the counter with the palm of your hand.
• Taking 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with meals will prevent gout attacks. This will help alkalize the body.
• Keep the leg elevated.
• A high fiber diet also aids in the elimination of uric acid by absorbing bile acids formed in the liver. These bile acids can act as a precursor to uric acid.
Supplements
Low-purine diets are low in vitamins B, E and other antioxidants, so supplementation will be necessary to prevent damage from free radicals that can intensify gouty problems.
B complex One to three 50 mg tablets of the complete B complex daily, plus 500 mg of pantothenic acid (B5) in divided doses to assist the body's conversion of uric acid into harmless compounds.
Bromelain 500 mg twice daily as an anti-inflammatory.
Fish oil Take 2 grams of fish oil capsules 2x a day to reduce the chances of gouty inflammation.
L-glutamine 500 mg four times daily on an empty stomach - is an antacid.
L-glutathione 500 mg twice daily on an empty stomach - increases renal cleansing of uric acid.
L-glycine 500 mg four times daily between meals - acts as an antacid.
L-methionine 250 mg twice daily on an empty stomach - detoxifies purines.
Magnesium citrate 400 mg three times a day - an antispasmodic to relieve pain.
Shark cartilage used on a daily basis of 3-6 capsules/day can make the pain disappear and allow you to eat previously forbidden foods within one week without experiencing pain in the affected joint. After approximately one month of continuous use, you may stop taking the cartilage until the pain reoccurs. At this point you will probably only need to take the cartilage (3-6 capsules) for a week or two. You may continue this on/off cycle as needed. Your uric acid level may return to normal, but even if it doesn't, the pain will go away.
Tissue salts To prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, take two tablets of 6X Silicea three times a day. During a gout attack, increase the dosage to three tablets and add an equal amount of Nat. Phos. and Nat. Sulph.
Vitamin C 1,000 mg per hour at the very outset of a gout attack, then reduce to 500-3,000 mg daily for maintenance. Vitamin C helps lower serum uric acid levels.
Vitamin E Low-purine diets are low in vitamin E and fried foods deplete it, so supplementation will be necessary as a deficiency can contribute to the formation of excess uric acid. Begin with 100 IU of natural vitamin E, and slowly increase to 6-800 IU daily.
Acupressure
• Press just below the center of the nose toward the upper lip.
• Press and massage between the ball of the foot and the bottom of the big toe on each foot; then on the left foot only, stimulate a point halfway between the base of the little toe and the heel pad.
• Press inward and upward on the underside of the protuberance at the base of the skull.
• On both hands, press and massage a point on the inside of the pad at the base of the thumb directly beneath the index finger; then on the left palm only, stimulate a point halfway between the base of the little finger and the wrist.
Remedies
Folk
Alfalfa is a good source of minerals and other nutrients that help reduce serum uric acid.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) Add some rose hips to vinegar and boil; dab on affected area. You may need to apply this mixture several times a day for a few weeks. The vinegar changes the blood pH so that the crystals will go into solution and be excreted.
• Mix two teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and raw honey in a glass of water and drink at mealtime.
• Soak the foot in a mixture of 1/2 cup of ACV and three cups of hot water.
Bilberry is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.
Black cherry juice Get some natural, concentrated black cherry juice and drink several tablespoons of the concentrate daily. You should expect relief in 48 hours.
Black cohash moderates blood acidity.
Blueberries are high in anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins, which help ease the pain of gout.
Buchu tea helps dissolve and flush out uric acid crystals.
Castor oil packs Soak a piece of white flannel in warm castor oil, wring it out and place over the affected area; cover with plastic wrap and apply a heating pad. Do this for one hour twice daily.
Cayenne pepper Boil one tablespoon of pepper in 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water and dab onto the painful joint.
• Mix cayenne with enough wintergreen oil to make a paste and apply to the affected area.
Celery seeds These seeds are quite effective in relieving gout by eliminating uric acid from the body. According to James Duke, Ph.D., a medical botanist formerly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, celery seeds contain about twenty different anti-inflammatory agents. Although there is little scientific research on celery seeds, according to Kerry Bone, a leading expert on herbal remedies in Australia, "it (sic) works brilliantly in patients." Recommended dosage is 500 mg (standardized to 450 mg of celery seed extract) 2x daily. Note: This remedy is not to be used by pregnant women because of its diuretic effect and the fact that it can encourage uterine contractions, or those with kidney disease because of its potential diuretic effect and that the plant's oils can worsen kidney inflammation.
• Cook a tablespoon of celery seeds in two cups of water until they are soft; strain and drink 1/2 cup four times a day.
Charcoal Take 1/2 -1 teaspoon of activated charcoal daily.
• Make a poultice using 1/2 cup of activated charcoal, 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed and warm water to draw out the toxins.
Cherries If you are lucky enough to have fresh cherries, eating 6-8 cherries daily will relieve the symptoms of gout. This remedy was reported in 1950 by Dr. Ludwig W. Blau who cured his own gout. Frozen and canned cherries may also be used. When you feel an attack coming on, eat 20-30 cherries immediately. Cherries are rich in compounds that prevent the destruction of collagen, which the body uses to form connective tissue. The connective tissue is damaged by gout. Cherries also have an enzyme that neutralizes uric acid and are high in anthocyanins which have high antioxidant properties as well as anti-inflammatory action. For greatest effectiveness eat them between meals.
Devil's claw reduces uric acid levels and is a natural cleansing agent for toxic impurities. Take 400 mg of the dried extract 3x a day for as long as desired.
DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) is very effective in relieving pain and swelling caused by inflammation. It helps dissolve crystalline deposits.
Garlic Eat several cloves of raw garlic daily. Mince the garlic and add it to black cherry juice for a potent remedy.
Ginger Put 1/3 cup of ground ginger (buy in bulk to keep the cost down) in a bathtub of water and soak for 30 minutes. This will cause you to sweat (a good thing) which will help eliminate the uric acid from your tissues. When you are finished the bath be sure to rinse off thoroughly, as the ginger can cause skin irritation if it dries on your skin.
Grapes are high in alkalines which lessen the acidity of uric acid and aid in its elimination from the body.
Hawthorn is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.
Hydrangea is an anti-inflammatory.
Ice Apply an ice pack for ten minutes, then alternate with a moist hot-towel compress, to soothe and numb the pain.
Mullein Soak mullein leaves in a hot vinegar/water mixture. Pack the leaves on the affected area.
Nettle contains alkaloids which neutralize uric acid.
Parsley acts as a natural diuretic.
Quercetin The flavonoid quercetin inhibits uric acid production in a similar fashion to commonly prescribed drugs for gout. Take 1000 mg of quercetin along with 1,000-1,500 mg of the enzyme bromelain (to enhance absorption) two to three times daily between meals. Bromelain also help reduce the inflammation.
Red clover has traditionally been one of the standard remedies for gout, as well as removing toxins from the body, and treating psoriasis, eczema, and hot flashes. Studies have shown that red clover may thin the blood, so it should not be used by patients who are also taking an anticoagulant medication. While red clover is high in isoflavones, the reason it is helpful in treating gout has not been studied.
Saffron neutralizes uric acid buildup.
Spearmint Make a poultice of spearmint leaves and wrap the affected area.
Strawberries Eating a cup of strawberries with each meal should bring quick relief. They neutralize uric acid.
Yarrow Make a tea by using equal parts of yarrow and stinging nettles; strain, cool and drink several cups a day.
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