Artichoke Powder for Gout and Joint Health

ARTICHOKE POWDER (Globe Artichoke)

A relative of the hepatoprotective Milk Thistle, is popular for its pungent taste which is attributed to phytochemicals found in the green parts of the plants called cynaropicrin and cynarin, sesquiterpene lactones with documented medicinal actions. The phytochemicals in artichoke have been well documented and the leaves rather than the flower have been found to be higher in medicinal value.

Artichokes contain a very high antioxidant content, and in fact, contain two compounds (apigenin 7-rutinoside and narirutin) that are so unique they aren’t found in any other plant.

Traditional uses have included support for sluggish liver, poor digestion and atherosclerosis. Artichokes offer concentrated sources of amino acids and even help to support the natural growth of probiotics for the digestive system.

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Cell Death, Cellular Toxicity, and Gout

Considering that all disease occurs at the molecular and cellular level, could all disease share common causes and common solutions?

Toxic damage to cells leads to cellular death, and in large numbers can result in tissue and organ damage/failure. Some tissues and organs hold the capacity for self-repair, while others have no ability to regenerate. For example, the liver can repair damaged sections by fibrous replacement, whereas the nervous system tissue has no ability to regenerate itself. Of course, even the liver will have trouble if the damage is severe and/or continues to suffer from abuse.

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What is TAK1 and why is it important to inhibit its potentially destructive pathway?

TAK1 is an enzyme and signaling molecule in humans encoded by the MAP3K7 gene (a mitogen-activated protein).  TAK1 regulates cellular death through various pathways.  As we have discussed before, programmed cell death is a normal, physiologic process intended to help remove damaged cells.  However, unattended cell death is the direct pathway for human disease.  TAK1 contains binding proteins that are responsible for cell viability and tissue balance in a variety of organs. 

TAK1 is a key molecular component that can readily determine of the fate of our body’s cells.  TAK1 has been typically considered pro-survival, however, recent studies have determined that various factors could cause it to induce cell death.  Scientifically speaking, studies are exploring the ability to inhibit TAK1 as a therapeutic approach to killing off rogue cancer cells and stopping chronic inflammatory response.

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Candidiasis: Yeast overgrowth and Gout

Candida yeast overgrowth in the body can contribute to difficulty with weight loss, inflammation, increased uric acid levels, and a host of other symptoms. In fact, the symptoms of chronic inflammation are extraordinarily similar to those seen in Candida related complex. Digestive problems, allergies, fatigue, and joint pain are no strangers to either condition. We have a bad habit of evaluating conditions separately, when in fact the powerful links between Gout and Candida yeast overgrowth could be addressed collectively.


Harmful substances that enter the bloodstream can cause a host of problems. The byproducts of Candida (acetaldehyde, ammonia, and uric acid) are no exception. Our bodies have a remarkable way of dealing with these invaders that can be both helpful and harmful. Inflammatory response is the key component for your body’s way of healing itself in the presence an injury, an infection, or in this case when dangerous pathogens are invading your system.


Many relate candida yeast solely to women and the vagina infections the yeast can cause. However, yeast can be found in the mouth, intestines, and on the skin. When it begins to grow uncontrollably it can cause an infection known as candidiasis.
We rely on the healthy bacteria levels in our body to keep Candida levels in check. However, in the presence of low “good bacteria” levels (quite common) the immune system becomes compromised and the overproduction of both yeast and Uric Acid can ensue.
Much like uric acid, candida faces similar risk factors that can lead to its overproduction such as:

Antibiotic use
A diet high in sugar and refined carbs
Excessive alcohol intake
Compromised immune system
Prescription medications
Diabetes
Stress

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Inflammation and COVID-19 | Gout and Inflammation | Coronovirus | Flu

If you suffer with inflammation (Arthritis, Gout, Diabetes, etc.), are you more susceptible to viruses such as the Flu and COVID-19?

Higher levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, ferritin, and D-dimers have been found in the blood of COVID-19 patients. Increased serum levels of several inflammatory cytokines and chemokines have been associated with the severity of the condition, as well as with the deaths involved. The way this virus invades the cells sets off a cytokine (small proteins important in cell signaling) storm, hampering the body’s ability to deal with its destructive path. The strength of the inflammatory response with this virus far exceeds what is typical for other viral infections. We are aware that hyperinflammation has been observed in younger patients without pre-existing conditions, making those with pre-existing inflammation that much more susceptible.

You may not think of Gout as a “pre-existing” condition that places you at higher risk, but it most certainly can do just that. Inflammation is still at the root of this painful disease and while your body is already struggling to keep that at bay, your risk factor is naturally higher than others. Additionally, more men seem to be suffering with extreme complications involving COVID-19, even at younger ages, much like we see with the likelihood and severity of Gout in men. Comparatively speaking, premenopausal women seem to be more protected from more severe complications of this virus vs. postmenopausal women — also another common scenario involved with Gout in women.

Uncontrolled, chronic inflammation can result in, or be the result of, a dysfunctional immune system. This can make it exceedingly difficult to keep certain pathogens in check and result in triggering an overproduction of immune cells that could flood the lungs. Widespread inflammation can negatively impact all organs of the body. When a virus replicates faster than the immune system can respond the body can quickly become overwhelmed and spiral out of control. This is where updated medical technology is needed to monitor the lungs and other organs. People can click here for info on what is needed to help keep people safe and secure during these terrifying times.

While data characterizing the immune and inflammatory status in patients with COVID-19 is in its infancy, it is obvious that inflammation contributes to the disease’s severity and risk of death. Our body’s potent immune response to COVID-19 poses unique risks to the heart, which is likely underestimated by comparison to the lung/respiratory system involvement. Systemic inflammation has been a well-known trigger for cardiovascular events, and this is no exception. As a result, anti-inflammatory treatments, such as Colchicine, are actively being researched as a potential hope for COVID-19 treatment. Researchers are also considering other therapies specific to inhibiting inflammation, such as the sex hormone progesterone.

Naturally (pun intended) our company airs on the side of alternative options to prescription anti-inflammatories. We won’t bore you with the gazillion reasons why (links on this page speak for themselves), but we will guide you towards the all-natural options for building your immunity, fighting Gout, fighting inflammation as a whole, and lowering your risk of susceptibility due to your pre-disposition.

Taking care of yourself is always important, and even more so considering this pandemic. Mental health is equally as important. Stress, anxiety and depression are very acidic and damaging to the body. Taking care of yourself emotionally needs to remain as much of a priority as doing so physically. The mind is a powerful thing, nurture it.

Uric Acid in the Joints

Soluble uric acid can be measured in your blood supply. However, the uric acid that has crystallized and is now residing in connective tissue cannot be measured with a blood analysis. These crystals are always there, in a solid form, “melting” when the levels in the blood will allow, and adding to the build up when levels in the blood become too high for the blood to carry. These deposits are what migrate into the joint causing the acute gout attack. When the tissue is full, any food indulgences and lifestyle choices that cause you to produce more uric acid than the blood can hold, will allow for deposits that crystallize between the bone joints. This can make you falsely blame one food for triggering your attack when in all actuality it simply “tipped the already full cup over.”

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Are you doing enough to avoid the Coronavirus AND Gout Attacks?

Can this virus raise your threat of a Gout attack?

Can illness increase your arthritic joint pain and inflammation, in general?

As the coronavirus spreads it is important not only to reduce your exposure, but also to boost your immunity should exposure become your reality. We have always preached the necessity to enhance your immune system in order to fight chronic inflammation and Gout, and now it’s more important than ever! Some tweaks to our diet, water intake, supplement selections, our actions and our thought patterns, can make this all possible.

Optimizing your health through diet, water, sleep, and supplementation won’t only enhance your health overall, it will enhance your body’s ability to ward or fight off any of those nasty germs surrounding you. Even if you succumb to the germs, you can drastically reduce the severity of the hit with a strengthened immune system. Whilst you’re keeping your immune system up, don’t forget to visit a website to buy a face covering of some sort to protect you when you’re out and about. Local shops will also be selling face masks if you cannot access any online.

Sleep might just be at the top of the most underrated list. Lack of sleep can really weigh on your immune system making you susceptible to environmental influences such as colds and flu viruses. Please aim for a solid 8 hours, without medication if possible. Sleep drugs pretty much defeat the purpose and only add to the body’s acidity, causing more trouble in the long run. Continue reading “Are you doing enough to avoid the Coronavirus AND Gout Attacks?”

The Benefits of Turmeric (Curcumin) – Gout, Inflammation and Disease

turmeric curcumin

TURMERIC (Curcumin)

Herbs and spices have more antioxidants than any other food group. Turmeric (Curcumin) is among these potent antioxidants. With its use, one could help prevent DNA mutations that lead to cancer and another disease. The number of cells with DNA damage could essentially be cut in half with just a little bit of this yellow magic. Many people opt to take or make supplements with this spice contained in it, which you can find more about as you explore the different vendors for these items.

A number of clinical trials have tested Curcumin (the pigment in Turmeric that yields its bright yellow color) against a number of diseases. The trials have shown this spice to play a significant role in the prevention and/or treatment of brain diseases, a variety of cancers, lung diseases, and painful joint conditions.

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Is the Keto diet safe for Gout Sufferers?

Contrary to popular belief, the Keto diet is not protein focused. Rather, this diet focuses on a high fat and low carb diet to shock the body into ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic process where the body is able to focus on burning fat with carbs mostly out of the picture. The body doesn’t have to work hard trying to burn the carbohydrates for energy, therefore, blood sugar is lowered and fat burning becomes the main focus.

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Gout, Arthritis, Inflammation: The relation to the diet

This may be one of the most complex areas to understand, and we are gaining new knowledge all the time. For far too long we have remained focused on certain food triggers rather than the source and the reasoning behind our reaction. Food selection is very important. The larger, and often overlooked, picture would be the lack of pH balance to each meal, general unhealthy food choices for far too long, high-heat cooking methods, and an overabundance of processed and now genetically modified selections in the typical diet.

Questions to consider:

  • Is red meat the enemy OR is it the grain fed caged source vs. grass fed and free to roam source?
  • Is the inflammatory inducing acid of the protein the problem OR are we not providing enough alkaline food sources in the same meal to buffer the acids and still benefit from the good it has to offer?
  • What is the true source behind the body’s inflammatory reaction?

You will continue to find conflicting information on what is considered to be a ‘healthy diet,’ rendering you helpless in making concrete decisions on your approach for change.

Here is what we do know:

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