Gout Diet: Are Impossible Burgers/Foods Impossible To Be Good For You?

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We seem to have found ourselves at yet another set of crossroads regarding conflicting ideas when it comes to lab-grown foods such as the Impossible Burger. It may be easy to assume ‘plant-based’ diets are healthy, but are they? We know that highly processed foods are unhealthy and unfortunately this new fad of plant-based foods are exactly that, highly processed.

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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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Is Uric Acid Good or Bad?

Purines perform multiple important functions within our cells, including regulating energy metabolism and signaling the energy conversion from one to another.  Purines are essentially the building blocks for all living things as a necessity for the growth, proliferation and survival of all cells.  The two purine bases, adenine and guanine, create bonds that form the DNA ladder. Humans breakdown purines and convert them into uric acid.

Uric acid happens to be a potent DNA protector.  All other mammals possess an enzyme known as uricase.  Uricase converts uric acid into allantoin, which can easily travel through the bloodstream and readily eliminated through the urine.  Humans do not possess this enzyme, therefore, we cannot oxidize uric acid into the more soluble compound of allantoin.  Our liver and kidneys are left to do the all-important jobs of purine breakdown and uric acid disposal, conducted respectively.

Blood serum uric acid levels are determined by two components:

  • uric acid synthesis
  • uric acid excretion

Synthesis takes place in the liver as a result of the breakdown of purines.  Purine levels are mostly determined by what is naturally produced by the body, with approximately the other 30% absorbed from the food we eat.  The second component, uric acid excretion, is determined by the rate at which the kidneys are able dispose of the excess.  According to a study conducted by Hyon K. Choi in 2005, about 90% of hyperuricemia is attributed to impaired renal excretion.

As we mentioned above, uric acid is a potent antioxidant and DNA protector.  Could this be why only 10% of the uric acid that enters a normal human kidney is disposed of?  Would it be safe to assume the other 90% that is reclaimed and sent back into the bloodstream is done so for our bodies to utilize its powerful antioxidant and free radical neutralizing powers? 

According to science…..

Uric acid is responsible for the neutralization of over 50% of the free radicals in our bloodstream.  Considering humans and primates are unable to naturally produce Vitamin C, we may have inherited the ability to utilize uric acid.  Uric acid remains extremely controversial and difficult to manage.  On one hand, uric acid protects high-oxygen tissues (like the brain) from damage and has been shown to increase the risks of several neurological disorders in the presence of sub-par levels.  On the other hand, high-serum uric acid levels are inversely associated with the severity of several diseases, especially the state of cardiovascular diseases.

Is there a balance?

Yes, although the course(s) of action to achieve this balance may be equally as complex, as well as individually determined.  As a former Gout sufferer, I naturally ventured down the path of reducing my purine intake by focusing on my diet.  Once I understood a bit more about the roles of purines and uric acid I was able to conclude that this path was not going lead me to success. 

I asked myself the following questions:

  1. If only 30% of the purines in my body come directly from food, then will a low-purine diet do anything to help with the main 70% of my production?
  2. Do I have any control over the other 70% that occurs naturally in my body?
  3. Am I doing anything to directly contribute to higher purine production aside from the food I eat?
  4. If the food I eat is low-purine, but still unhealthy, does that have any impact on the amount my body is naturally producing?

The last question truly gave me pause.  If the natural purine production stems from normal DNA and RNA turnover, were there things I was doing to my body to cause my cells to die and turnover faster than usual? 

This brought me to another series of questions, ones I believe to be more relevant to my cause:

  1. Do my medications and over-the-counter drugs contributing to faster cell death?
  2. Was I hydrated enough?  Cellular dehydration is extremely common and definitely causes cellular turnover.
  3. Did my slightly overweight body and lack of exercise have anything to do with the health of my cells?
  4. Was my rather heavy alcohol consumption a bigger problem than just the purines alone?  Does it affect my cells, too? 
  5. Did my high stress life contribute to faster cellular death?
  6. Does my sweet tooth and sugar intake affect my cells and uric acid production?
  7. If my body can’t naturally produce certain vitamins and antioxidants, could I help my body by supplying enough in my diet and supplementation in hopes of my kidneys not reclaiming as much uric acid to help in their absence?

Looking ahead….

These are some really important questions that opened my eyes to a whole new approach and a whole new outlook on the importance of taking better care of myself.  These questions initially targeted my efforts to gauge my cellular health (or lack thereof), but also really put my kidney and liver health into question. Many of us unknowingly damage the health of our cells, furthering excess uric acid production. In doing so, we are also placing unnecessary strain on the very organs we need to help us rid of the excess uric acid.  What a conundrum!

These epiphanies led me to better health, elimination of my medications (blood pressure, cholesterol, and Gout), correction of my glucose levels, secured my beliefs in the right all natural remedies, led to my blog, and changed my life! It doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. Take a step back and look at the bigger picture and you will find there is a lot of common sense in play here, and even more common sense solutions.  Take it slow, one adjustment at a time for attainable goals.  This site offers a series of articles to highlight a bit more on the specifics regarding stress, hydration, diet, and much more

Here’s to your Gout and Inflammation free 2020 and beyond!

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?”

Uric Acid Metabolism and the Effects of Fructose

Sugar intake has risen dramatically over the last century which seems to correlate closely with the rise in obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.  Simple sugars include both glucose and fructose.  While glucose is generally utilized by the body for energy production, fructose is known to produce high amounts of harmful substances.  Added sugars to our food sources mostly stem from fructose, and fructose metabolism can cause some pretty significant damage.  Fructose can actually deplete our energy sources, cause death to our cells, stimulate fat making enzymes, and produce excess uric acid.

Studies on rats have shown fructose intake to instigate all markers of metabolic syndrome – increased waistline, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, lipid abnormalities, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.    These studies have also shown high fructose intake to stimulate free radicals, weaken the arteries, create a fatty liver, and cause kidney damage. Continue reading “Uric Acid Metabolism and the Effects of Fructose”

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