Wednesday Health & Wellness with Lady Flava

Gout: Treatment & A Holistic Approach

When I was living in Vegas, I experienced gout one time… and let me tell you—that was enough for me.

That kind of pain?

You don’t forget it.

And you don’t want to go through it twice.

So of course… I did what I do.

I researched.

But more importantly… I asked myself:

“Why did this happen to me?”

And I figured it out.

At the time, I was working graveyard shift… trying to stay awake…

and I was drinking Coke every night.

That high fructose corn syrup caught up with me.

That was my wake-up call.

What I Did Differently

After that experience, I became very mindful of what I put into my body.

Here’s what helped me:

– Tart cherry juice 🍒

– Baking soda water (in moderation)

– Plenty of filtered water 💧

– Cutting back on soda completely

Because once you feel that kind of pain…

you move different.

What Gout Is (Simple & Real)

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by high uric acid levels.

That uric acid forms crystals in your joints—

and that’s what causes that intense pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Medical Treatment (When You Need It)

During a flare, providers may recommend:

– NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen)

– Colchicine (best early in an attack)

– Steroids for more severe cases

For long-term prevention:

– Uric acid–lowering medications (like allopurinol)

– Regular monitoring with your provider

Always work with your healthcare team to find what’s right for you.

Holistic Approach (Where Lifestyle Matters)

This is where we take some control back.

Hydration is key

– Water helps flush uric acid out of your system

Watch your intake

– Limit red meat, organ meats, and certain seafood

– Cut back on alcohol (especially beer)

– Avoid sugary drinks with high fructose corn syrup

Add in supportive foods

– Cherries and cherry juice 🍒

– Fruits and vegetables

– Whole grains and low-fat dairy

Support your body

– Rest during flare-ups

– Ice the joint to reduce inflammation

– Manage stress (yes… stress affects the body too)

Natural Support Options

Some people find relief with:

– Vitamin C

– Ginger & turmeric (anti-inflammatory)

– Fish oil (omega-3 support)

Always check with your provider before adding supplements.

Real Talk

That one experience taught me something important…

Pay attention to your patterns.

Your body will tell you when something isn’t right.

For me, it was soda.

For someone else, it might be something different.

But once you know?

You can move differently.

Final Thought

Gout is painful… but it is manageable.

With the right care, awareness, and lifestyle adjustments…

you can reduce flare-ups and protect your joints.

And trust me…

Once is enough.

Lady Flava