here are a few quotes about "gout" from a couple of "alternative" health reference books i have.... (books written by people with n.d. and m.d. degrees).... "gout is caused by uric acid crystals deposited in joints"... "uric acid is a metabolic by-product of protein breakdown"... "several dietary factors are known to be causes of gout: consumption of alcohol, high-purine foods (organ meats, meats, shellfish, etc.), saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates"... "for hundreds of years, the best way to treat gout has been with diet and detoxification therapies"... "conventional medicines that lower the levels of uric acid are available, but you should consider them a last resort"... "elimination of alcohol consumption reduces uric acid levels and PREVENTS gouty arthritis in many individuals"... "if you suffer from gout, you must not drink alcohol in any form"... "liberal (non-alcoholic) fluid intake keeps the urine diluted and promotes the excretion of uric acid"... "consuming one-half pound of cherries... per day has been found effective in lowering uric acid levels and PREVENTING attacks of gout"... if necessary, "when the pain begins, start a 3-day juice fast; drink large quantities of cherry juice and green drinks (wheatgrass, chlorella, spirulina, etc.) and include plenty of clean water... this fast will help speed the elimination of uric acid and reduce inflammation. Do not fast for more than 3 days... as prolonged periods without food can... raise the levels of uric acid in your body. After 3 days, limit yourself to raw fruits and vegetables (along with juices... and water)... until the pain subsides. These foods will encourage further elimination of uric acid and will re-alkalinize your body's internal environment"............ i hope this helps
.... because excess uric acid can also form into kidney stones... and, although i've never experienced kidney stones (or gout), i've been told there is nothing more painful than passing a kidney stone...