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Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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Gout
Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
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    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbes Inflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

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    Woman holding shoulder Webinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

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    Woman with upset stomach Microbiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

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Gout and Supplements: What You Need to Know

Here's what you should know about supplements to ease gout symptoms.

1. Gout and Supplements: What You Need to Know
Although there is no magic pill for gout, certain supplements have been shown to fight inflammation, decrease uric acid levels and boost the immune system. Adding supplements to your overall care plan may help ease the symptoms of your gout.
2. Discuss with the Doctor
Remember, talk with your doctor before changing anything about your treatment regimen, including over the counter supplements and dietary alterations. Supplements, herbs and even certain foods can have different effects on people. It’s important to seek the advice of a health provider who knows your medical history inside and out.
3. Get Going with Good Fats
You’ve likely heard about the positive properties of omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They are known to regulate inflammation and lower cholesterol, among other things. You can increase your intake by taking one to two fish oil capsules or one teaspoon of fish oil daily. You also can add fish such as salmon, mackerel or tuna to your diet to increase your weekly intake of omega-3s.
4. Reduce Pain with GLA
While fish oil can help with omega-3 fatty acids, you still need your omega-6 fatty acids. Fortunately, you can find gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which decreases inflammation, in black currant seed oil, evening primrose oil and borage oil. A simple way to increase your GLA intake is to take a 3,000 mg evening primrose supplement, which you can find in health food stores.
5. Make a Move for MSM
One of the most frustrating symptoms of gout is inflammation, particularly in the big toe. According to the American Academy of Pain Management, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an organic sulfur compound that helps form connective tissue, at a dosage of 3,000 mg twice a day, can help decrease inflammation.
6. Get a Folic Acid Fix
Folic acid, which is folate in its synthetic form, is well-known for its benefits before and during pregnancy, but boosting it in your diet also may help if you have gout. Folic acid is thought to break down high levels of homocysteine, which are often high in people who have high uric acid levels, one of the hallmarks of gout.
7. Rev up the Vitamin C
Vitamin C has a host of benefits, but did you know that it C has been shown to both prevent gout in people who do not already have it and reduce flares in people who do? Some studies show that vitamin C can help lower uric acid levels in people who have gout, while a 2009 study showed that the more vitamin C men took, the less likely they were to get gout. Vitamin C is readily available in supplements as well as in common foods.
8. Consider Eastern Medicine
Various studies show that Chinese herbs and traditional Chinese medicine can help relieve gout symptoms with fewer side effects than traditional medicine. For example, Ermiao wan is a Chinese herb used by herbalists to reduce inflammation. Herbalists also use dandelion as a tea or ointment to reduce swelling and prompt the elimination of uric acid from the body. Chinese herbs should only be used with the guidance of a well-versed natural medicine provider.
9. Embrace Herbs
Various herbs, such as turmeric, Devil’s claw and bromelain have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects. You can steep herbs in hot water to prepare flavorful teas or take them as a powder or capsule. A health food store is likely to have herbs and capsules, as well as a knowledgeable team to get you started.
10. Get Charged on Cherries
Anthocyanins found in cherries have anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease the amount of uric acid in the blood while also lowering inflammation. A 2012 study found that eating at least 10 cherries daily can cut your risk of recurrent gout attacks in half. Another study saw a 50 percent reduction in flares when patients took one tablespoon of tart cherry extract – the equivalent of 45 to 60 cherries – twice a day for four months.
11. Learn More
While there are effective medications for treating gout, supplements – along with a healthy diet and exercise, can be part of an effective holistic treatment plan. Challenge yourself to learn all you can about the various ways supplements can help ease your gout symptoms. Learn more about gout and how to manage it.
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The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
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Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families.

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

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Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

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Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

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Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

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Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

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Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

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Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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