Natural Gout Treatment – Alkaline Water As A Natural Gout Remedy

I discussed the value of drinking water in natural gout treatment in earlier articles. Of course all types of water are not equal, for example hard water is better than soft because of its additional mineral content and distilled water is acidic. Probably the very best of all waters for natural gout treatment is alkaline water, also called ionized water.

The reason is that alkaline water has a higher pH value than other kinds. Alkaline water is water with more oxygen, in this case OH-, not O2. Drinking it makes the body more alkaline. In this state, the body is likely to excrete more uric acid. Reducing uric acid levels to below 6.0 mg/dL (men), less in women, is the target of most forms of gout treatment whether drug medications or natural remedies. Alkaline water is also an antioxidant which squelches free radicals. This function is useful because gout attacks raise free radical production.

MAKING ALKALINE WATER

Most people are not able to buy alkaline water at their local supermarket or grocery store. You have to make it yourself. It's not difficult. Basically you can either add alkaline drops to regular water or you can have a water ionizer do it for you. Alkaline drops can be purchased via the Internet and delivered to you, search alkaline water drops, or alkaline drops.

Ionizers are easily installed to your faucet (tap). Most people will not need a plumber or next door neighbour.The ionizers of course cost more, but the water they produce is probably cheaper over time, say the manufacturers of one leading brand, than buying bottled water of various kinds. The more bottled water you drink, the more likely this will be the case. So it will pay in the end to think long term and fork out more cash.

For a quality ionizer expect to pay from US$769 to US$2,495 for a top-of-the-range-model. (These are U.S. prices. Prices will vary in other countries). You also need to replace the ionizer's biostone filter about every nine months. Filters cost from US$55 to US$85. The ionizer may last up to 20 years.

IONIZERS ARE BETTER THAN DROPS

As well as being cheaper than drops, ionizers can be adjusted to produce a water pH of a specific value more accurately. Set it to pH 8.5 or pH 9.0 for example. They can also produce purified water and leave you with acidic water, which has its uses. Moreover, the best water ionizers adjust for the overall quality of water supply input. By so doing, they produce a correct pH level, irrespective of water supply quality, water pressure and flow rate.

After a period of drinking alkaline water your body pH should rise. How will you know? Saliva pH can be tested with pH test strips (search pH test strips or pH stix). Your saliva pH is a good indication of your body's pH levels. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for using them carefully. Record numbers and watch for trend changes over time. A few tests are not enough.

JUDGING ALKALINE WATER TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials about alkaline water from delighted former gout sufferers can be found in many places on the Internet. I have seen one from a formerly gout-plagued doctor too, and testimonials from doctors always carry more weight. Unfortunately testimonials are not everything for every gout sufferer because gout is a complicated, still not wholly understood disease, and because what works for one sufferer may not work for others.

Moreover, however sincerely meant, and truthfully stated, testimonials may not be accurate in the long term because gout can go into remission and lie low for a long period before flaring up again.

People may also, quite understandably, confuse the intake of a remedy with an attack ending of its own accord. "I ate some peanuts and my gout attack vanished the next day!" (I am exaggerating a little but you get the point). Gout attacks seldom last more than a week or two, although over time they last longer. So they will disappear eventually perhaps at a convenient time for remedy sellers.

On the other hand there are many testimonials from people who have not had a gout attack for 1-2 years or more, and this probably indicates a cure has been achieved. When reading testimonials, they are more significant, if this is stated. And there are testimonials where the feelings described suggest gout has gone.

Hopefully testimonials indicate that the theory has indeed shaken hands with the practice, and the rejoicing is happily justified. Most gout sufferers hope for a natural remedy for gout. Taking account of pH is part of natural gout treatment.

NB. The contents of this article contain medical information, not medical advice. Please always discuss gout remedies with your doctor or other health care professional before implementing any treatment.

John Mepham has spent much time researching natural remedies for gout. His best tip for treating gout? Get to, and stay at, your ideal weight, whatever the sacrifices may be. Read more about gout remedies at www.best-gout-remedies.com a website with an emphasis on natural gout treatment.