How Does Stress Cause Gout?

Does gout make you feel the way this guy looks?  Or did you feel like this and then get a gout attack?  Did you ever wonder why?  How does stress cause gout?  I wondered the same thing and I got us some help.

How Does Stress Cause Gout 101

To keep it simple, the first thing we need to know is that stress has everything to do with the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems.  I got some help with this from my pal Chris Kresser.  I don’t want you to just believe me – Chris is a lot smarter than I am!  If you were to ask Chris, “how does stress cause gout?”, this is all the stuff he would tell you! 

To break it down, the sympathetic nervous system is engaged when you are amp-ed up and ready for battle…which most of the day, everyday for too many of us.  The parasympathetic nervous system is engaged when we are chilling out…which most of us gout killers don’t do enough of.  

I have a theory that gout has a lot to do with anger.  As Yoda tells us, “anger leads to fear”.  So if we are in fear, then our biochemical defense systems are working overtime.  If our defense systems (our immune system) is working overtime, our other systems are not able to revitalize and rejuvenate our other cells/tissues/organs/systems.  

If that is the case, one of those organs that is not getting the love it needs, is the kidneys.  (“kidney” in my case)  Our kidneys basically monitor and regulate how much uric acid either stays or goes from our bloodstream.  

So, that is #1 of “how does stress cause gout”.

How Does Stress Cause Gout…part 2

When we are so busy expending all kinds of physical and mental energy and the daily restoring and rebuilding that our bodies need, breaks down…literally and figuratively.  In this day and age, with all the distractions of technology, the toxic overload of our environment, our bad choices of food and drink, lack of sleep and exercise…how could we NOT get gout?!  I’m surprised everybody doesn’t have gout!  

The take-away is, stress comes from physical as well as mental sources.  Eating too much sugar is one of the biggest physical stressors on our bodies.  Too much screen time is another.  Sitting too much is yet another.  

The constant worry of finances, status, and what our peers “think” is really useless mental stress.  Overloaded schedules and rampant “busy-ness” is too common.  Relationship difficulties with friends, family, and society in general is all too common.  

The real kicker is that physical stress can lead to mental stress, and vice-versa.  The sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems work together and against each other from time-to-time to maintain healthy balance – i.e. homeostasis.  But when things fly off the rails, that is what “how does stress cause gout?” looks like.

The result is all kinds of hormones start to be released by our adrenal glands, like cortisol and adrenaline.  These are good and healthy hormones that provide all kinds of good biochemical reactions that help us to survive and thrive in the world.  But if we are constantly under stress and “bathed” in these powerful hormones, it produces all kinds of negative effects.

If you experience some of these symptoms, you are probably living with too much stress (which is why you’re probably getting gout as well)  

• Irritability and mood swings
• Sick often
• Insomnia and poor sleep
• Fatigue
• Eating sugar and stimulants to relieve fatigue
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Digestive issues

If you have some of these things going on, you probably have enough biochemical disruption that the ability of your liver to remove toxic substances from your blood is compromised.  As well, your kidney function for eliminating harmful wastes is not up to snuff anymore either.

What you suggested really worked!

Hi Bert, Yep, I’ve lost that email! I wanted to watch again the sections on sleep and stress and water. I have been going great with diet, no more junk food for me. The other day I got a bit of an ache in my joint, the first one since I did your program. Back then I had it in both feet, ankles, and knees, so I know what you suggested really works. Thanks for the phone conversation back then too, it was good to talk with someone who has been there and done that, and is not just selling the tablets like my Dr. was trying to do to me. If you could send me that email again I would really appreciate it, and I will file it better this time! Thanks once again Bert, I hope life is treating you well.

Phil

 

Stress Causes Other Health Challenges…

…that contribute to an overall state poor health and eventually cause gout.

• Heart Disease

Studies have shown that people with gout have a 15% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease.  The cells that make up the tissue of the heart actually become challenged and “leak” uric acid.  

• Diabetes and Elevated Insulin

Elevated insulin can compromise kidney function.  Insulin becomes elevated because of high levels of glucose in the blood.  Chronic high levels of glucose in the blood is basically diabetes.  The fact is, people with diabetes are at greater risk of developing gout, and conversely, people with gout are more prone to developing diabetes. 

• Obesity

The relationship between obesity and gout follows the same mechanism as with diabetes; the common denominator is the high insulin levels creating kidney dysfunction, which diminishes the ability of the kidneys to eliminate uric acid.

• Weakened Immune Function

While a sluggish immune system is not the direct cause of a gout attack, it a component.  The crystals of both gout and pseudogout create an immune system directed inflammatory response to the irritated tissues.  A weak immune system/response plays a role in how quickly an attack passes and how severely it is experienced.  

• Kidney Disease

The most important health condition that people with gout should be aware of and pay attention to is the increased risk of kidney disease.  Studies have shown that people with gout have a 29% higher risk of developing kidney disease.

• Depression and Anxiety

Chronic pain of gout can overwhelm the normal coping skills of healthy individuals.  Living with the fear and anxiety (as you may well know) of not knowing when the pain and struggle will end, or, when it might return, wears down our ability to physically function.  Depression could be the biggest side effect of gout.

• Digestive Dysfunction and IBS

Difficulty breaking down, absorbing, and utilizing proteins is the start of the problem with gout.  Studies show, contrary to popular belief promoted by western medicine, most individuals don’t make enough stomach acid.  Since proteins are purine-rich, and purines metabolize into uric acid, proper utilization of proteins is critical. Proteins must first be broken down by the hydrochloric acid in our stomachs for them not to become a problem further down the line.

• Poor Sleep

Deep, restful sleep is fundamental to good health.  Our bodies need the down time to restore and rejuvenate; from the systems to the organs to the tissues to the cells.  The liver does its most important work of detoxification when we are in a parasympathetic state – i.e. deep sleep.  Consistent, quality sleep is required in order to clear acidic, toxic materials through both the liver and the kidneys. 

Additionally, sleep apnea has long been known to be a contributing factor for gout. The periods of oxygen deprivation cause blood oxygen saturation to drop dangerously low, creating an acidic environment in the bloodstream.  Uric acid is one of thos acidic materials.

   ☆ How does stress cause gout?  By compromising our health in all kinds of different ways, as evidenced above.  

How Does Stress Cause Gout…in the Future?

Something that is going to be very interesting…and sad to watch, is what chronic high levels of stress is doing to today’s teenagers.  Over the 10 years that I have been keeping up TheGoutKiller.com, more and more people have come my way looking for help.  Many are either in their teens, or gout started in their teens.  

What Can We Do About Gout-causing Stress?

There are a number of different things that we can do…many we already know about but just don’t practice.  The trick is not to wait until the pain has become so severe, or gout has advanced out of control, to get started.

Conscious Breathing

Oxygen is the first nutrient we need to remain alive.  Breathing with intention energizes the central nervous system with adequate blood oxygen saturation.  This is a good first step toward maintaining a sense of calm and curbing the onset of a gout attack.

Mediation and Prayer

Watching our thoughts and consiously directing them is the first step to managing emotions.  When we lose control of our emotions, our very own toxic chemicals start to degrade our health.  Gout is likely to follow.

Massage

Increasing blood flow to different organs and tissues helps to oxygenate and energize them.  It also helps move metabolic wastes through the lymph system and carry away toxins.  This is a good example of how kidney function is improved and uric acid elimination is facilitated.  Regular massage will help keep your body tuned up and gout free.

Avoid the Screens

The dangers of electromagnetic frequency is only beginning to be understood.  How it disrupts the electrochemical processes in our bodies is yet to be determined.  Suffice it to say, there is enough information about it that we should all be alarmed.  The distraction and busy-ness that all of our computers, phones, and tablets promote, only create havoc on our nervous systems and keep us in an amp-ed up, unhealthy sympathetic state of tension.

Acupuncture

The western mind (especially mine!) cannot comprehend how acupuncture is so effective for improving and maintaining good health.  But it has long been used to create a more relaxed and robust state of being.  All of us who are in the business of killing gout should take advantage of it.  

Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong

These meditative movement practices have long been understood to promote strength and agility while calming the mind and increasing cognition and mental acuity.  Using these practices to prevent gout should be part of every gout killer’s regimen.

Nature Bathing

In Japan there is a practice called “Shinrin-Yoku”, or, forest bathing.  This practice has been documented to increase energy and vitality, while instilling a sense of calm.  It also is know for improving health in many other ways.  Taking a walk in the forest is good Rx for gout.

Take a Break

Stop.  Breathe.  Drink a glass of water.  Sit still.  Drain your tension.  Let it all go.  

We can all do this, but how often do we allow ourselves to?  Allow yourself.  Do it consistently and pay attention to your overall state of health and how often gout doesn’t visit you anymore.

Splash Cold Water

Sometimes we need a quick reset to calm ourselves down and regain mental and emotional control.  Put this one in your #killgout tool box and pull it out on a consistent basis.  It is the cumulative effect of our good health efforts that lessens our challenges with gout.

Yaaawn

Maybe you’ve noticed – if you sort of “force” a yawn, it can help bring some calm.  Practice healthy yawning to bring yourself into a more parasympathetic state.  This little trick can go a long way to helping you keep your gout under control.

Chew Some Gum

The vagus nerve is the connection between our internal organs and our brain.  The simple act of chewing gum can help soothe the stressful wear and tear of a busy day.  Chewing gum is a easy way to click things down a notch.  

   ☆ These are just a few ways to jump start yourself into a parasympathetic state and bring your gout-causing stress back under control.  

Bottom-Line: How does stress cause gout?  By all the chemicals we release when lose control of our thoughts and emotions.  Take back control and show your gout who’s boss!