Uric acid levels and low body temps
Ok, call me crazy, but I found this connection. I've been on a strict alkaline
diet for the
past year. (Cut out sugar, white bread, potatoes, caffeine, liquor, etc.) I have
not had any
full blown gout episodes, but found that my Ph would fall into acidic territory
and I would
get some tell-tale swelling in my big toe occasionally. This worried me because
I'd already
been restricting my diet. In my researching, I kept coming across references to
metabolism. I began to take my temperature (orally) three times a day (9am, 12
noon and
3pm). (Normal temp is 98.6). Mine would start out at the low 97's and rise only
to the
upper 97's! (That's hypothyroid territory.) My doc had done bloodwork and found
nothing
amiss. Interestingly, I also thought about how many gout sufferers find their
attacks
happen most often in the cold weather months. I wondered about that connection
and
began to research what I could do to jump start my metabolism, normalize my
temps and
perhaps bring my Ph into a more alkaline range. I discovered coconut oil and
began to
take a tablespoon with meals. Sure enough my temperatures rose to within normal
levels
and my Ph became more evenly alkaline. No more twinges in my toe. Could body
temperature be an indicator? Could raising my metabolism a pinch, help with uric
acid
levels? Coconut oil is qualified as a food, and entirely safe (they put it in
infant milk
formulas). It is a saturated fat but with NO cholesterol. Buy virgin coconut
oil. If you try it
work up to three tablespoons a day, over a few days, because it's very rich and
you don't
want to upset your stomach. I've left a few links. Best, Michele
http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/nutrition/coconut.htm
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/dietweightloss/a/coconutoilfife_3.htm
http://www.best-gout-remedies.com/candida-albicans.html
While correct it does not dismiss the fact that Uric Acid accumulation and crystallization is effected by temperature. Thus if you increase your metabolism.....you are increasing your temperature overall. It could be assumed that you are also increasing blood flow and reducing the ability of uric acid to store in connective tissue and crystallize. I suspect temperature alone will not stop gout attacks but I think it is part of the equation in what she feels is her success.
Hyperuricosuria
Twenty-four-hour urine testing should be undertaken if a hyperuricosuric state is suspected. When hyperuricosuria is identified, the underlying cause of this abnormality should be addressed if possible. Because the most common cause is purine gluttony, patients should first be counseled to avoid foods rich in purine such as red meat, fish, poultry, beer, and legumes. Not only do these foods increase the uric acid load that the kidneys must excrete, but also digestion of animal protein produces a transient metabolic acidosis that lowers urinary pH. A recent trial showed both urinary pH and uric acid concentration were significantly reduced in subjects consuming a balanced diet of vegetables and moderate amounts of animal protein and purines when compared with subjects consuming a typical Western diet. Patient compliance with dietary modifications can be monitored by measuring urinary urea and sulfate indexed to creatinine.
Effect of Temperature and pH on Uric Acid Solubility
The solubility of monosodium urate is a function of temperature. At normal body temperature, 37°C (98.6°F), the maximum solubility of urate in physiologic saline is 6.8 mg per 100 ml, but at 30°C (86°F) it is only 4.5 mg per 100 ml.[2] Several studies have shown that gout attacks are more frequent in springtime.[12, 13] This may be due to the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals in the extremities during the cold winter months.
In acid urine of pH less than 5.5, uric acid crystals precipitate and lead to stone formation. If the urine is neutral or alkaline, uric acid remains in solution and does not precipitate. At 37°C and pH 6.6, the solubility of uric acid is 6 mg per 100 ml, whereas at pH 7.0, uric acid is almost three times more soluble and forms stable solutions at concentrations of 16 mg per 100 ml.
I began to take my temperature (orally) three times a day (9am, 12
noon and
Normal body temperature is NOT 98.6 F. That figure is based on
century-old research, which has become popularised until everyone
"knows" it is true. But it isn't, it's about a half degree too high.
My own body temp is normally in the high 97s and low 98s.
http://hypertextbook.com/facts/LenaWong.shtml
Chase