What is Gout? To answer "what is gout?" you should know it is a relatively frequently occurring type of arthritis. The common condition is the result of having elevated levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This excess of uric acid leads to uric acid crystal formation in the joints, notoriously the one on the base of the big toe. These crystals cause a number of alarming and uncomfortable symptoms. [youmaylike] Signs and Symptoms Gout can manifest in several different ways depending on the patient. In general, gout can be characterized as episodes of joint pain, swelling and redness. The pain itself can occur out of nowhere, and either turn into a general discomfort or disappear. Episodes of gout can occur abruptly and it is not uncommon for them to start in the middle of the night. The big toe is one of the most common appendages that is affected, although it can also affect the forefoot, knees, ankles, knees, elbows and bones in your hand or wrist. Types of Gout Although these all refer to the same illness, there are “types” of gout, which indicate different stages of the illness. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia: This is the earliest stage of the disease. Some of the crystals may be causing some tissue damage, but symptoms may be mild to non-existent. Acute: This refers to a more extreme event. In acute gout, patients experience acute episodes of intense pain in a “flare” that lasts a couple of days. Different events can trigger the onset of symptoms, including stress or alcohol. They may also appear seemingly out of nowhere. Intercritical: When flares die down but you still have gout, your body is still depositing excess urate crystals into your joint tissue. These periods are called intercritical gout, where you may not really feel symptoms but the damage is still happening. Chronic tophaceous: This is the most extreme form of the disease. It is debilitating and can get to the point where permanent and extreme damage has been done to the joints and kidneys. Huge lumps and pain may be chronically present at this point. There is also a condition that is referred to as pseudogout. This condition is not a form of gout, but it is very similar in terms of the symptoms someone might experience. These similar symptoms are not caused by urate crystals, but rather calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Generally, symptom expression is less severe in comparison to traditional gout. Treatment Options There are several different medications that may be prescribed to treat gout. Different medications may be used depending on the types of symptoms you are experiencing or expressing a desire to reduce. These medications include some which may manage uric acid levels (aloprim, zyloprim, ulroic or lesinurad), inflammation (colcrys) or painkillers. Talk to your doctor to find a solution which is best for you. Natural Remedies for Gout One of the best natural remedies for gout is making lifestyle changes. By making these tiny lifestyle changes, you will be able to minimize the flares of gout or even prevent it entirely. If you know that you have had a flare before or are at risk for developing gout, consider taking the following steps: Drink lots of water: Drinking the recommended amount of water a day can help keep your body in tip-top shape. Achieve a healthy body weight: Obesity puts a lot of pressure on your body. If you are overweight, try to achieve and maintain healthy body weight. Stay sober: Alcohol can be an especially big trigger for gout. Consider abstaining from alcohol use in order to keep your gout under control. Change your diet: To limit the about of uric acid coming into your body, make changes to your what you eat. There are some foods that will encourage very high levels of uric acid in your body, including: anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring, lobster, shrimp, mussels, scallops, mushrooms, organs (especially liver and kidneys), fast food, soda and alcohol. Consider having healthier foods that encourage an overall healthy diet. Some of the best foods for managing gout include: Yogurt and skim milk. Nuts and grains. Fresh fruits and veggies. Potatoes. Most importantly, be sure to practice moderation. When to See a Doctor As soon as you notice that your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, you should make an appointment with a medical professional. This is a good practice in general. Even if you do not have gout, alarming symptoms may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
How to Get Better Sleep
Many people struggle with sleep disorders like hypersomnia and narcolepsy. Thankfully, treatment options like Xywav exist to help manage consistent, healthy sleep patterns. In this article we're looking at five different ways on how to get better sleep, and breaking each one down.
1. Prescription Medications for Sleep Disorders
Certain medications are specifically designed to help regulate sleep patterns and address various sleep disorders. These options can be helpful for those who have severe insomnia or issues like narcolepsy:
- Xywav: Known for its role in managing excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy, Xywav has proven effective in promoting restful sleep. It works by helping to regulate the brain's sleep-wake cycle and is especially beneficial for those with disorders causing fragmented sleep.
- Ambien: Commonly prescribed for short-term insomnia, Ambien assists with falling asleep faster.
- Lunesta: Lunesta is meant for short-term treatment of insomnia, helping those who struggle to fall and stay asleep.
- Belsomra: Belsomra works by blocking orexin, a neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness. It’s effective for people who have difficulty staying asleep and often provides a gentle, non-habit-forming solution.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, also known as CBT-I, is a non-drug approach to addressing chronic insomnia. The therapy involves working with a therapist to address thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep. Techniques used in CBT-I include:
- Sleep restriction therapy: Sleep restriction therapy limits the time spent in bed to create a stronger association between bed and sleep.
- Stimulus control therapy: Stimulus control therapy involves finding activities that promote a restful mindset in the bedroom, such as avoiding screens before bed and not working in the bedroom.
- Cognitive restructuring: Cognitive restructuring helps individuals shift thoughts from sleep anxiety to positive associations with bedtime, ultimately leading to a better night of sleep.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments to Improve Sleep Quality
While this might seem simple, adopting healthier sleep habits can play a substantial role in enhancing sleep quality. Some essential tips include:
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily helps regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine: Engaging in calming activities, such as reading or taking a warm bath before bed, can cue the body for sleep.
- Exercising regularly: Physical activity, especially in the morning or early afternoon, can improve sleep quality.
- Avoiding stimulants: Steering clear of caffeine, nicotine and big meals in the hours leading up to bedtime can help promote restful sleep.
4. Natural Supplements for Sleep Support
For those looking for natural remedies, several supplements have shown promise in promoting better sleep. Some common supplements for sleep support include:
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements can be particularly useful for those dealing with jet lag or unpredictable and late work schedules.
- Valerian root: Known for its calming properties, valerian root is believed to play a hand in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.
- Magnesium: This mineral plays a role in muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation, helping to alleviate sleep disturbances caused by tension and stress.
- Lavender: Either as an essential oil or supplement, lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, especially when diffused in the bedroom or taken in small doses before bed.
5. Improving Sleep Hygiene
Good sleep hygiene can make a world of difference for those struggling with sleep quality. Sleep hygiene practices include:
- Limiting screen exposure: The blue light emitted from screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Consider limiting screen time at least an hour before bed.
- Using blackout curtains: Blocking out light from outside sources creates a darker environment that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night.
- Keeping the bedroom cool: A slightly cool room temperature is optimal for sleep, as it encourages the body’s natural drop in temperature needed for sleep onset.