because, up till recently, i drank a bottle of wine a day (20 years worth)

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Several years ago, at around age 25, I tried to enlist in the Air Force intending to pursue a career as a jet pilot. Everything during the physical was fine until a blood test revealed a high level of uric acid (goodbye flight school). I was on a weight gain powder supplement (MLO as I recall) at the time because I was weight training and trying to bulk up. I think there were even issues with my big toes.

Then, a couple of years ago, I had problems associated with what I believed to be acidic pH (systemic-but no heartburn at all). Symptoms were–as best I can describe–pain all over AFTER eating or drinking anything leaning toward acidic pH. Had to cut out coffee (lots of different acids), eggs (arachadonic acid, etc.), even cherries! I can definitely say, common Celery helped a lot! Also, Cilantro, which by the way, I understand is liver tonic and a popular heavy metal detoxifier in Japan. Both will shift urine and saliva pH toward alkaline, and Cilantro will do it in a hurry. An alternative therapy for liver congestion was a benefit as well.

Anyway, after a very uncomfortable episode caused by simple Marshmallow (the herb), blood and urine tests by an MD said everything was perfect. Nevertheless, I eliminated other things such as never drinking anything out of a plastic container, stopping the use of Teflon coated pans, etc.

By far the worst reaction of all was caused by ingesting an over-the-counter product with the ingredients shown below. This information is from the label of a food acid neutralizer (and some report it relieves interstitial cystitis). Note the predominant ingredient in the list!

My message–be careful, pay close attention and suspect everything, no matter how seemingly innocuous. Thankfully, all is now back to normal as far as I know, and the sensory effects have not returned.

Nutritional Facts

Each Serving Size provides:
Nutritional Facts
Each Serving Size 1/4 teaspoon provides:
Ingredients Dosage % Daily Value
Calcium as calcium glycerophosphate 130 15
Phosphorus (mg) 100 10
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

*Daily Value not established.
**Percent DV based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

I’m liking the education about Fructose and all but like so much of the other information about Gout and what to do about it and what causes it, there’s too much emphasis but on what we eat and drink.

Personally, I have (had) gout worse than anyone I’ve ever met and the medications, eating right, not drinking, etc. never worked.

Since the body produces uric acid (a natural antioxidant) and the body then attacks itself when it builds up too much, I call it an Autoimmune Disease.

It was only when I started downing huge doses of high antioxidant (in the form of dark chocolate) did the attacks (2 per month on average) stop. (not just any chocolate, read up on the anti-inflammatory properties of raw cacao)

What we eat and what we drink (including all the weird chemicals and pesticides and chlorine) certainly play into it all but that is because they are a good source of where we get our Free Radical Damage. So is the air we breathe, too much sun, charging too hard, (sports) stress, (hormones) and the list goes on.

I’ve become so obsessed with it all, I’ve created a website about the whole experience. Good Luck!