Using Artichoke for Gout Relief and Prevention

Artichoke is a plant whose prickly appearance hides an abundance of nutrients, minerals and phytochemicals. Artichoke hearts are a favorite when plated on the tabled, but a majority of artichoke’s benefits come from its leaf, stem and root. Extracts are made from these parts of the plants and have been used for medicinal application for many years. Artichoke reigns king over digestive health and function and has been linked the improvement with IBS, high cholesterol, arthritis, bladder infections and liver problems.

Artichoke for Gout Relief and Prevention

Artichoke contains a high concentration of cynarin, a chemical that can help lower cholesterol, but can also aid in digestive health. Cynarin is known to encourage the production of bile, which helps us digest fats, absorb vitamins from our food and break down our food. The same bile that is stimulated by Cynarin also boosts liver function and helps it remove dangerous toxins and digest fats in the body. Artichokes also contain Silymarin, a power flavonoid and liver protectant. Finally, specific flavonoids in artichoke also possess the ability to act as a potent xanthine oxidase inhibitor, making it a valuable product for gout relief and prevention.

Research Supporting Artichoke and Gout Relief and Prevention

Nutritionist David Grotto, shares in his book 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life the potent and beneficial effects of cynarin, a chemical found in high concentrates in artichoke that can help lower cholesterol, improve digestive health and boost liver function. Liver and digestive health are important factors in preventing and treating gout attacks. A study conducted on Articoke in vitro found that the flavonoids in the plant possessed potent xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity.

Artichoke Sources

Artichoke is a vegetable that is widely available in most grocery stores. The vegetable is available fresh, whole, quartered and canned or cut and prepped for easy use. Artichoke is available as a tea.

Artichoke Supplement Variations

Artichoke supplements can be found in the following variations:

  • Capsule (powdered extract)
  • Liquid Extract

How to Use Artichoke for Gout Relief and Prevention

Adding artichoke as part of your dietary habits is a good way of including the potent vegetable into your lifestyle. You can also take artichoke via capsule or liquid extract, based on the serving suggestions provided by your product’s manufacturer.

Precautions

Artichoke that is consumed as a food product is considered safe. When using artichoke as a supplement and for medicinal purposes, research has documented safe usage for up to 23 months. There is not enough information about the safety of artichoke if you are pregnant or breast feeding and you should therefore avoid use or speak with your doctor about the safety and concerns. Artichoke’s ability to increase bile production may be counteractive and cause you to produce too much, causing other health concerns. Speak to your health practitioner if this occurs or if this is a concern. If you are allergy to ragweed or related plants you should avoid using Artichoke.

Side Effects

Artichoke can cause the following side effects in some individuals that include intestinal gas and allergic reactions. People at the greatest risk of allergic reactions are those who are allergic to herbs such as marigolds, daises and other related plants.

Interactions with other Medications

There is not enough reliable evidence of how artichoke interacts with other medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are artichoke hearts bad for gout?

Although artichokes are considered high in purines, their actual influence on gout attacks is determined by excessive and overindulgent consumption of the vegetable. Eating wisely is the best approach to avoiding gout flare ups.

Is artichoke tea good?

Artichoke tea that is made from the leaves of the plant can be helpful in preventing gout.

Can artichoke cause gout attacks?

Although artichokes are considered high in purines, their actual influence on gout attacks is determined by excessive and overindulgent consumption of the vegetable. Eating wisely is the best approach to avoiding gout flare ups.