Dear Dr. Sears,
I am 49 years old, and I’ve suffered from gout for last 15 years. During the last five years my gout developed into a chronic form (attacks never stop). I was hospitalized last winter with 16 joints inflamed, including my spine. My both knees got dislocated due to massive swelling. The reason for severity of my condition is I am allergic to Allopurinol and therefore cannot be treated with it.
Since 2006 I have been on a strict vegan diet, but my condition continues to deteriorate, regardless. My anti-inflammatory medications (Prednisone, Indomethacin and others) would not control my massive inflammations any longer.
One of my doctors told me yesterday about your Zone Diet. In his opinion it may be beneficial to my out-of-control gout and IRS I suffer from as well.
The situation is very serious for me, and my quality of life has been destroyed. In your opinion, would Zone Diet (perhaps with modifications) make a difference to my present vegan diet?
Many thanks for your time, consideration and kind help, Jan
A: The Zone Diet is an anti-inflammatory diet. Go to zonediet.com to get started. Couple it with high-dose fish oil (about 7.5 grams of EPA and DHA per day), and you should see a significant reduction in the pain.