Gout is a special kind of arthritis that can make your joints, like your big toe, suddenly hurt, turn red, and swell up. This happens when uric acid builds up in your blood. Other things like genes, drinking too much alcohol, and not moving around much can play a role in gout, too. If you keep reading, you'll find 10 natural remedies for gout that can spare you from unnecessary pain.
The Role of Uric Acid
Your body creates uric acid when it breaks down things called purines, which are in some foods and also made by your body. Usually, uric acid isn't a big deal because your kidneys get rid of it in your pee. But if your uric levels are high and your kidneys aren't getting rid of enough, it can pile up in your blood.
Too much uric acid can make sharp little crystals in your joints, and these crystals cause bad pain and swelling in gout. Not everyone who has a lot of uric acid will get gout, but it makes it more likely. And sometimes, people can get gout even if their uric acid level is normal.
Keeping an eye on how much uric acid is in your blood is super important for dealing with gout. Doctors help people with gout by giving them pharmaceuticals to lower uric acid and suggesting different foods and drinks. This can make gout attacks happen less and hurt less.
Here's what you need to know:
Gout attacks are really uncomfortable and painful during a flare-up. For some people, it's so bad they can't even move.
Gout often starts in the joint of your big toe, but it can also hit your ankles, knees, hands, wrists, or elbows.
You might take pharmaceuticals for the pain, but there are also natural and safer things you can try to feel better.
10 Natural Remedies for Gout
#1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider or ACV can help manage symptoms of gout. The acidity in the vinegar alleviates pain. All you need to do is to mix one teaspoon of ACV with a glass of water. Drink twice a day for maximum results.
#2. Apples
Apples contain malic acid. This type of acid neutralizes the effect of uric acid in the body. For quick results, a serving of three apples a day is advisable.
#3. Bananas
Aside from being a healthy sweet treat, bananas are heaven-sent for people who suffer from gout. The tasty fruit helps prevent the formation of uric acid.
#4.Ginger
Similar to ACV, ginger can be used to treat a lot of ailments. It can specifically be used for gout because it relieves pain and inflammation.
There are several methods you can take when using ginger as a medicinal alternative. You can make ginger tea, ginger shots or add ginger to your dishes, or directly apply ginger paste to the affected area.
#5. Baking Soda
Baking soda, being a base, neutralizes acids. This includes uric acid which is said to cause a gout flare-up.
Make a baking soda solution with half a teaspoon of soda and a glass of water, drink up to four times a day.
Word of caution: if you are hypertensive, ignore this tip altogether.
#6. Lemon Juice
Similar to baking soda, lemon juice balances out uric acid. By drinking lemon juice, you not only decrease pain but you also strengthen the tissues in the body.
#8. Cherries
Cherries are excellent antioxidants. Whether sweet or sour, they also contain anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation and decrease the size of gout flare-ups.
Eating 15 – 20 cherries every day should be sufficient.
#9. Epsom Salt
The high amount of magnesium in Epsom salt makes it the perfect remedy for gout or any other form of arthritis. It improves the condition of your heart and it lowers blood pressure.
In the tub, mix two cups of Epsom salt with warm bath water. Enjoy your soak until the water starts getting colder.
#10. Activated Charcoal
Like Epsom salt, activated charcoal absorbs uric acid, which makes it perfect for treating gout.
You can make a paste and soak the afflicted body part with it. Alternatively, you can take a charcoal bath twice a week for maximum results.
Okay, we said 10 natural remedies for gout here, but there's one more that's important to include…
Good ‘ol Water!
Often little pains in your body are caused by dehydration. Likewise, water can be used to solve a few ailments. To treat gout, soaking the afflicted part with cold water for 10-15 minutes can help with the pain.
Anything that helps with the pain of gout is a good thing. In addition to these 10 natural ways to cure gout, be sure you are eating the right foods.
A good diet is key. Eat plenty of fresh, green vegetables and avoid high-protein foods such as red meat and seafood.
- Eat food containing plenty of vitamin C (or take supplements)
- Avoid alcohol which increases uric acid
Add a few of these holistic solutions for gout to your daily activities to reduce the amount of pain it causes.
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The information presented here is in no way meant to serve as medical advice. It is merely information and opinion. All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or health care provider. If you are experiencing symptoms of any kind, please consult with your physician.
