Gout is an inflammatory arthritic condition that causes severe pain and discomfort. Gout attacks the toes, knees, and ankles. As there is no definite cure for gout in traditional medicine, a combination of natural treatments for gout with pain relief medications may help.
Gout attacks when there is excess uric acid build up in the body. Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purine which is a component of urine. The body receives purine from food.
Leading a healthy lifestyle with dietary changes will help purify purine from the bloodstream. It may also ease the gout flare-ups.
Follow these natural treatments for gout to get relief:
1. Stay hydrated
Inflammation and pain are the first signs of gout. The best way to reduce inflammation is by drinking plenty of water. Increase your fluid consumption to help the kidney release excess fluid from the body. Water is the ultimate solution, but you can try clear fluids like herbal teas and broths as well. Avoid soda and alcohol, as these have higher purine content.
2. Apply an ice pack to the affected joints
To reduce pain, apply an ice pack to the painful joint. It not only relieves pain but also reduces inflammation.
In addition, you can also keep the affected joints elevated. When done, it encourages the movement of fluid and blood from the joint towards the heart. A combination of ice pack and elevation works wonders for gout symptoms.
3. Have tart cherry juice
A survey showed that cherries- sweet, sour, black, or red, consumed in the form of extracts, raw, or juice, is a potentially successful natural treatment for gout. Other studies showed similar benefits of cherries in preventing gout flare-ups.
This research suggests three serving of cherries, in any form, over a period of two days, which is considered effective.
4. Increase magnesium intake
Magnesium is an important mineral. Deficiency of this essential mineral worsens the body’s chronic inflammatory stress, though there is no study to prove it.
However, a 2015 study revealed that an adequate level of magnesium is linked with the lower and optimum level of uric acid, thus lowering risk of gout. Thus, taking magnesium supplements or eating food rich in magnesium may reduce gout attacks and lower risks in the long term.
5. Ginger root
Ginger is not only a culinary herb but also a prescribed remedy for inflammatory conditions. A study found that topical ginger reduces uric acid pain in gout. Another interesting study pointed out that subjects with high uric acid levels taking ginger showed a reduced level of serum uric acid.
You can also prepare a concoction by boiling the ginger root in saltwater. Drink it regularly for best results. Combine ginger paste with little water and apply it to the painful area. This is also a natural treatment for gout.
6. Lose weight
Your body weight is a crucial factor in gout prevention. Being overweight ultimately increases the risks of having high levels of uric acid and puts pressure on your joints.
7. Foods to be avoided
Avoid foods high in purine – vegetables, meats, fish containing purine should be out of the list.
Here’s what you should not eat:
Gout attacks are excruciatingly painful. Apart from the medicinal treatment advised by the doctor, natural remedies for gout may reduce symptoms and prevent frequent flare-ups. Maintain a healthy body weight and exercise regularly to manage your symptoms.