Natural Remedies for Gout
Natural remedies for gout usually involve foods that we consume on a regular basis. Gout is nothing but excessively high uric acid levels in the body. So, to address this, people should focus on eliminating foods that cause the buildup of uric acid in the body.
Natural remedies for gout
Before discussing the natural remedies for gout, it is essential to understand the foods which are detrimental and can worsen the condition of a patient.
Here are some foods you should eliminate if you have gout:
- You should eliminate sugar from your diet.
- You also need to remove processed meat as they are a source of unhealthy hormones as well as antibiotics. Moreover, these meats are very acidic.
- As far as beverages are concerned, you need to take alcohol off the list.
An effective diet for gout would include a high amount of vegetables, organic meats, and fruits. Patients can also add bone broth to their diet.
Here are some natural remedies that can help treat gout:
- Celery seed extract: One of the best natural remedies for gout is the extract of celery seed and its juice. Studies show that uric acid levels fall rapidly after the consumption of celery seed extract. Celery seeds contain numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid as well as caffeic acid. Flavonoids such as quercetin are also present in celery. You can readily find supplements or celery seed extracts in stores near you. Either have celery directly or consume it in the form of a juice.
- Black cherry juice: Black cherry in the form of a juice or extract are both beneficial for the treatment of gout. Studies show that when a gout patient takes black cherry along with allopurinol, their risk of gout attacks fell by 75%. Cherry juice is known to reduce the levels of uric acid in the body as well as inflammation.
- Nettles: If you make nettles a part of your diet, it can help with eradicating gout because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It is available in the form of tea.
- Fish oil: The presence of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil is helpful in the treatment of gout. Fish oil can also help in treating arthritis, and as gout is a form of arthritis, fish oil is beneficial for the same. It reduces the inflammation caused by the disease.
- Proteolytic enzymes: Proteolytic enzymes contain bromelain which is otherwise found in pineapples. This digestive enzyme helps in the reduction of uric acid as well as inflammation.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar helps in increasing the alkaline levels in your body, and it provides relief from gout pain caused by acidity. Drinking one or two tablespoons of raw, organic apple cider vinegar along with an 8-ounce glass of water helps in reducing pain caused by gout. You can also apply it topically to the affected area.
- Baking soda: Baking soda increases the alkalinity of your body. In an 8-ounce glass of water, put half a teaspoon of baking soda. Have this mixture until you have had three teaspoons in a day. It will help in relieving pain caused by uric acid. However, you should not try this home remedy if you suffer from high blood pressure as baking soda has a high sodium content.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which help in relieving pain and inflammation caused by gout. You can boil a small piece of ginger, for around 20 minutes and drink it like tea. You can also apply it topically to the area of pain by making a paste of ginger and water. Keep it for about half an hour before washing it off.
- Water: Water is another natural remedy for gout. It removes the excess uric acid in the body. Ideally, drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water is effective for treating gout. You can carry a bottle that holds approximately that amount of water every day.
- Epsom salt: As Epsom salt is effective in reducing aches and pain as it relaxes muscles, it is also helpful in the treatment of gout. It contains magnesium, and this increases the alkalinity of the body and thereby helps in treating gout. For about half an hour, you can soak the affected area in water that is infused with 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt.
Gout remedies that work
If you are diagnosed with gout, ensure that you take medicines that reduce your uric acid levels. You must keep these medicines handy and always within reach. Use ice on the affected area. It is essential to get in touch with your doctor to find out if you can consume any other medication.
You may have to visit your physician’s office for a corticosteroid injection. Use a cane to walk, as it reduces the pressure on the affected joints. Elevating your foot while walking will also help in reducing the pain.