Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the inability of the kidneys to flush away uric acid. As a result, uric acid tends to build up and ges lodged in the joints. This build up can result in joints getting swollen, hot and extremely sore. Swelling and pain are most commonly observed in the knees, hands, feet, wrists and elbows.
Not only is gout painful, it is also erratic in its occurrences. In other words, an attack of gout pain may last for hours or days and then disappear, not to return for months. Lifestyle changes and home remedies for gout can help to minimize and reduce the recurrence of this painful condition.
Gout Home Remedies
It is possible to control this painful condition by using some simple yet effective home remedies and natural cures.
- According to Drs. Caldron and Davis (The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies II), drinking a lot of water, at least 5 glasses a day, will increase urinary output and help kidneys to flush away excess uric acid.
- Giving up alcohol mayl also reduce gout attacks since alcohol, especially beer, tends to increase the uric acid production in the body.
- Overweight people are at a higher risk for gout so gradual weight loss may also reduce occurrence of these painful episodes. Avoid crash diets, though, since they can actually increase uric acid levels.
- Adequate rest and relaxation may also soothe inflammation and help to reduce swelling and soreness.
Controlling Blood Pressure Levels Helps Reduce Gout
According to Branton Lachman (The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies, II), gout patients will benefit considerably by keeping blood pressure under control since medications for blood pressure tend to increase the uric acid content, therefore, increasing the probability of a gout attack. Regular exercise, reducing sodium intake, weight loss and stress management can be effective ways of controlling hypertension.
Foods for Gout Prevention
Certain foods are thought to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by this form of arthritis. While there is little formal scientific evidence to support these findings, people have reported considerable success with them. According to H. K. Bakhru (Natural Home Remedies for Common Ailments), cherries and cherry juice, apples, bananas, vegetable juices (especially carrot juice combined with beet and cucumber juice), and limes may all be helpful in reducing and preventing inflammation of joints.
Foods to Avoid For Gout Patients
Some foods may actually make gout much worse. According to writers of The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies II, the following foods should be avoided since they are high in purine, which leads to an increase in uric acid levels:
Anchovies, brains, consommé, gravies, heart, herring, liver, kidney, meat extracts, mincemeat, mussels, pork roast, poultry, roast beef, sardines, and sweetbreads.
Keeping a close watch on one’s diet and weight, drinking enough water, and reducing alcohol intake offer sufferers natural home remedies for gout. Painful and uncomfortable, gout can disrupt one’s daily life and routine, so use these simple natural remedies to reduce the recurrence of gout attacks.
Natural cures and remedies for any illness should always be taken after consulting your health care professional.
References:
- Kirchheimer, Sid and the Editors of Prevention.The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies, II. Doubleday, 1995.
- Bakhru, H.K.Natural Home Remedies for Common Ailments. Orient Paperbacks, 1996
I have had gout for years, and tried just about everything without success.I reduced meat to, minimum once
a week, stopped alcohol altogether.I was having LOTS of fruit and vegetables and my gout was worsening.
Finally I have read something about Excessive fructose increasing uric acid.I experimented reducing my fruit
intake to 2 a day, and bingo within days I saw a dramatic improvement.Cherries are the only exception.
I eat a lot of them when in season,with no ill effects.