- By Dr. Saman Aftab
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- Medicallay reviewed by: Muhammad Usman, MD
Gout can be excruciating; unfortunately, there’s no known cure. So, if you’re suffering from gout, you need to get some relief ASAP. With all the over-the-counter medications available, it can be hard to figure out what works for you. Some may even make you feel worse. Luckily, there are natural home remedies that may help you.
Many of them are proven to work and can help you feel better and help you return to your daily routine without dreading the next flare-up. The best part is they won’t leave you with any side effects!
We have compiled a list of the best natural remedies for gout, but first, let us cover some of the basics.
The Types of Diabetes and Their Risk Factors
Gout is a painful condition where uric acid crystallizes in the joints, causing severe inflammation, which leads to redness, swelling, and joint pain. While it is relatively rare, gout can be extremely debilitating for those who experience it. It’s one of the most common reasons for going to the doctor if you have arthritis. But thanks to alternative treatments, many people finally get the help they deserve.
- Approximately 8.3 million Americans suffer from gout, with males bearing the brunt of the disease due to a higher heritability rate.
- In 90% of gout sufferers, the kidneys cannot excrete enough uric acid; in 10%, excess uric acid is produced.
- Roughly 90% of gout flare-ups begin in a single joint. The big toe’s “bunion joint” usually becomes swollen and painful.
These facts show that gout is a common condition. Despite high levels of disability and pain, there is still hope. As such, you must take steps to manage your gout well to avoid complications, such as kidney failure, joint damage, or bone loss. Now let’s dive into the real reason you are here…the remedies.
Fact and Stats
- Approximately 8.3 million Americans suffer from gout, with males bearing the brunt of the disease due to a higher heritability rate.
- In 90% of gout sufferers, the kidneys cannot excrete enough uric acid; in 10%, excess uric acid is produced.
- Roughly 90% of gout flare-ups begin in a single joint. The big toe’s “bunion joint” usually becomes swollen and painful.
These facts show that gout is a common condition. Despite high levels of disability and pain, there is still hope. As such, you must take steps to manage your gout well to avoid complications, such as kidney failure, joint damage, or bone loss. Now let’s dive into the real reason you are here…the remedies.
Dietary Remedies
Ginger
Ginger has been used in traditional medicine for years. It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Phytochemicals like gingerols, beta-carotene, capsaicin, etc. in ginger help to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds like prostaglandins, leukotrienes, etc. It also increases circulation, which helps your body get rid of the crystallizing uric acid. So next time you feel that annoying gout attack coming on, have some ginger tea. Animal research discovered that ginger extract reduces uric acid levels in the body.Â
Cherries
When you love cherries on the top of the cakes, why not consume them during a gout flare-up? This sweet fruit offers a large number of anti-inflammatory benefits. It reduces uric acid levels in the body, which makes it an ideal dietary treatment for gout.
Hence, one of the most popular ways to treat gout is with cherries. That’s because tart cherries have high levels of ellagic acid (which may also help prevent cancer). But the best part about them is the cherries contain Anthocyanins, Cyanidin 3-rutinoside, and Cyanidin 3-glucoside, which helps dissolve excess uric acid in the body. Researchers from the Boston University Medical Center conducted a study with 633 participants and discovered that consuming at least ten cherries on a daily basis prevented patients who already had gout from experiencing further episodes.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have been used as a traditional remedy for gout for ages. These seeds contain alkaloids, which are anti-inflammatory agents. As a result, they help reduce joint pain and swelling.
To use fenugreek, soak a teaspoon of the seeds overnight in hot water. Then, drain the soaking liquid, add it to your food, or drink it daily. You can also cook with the seeds, as long as you don’t overheat them.
When taken with honey, fenugreek seeds help to lower uric acid levels. Try one teaspoon of ground fenugreek seeds mixed with warm water and drink it once or twice daily.
Coffee
There is a consensus among scientific studies that drinking coffee may mitigate gout attacks. Minerals, polyphenols, and caffeine are just a few of the many healthy ingredients found in coffee.
Coffee’s ability to decrease uric acid levels and hence the risk of gout is attributed to a number of different processes.
Coffee’s potential to increase uric acid excretion is one mechanism by which it may reduce uric acid levels in the body. One theory is that coffee interferes with the body’s purine-breaking enzyme. The production of uric acid may be slowed as a result.
Lifestyle Remedies
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Drinking enough water each day is essential, especially if you have gout. Dehydration leads to higher levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This is because uric acid comes from the body as well. Uric acid helps eliminate toxins from your system and is essential for healthy joints. However, if you don’t drink enough water, your body will begin to produce more uric acid.
Also, when you drink too much alcohol or caffeinated drinks, your blood sugar level drops, which lowers your blood pH level. Low pH levels cause uric acid crystals to form. This is what triggers your body’s gout attack. So make sure to drink plenty of water to help keep your blood pH at its optimal level.
Apply Cold Compresses
While ‘Cold Therapy‘ is usually associated with treatment for arthritis and sports injuries, it’s also great for managing acute gout flares; it works by reducing inflammation and the severity of your gout. You can use frozen vegetables like cucumbers, peas, or ice packs. Wrap it around your affected joints for 15-20 minutes, twice daily. Remember, applying it without a barrier, such as a towel, is never a good idea.
Make Sure You’re Getting Adequate Sleep
Sleep deprivation contributes to blood pressure fluctuations, which trigger gout flares. So, get more sleep, especially at night. Also, consider changing your sleeping position from a semi-fetal position to a side or back position to minimize the time your big toe and foot are on the ground.
Bottom Line
If you have already been diagnosed with gout, you can try these remedies to stop recurring attacks. While you are here, head to the recipe section to see what delicious meals you can prepare and know they won’t cause a flare-up. You can thank us later!
References
DR. SAMAN AFTAB
Dr. Saman is a medical writer with over six years of experience in freelance writing, editing, and proofreading. She is a practicing healthcare professional holding a doctorate in physical therapy at DOW University of Health Sciences. She loves to write and read about Physical and Mental health. She started content writing to blend her passion for writing and medicine with extensive clinical experience.
DR. SAMAN AFTAB
Dr. Saman is a medical writer with over six years of experience in freelance writing, editing, and proofreading. She is a practicing healthcare professional holding a doctorate in physical therapy at DOW University of Health Sciences. She loves to write and read about Physical and Mental health. She started content writing to blend her passion for writing and medicine with extensive clinical experience.