Home Remedies and Herbs for Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis and manifests as inflammation in the joints. It’s one of the most painful forms of muscular-skeletal disorders and is very common, particularly in older men. Approximately 1 in 200 people suffer from gout.^1,3

What Causes Gout?

A chemical in the blood called uric acid or urate is the cause of gout. Normally, uric acid is passed from the body through the urinary system but a buildup of uric acid, particularly when it crystalizes, leads to its settling in the joints. ^1,2

The uric acid crystals act as a grit in the joints and results in a very painful inflammation. This occurs periodically and sometimes without warning. This is known as a gout attack. ^1,3

Uric acid naturally occurs in the body and normally balances between the body’s manufactured supply and its routine discharge. When uric acid is under-excreted by the kidneys, the level of uric acid in the blood rises. Normal breakdown of uric acid is done by purines which are natural substances in the body and also fund in many foods. ^1,3

The main triggers for a rise in uric acid leading to gout pain include:

• Lack of vitamin C in the diet
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Excessive sugar consumption, especially soft drinks
• Certain foods which raise uric acid production
• Pre-existing diseases like diabetes, hypertension and kidney damage
• Obesity

Gout Symptoms
 
The primary gout symptoms are a rapid onset of swelling and pain in one or more joints. Commonly, the big toe is the first joint to send signals of a gout attack, followed by pain in the ankles and knees. ^1,3
 
Swelling is always associated with gout symptoms and redness to the affected area is present.¹
 
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Gout

Fortunately, gout is easy to treat. Balancing the body’s uric acid content is the key and there are effective natural cures for gout attack and pain. Gout natural cures include:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective gout natural treatments. The alkalizing properties in vinegar work to expel uric acid crystals.
• Cherry - The antioxidants in cherries increase anthocyanin compounds in blood that also breaks down uric acid crystals. Eating 15 to 20 cherries a day significantly reduces gout pain and discomfort.
• Baking Soda - Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is an alkalizer that also works to eliminate uric acid. As a gout natural treatment, mix baking soda into a glass of lukewarm water and drink it immediately.
• Cherry Juice - As in raw cherries, the juice or extract effectively treats gout pain and symptoms by reducing uric acid.
• Curcumin - Curcumin is considered a super food due to its many healing qualities. As one of the best gout natural cures, curcumin helps fight inflammation and also breaks up uric acid. Curcumin is normally used as a cooking spice.
• Celery Seed - Seeds from the celery plant contain high quantities of Omega-6 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and gout attack symptoms. They also work as a diuretic which flushes the body of uric acid. Celery seeds can be added to cooking or taken as a raw supplement.

References

1. http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/gout/gout_ff.asp
2. http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/gout/gout_ff.asp
3. https://medlineplus.gov/gout.html