Natural Food Remedies to Relieve Gout Pain
Gout, a common type of arthritis, can literally get you down, since it usually inflicts severe pain on the feet and ankle joints, especially the ball of the big toe. Its sudden attacks can last from a few hours to several days. It can also appear in the knees, elbows, wrists, heel of the hand, small hand joints and even the ear! The bad news is an estimated two million people, mostly men, suffer from this condition. Women become more susceptible to it after menopause, the time when uric acid starts building up, possibly due to the drop in estrogen.
Causes of gout
Gout occurs when an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood, tissues and urine crystallizes in the joints. Uric acid is the end product of metabolism of a class of chemicals known as purines. It’s presence in the body is so bad that, if left uncontrolled, it can lead to painful kidney stones, kidney disease and even kidney failure.
Natural remedies for gout
Although, over-the-counter medications are available for gout treatment, they all have some serious side effects, like numbness of hands and feet, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, hair loss and abnormal bleeding or bruising. However, natural gout remedies have proven safe and effective, and cheaper too! Let’s see what they are:
a. Alfalfa: This is a good source of minerals and other nutrients that help reduce serum uric acid.
b. Apple cider vinegar: The apple cider vinegar changes the blood pH that effects the conversion of uric acid crystals into solution form. This is then naturally excreted.
c. Bilberry: This has high amounts of anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which help in overcoming gout.
d. Black cherry juice: Drinking several tablespoons of natural, concentrated black cherry juice can give gout pain relief in 48 hours.
e. Blueberries: High in anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins, these help ease the pain of gout.
f. Buchu tea: It dissolves and flushes out uric acid crystals.
g. Castor oil packs: Placing castor oil packs over the affected area usually relieves gout pain.
h. Celery seeds: The 20 different anti-inflammatory agents contained in the seeds help eliminate uric acid from the body. However, pregnant women should not adopt this natural gout treatment, as it effects uterine contractions.
i. Cherries for Goat: Cherries are rich in compounds that prevent the destruction of collagen of the connective tissue, usually damaged by gout. Cherries also have an enzyme that neutralizes uric acid and anthocyanins, which have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
j. Devil's claw: This reduces uric acid levels and is a natural cleansing agent for toxic impurities.
k. Garlic and ginger: These have anti-inflammatory properties and prove a good home treatment for gout.
l. Grapes: These are high in alkalines, which not only lessen the acidity of uric acid, but also aid in its elimination from the body.
m. Hawthorn: This is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which help in overcoming gout pain.
n. Lemon juice: This is effective against gout attacks by stimulating the formation of calcium carbonate in the body.
o. Red clover: Used traditionally as a standard remedy for gout, this works by thinning the blood, thereby assisting in the elimination of uric acid.
p. Saffron: This neutralizes uric acid buildup.
q. Spearmint: This is effective if it’s wrapped around the affected area.
r. Strawberries: Strawberries bring quick relief by neutralizing uric acid.
s. Yarrow: This is effective against gout, especially if taken as a tea spiked with equal parts of stinging nettles.
Natural remedies for gout are safe and effective, and without any side effects. If you want a long-lasting solution to your gout problem, adopt these remedies for instant relief, but not without the approval of your physician.
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