Gout is a kind of arthritis. It is regarded as a disease of elites because it is most common in people who consume meat, sugary desserts, and alcohol. It is most common in senior men, however, one in eight women is prone to gout. People who eat saucy steaks and cheesy baked food items regularly may also develop gout as evident in inflammation, pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints. Other risk factors such as excess protein intake, stress, inadequate exercise, and genes also contribute to gout.
There are home remedies that reduce the intensity of inflammation of gout and even reduce other symptoms. We`ll discuss them.
What are the Home Remedies for Gout?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect, and it is bursting with loads of nutrients such as potassium, calcium, amino acid, and iron: these eliminate toxins from that lead to gout from the body.
The acetic acid in apple vinegar is also helpful because it has an alkalizing or anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Drinking a glass of water that contains apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach reduces swelling, pain, and inflammation.
Ginger
Adding at least, an inch of ginger into the daily diet of people who have gout is pretty helpful. An organic ginger works just like an anti-inflammatory drug, and it has no disadvantageous effects on the health. The components in ginger destroy inflammatory agents such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Ginger also breaks down acidity and inflammation in the joints` fluid. Adding ginger to recipes, and sipping on some freshly prepared ginger tea treat inflammation and swelling.
Lemon Juice
A high level of uric acid in the bloodstream is one of the causes of gout. Swelling and pain that gout brings can be reduced with lemon juice. To achieve this, simply mix lemon juice with a teaspoon of baking soda. Then add this mixture to plain water and drink it immediately. Asides this, drinking about four glasses of lemon water on a daily basis can relieve symptoms of gout without hurting your health.
Epsom Salt
Magnesium does improve the symptoms of gout. It lowers high levels of magnesium and balances blood pressure levels too.
Epsom salt can provide some amount of magnesium. Because there is no evidence that shows clearly that Epsom salt treats gout, it just may be better to soak affected areas in some warm water and mix with the salt to reduce swelling and intensity of pain, instead of incorporating it into meals.
Turmeric
Tumeric is quite a fascinating spice, popular for treating numerous health complications, gout not left out. It has curcumin, a compound that has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect on the body, treating gout. Curcumin particularly combats the adverse effects of free radicals, a primary cause of many health conditions. Free radicals have terrible effects on cells and tissues and lead to inflammation which can damage joints.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal gives rapid relief from pain and swelling. It is one of the oldest and proven home remedies to treat gout. This charcoal is potent enough to absorb uric acid. This, to a large extent, deals with gout.
Adding activated charcoal to warm water and sitting in it for ten minutes is quite effective. Preparing a thick paste by mixing activated charcoal with water works too. Just apply this concoction on the affected area to reduce swelling.
Weight Loss
Exercise and diet change enhance weight loss and hinder the onset of a number of health complications, gout inclusive. Obese people are more likely to have gout alongside symptoms such as swelling, joint inflammation, and pain.
Gout, if left untreated, can develop into a chronic disease, especially with overweight people. This is a reason dietary change is necessary for such people. Replacing processed foods with whole foods and eating green vegetables and organic fruits does much good for the health of such people.
Tart Cherries
Tart cherries soothe painful and inflamed joints. This sweet and sour fruit is bursting with vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming a serving of tart cherries reduces uric acid and the risk of gout by 50% in adults. Eating tart cherries on a daily basis can hinder the occurrence of gout.
Apples
Quite a number of studies have shown that increased uric acid levels contribute to the development of gout. These uric acid levels can be balanced with malic acid, an organic compound in apples. Any variety of apples provides at least 18% of malic acid. If eaten daily, apples can decrease uric acid in a short time.
Bananas
Banana treats gout because it has a considerable amount of potassium. Potassium converts uric acid crystals into a liquid which the body eliminates through urination.
Banana isn’t just good for its potassium content; it contains some amount of vitamin C too. Vitamin C functions as an anti-oxidant, a reason it is essential to combat factors that lead to joint inflammation. It’s quite easy to incorporate bananas into your diet. They’re quite versatile; you can eat them plain, or just add them to delicious smoothies. Whatever you do, get rid of gout with bananas.
Pineapple
Ever heard of bromelain? It’s an enzyme in pineapples that treats symptoms of gout. Bromelain enzyme prevents the accumulation of uric acid crystal that causes inflammation in the joints. Bromelain decomposes these crystals when they already exist, and promotes their proper excretion without hurting the health.
Foods to Avoid
Do you have gout, are you at risk of having it? Here are some of the foods to avoid.
Turkey
Turkey and goose are higher in purines than other types of food, so avoiding them is just a smart move, really. Chicken and duck are safe choices.
Sugary Drinks
People who have gout, or are gout-prone should avoid beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. These drinks spur the body to produce more uric acid. Studies have shown that men who consumed lots of fructose are at higher risk of developing gout.
Beer
Not only does beer increase your uric acid level but, it also makes it more difficult for your body to clear the substance from your system. Wine is a better choice, however, excessive drinking is a not a good idea for everyone. Abstaining from alcohol generally is just perfect.
General Arthritis Facts
We`ll discuss some arthritis facts briefly.
- Arthritis in simple terms means ‘joint inflammation’.
- There are over 100 different forms of arthritis.
- Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
- Arthritis costs the United States economy about $129 billion per year.
- Over 10 million adults in the UK consult their GP with arthritis and related conditions annually.
- More than 6 million people in the UK have osteoarthritis in one or both knees.
- An estimated 50 million adult Americans have been reported to have some form of arthritis.
- One in five (22%) adults in the United States report having doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
- Over 78 million people are expected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis by the year 2040.
- Over 300,000 babies and children have arthritis or a rheumatic condition.
- The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects an estimated 31 million Americans.
- Arthritis is more common in women with 24.9% than men, with 18.1%.
- Girls are twice as likely to develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) as boys.
