Natural Remedies and Cures for Gout

The first step towards dealing with your gout would be talking to your doctor and taking any medications they prescribe or recommend. But there are other natural procedures you can take towards controlling it and ultimately illuminating the pain and discomfort.

Maintaining weight and what meats to avoid.

Maintaining your weight is a given since being overweight can be a huge contributing factor to gout. Taking it slow on a healthy weight loss plan is the best and safest way to go. High in protein foods and meals may be the biggest step towards losing weight, as well as reducing your daily calorie intake. However, even though you should eat high protein there are some meats you should avoid. Turkey as well as organ meats such as brain, kidney, and liver as well as certain fish such as anchovies, herring, and mackerel should never be eaten if you suffer from gout, all contain high amounts of purines and harsh chemicals that form uric acid. Doctors should warn patients away of foods that are high in purines.

Drinking plenty of fluids and eating your veggies.

Statistics show those who eat large amounts of vegetables have a much lower risk of gout. Those who drink a glass or two of low-fat milk every day also show better results. It is very important to drink many liquids, at least eight 6 ounce glasses of fluids like water each day. Not only will it wash out your system and help lose weight, but will also reduce gout attacks.

Avoiding alcohol.

Alcohol is a big no-no when it comes to having gout. It will dramatically worsen gout and also gives a higher risk of developing gout if you do not already have it. However the occasional white or blush wine was the only alcoholic beverage found in studies not to negatively affect gout, yet red wine does have higher purine so that should also be avoided. Adjusting your diet to stay away from the bad foods for gout and towards the best for gout may not cure it but it will dramatically keep your attacks at a minimum.

In home remedies.

There are many natural home remedies you can take for gout. Apple preservatives neutralize the acids that are the cause of gout. After peeling, slicing, and removing the core of the apples, allow them to simmer in hot water for about 3 hours and they will be thick, darker, and very sweet. Use this as a jam or however you wish. Cherries are also a very great use of removing the negative toxins from the body including the kidneys as well. Anything with cherries in it would be one of the best gout relief remedies.

Spices that relieve.

Spices such as chicory have been known to relieve the symptoms of gout by mixing 1 ounce of chicory root to one pint of boiling water. This mixture can be drank and also be applied to the skin for relief. Mustard powder is great for making a paste with and applying it to the sore joints. Mixing one part mustard powder or seeds and one part whole wheat flour. Add as much water as you would need to form a paste then apply petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening, or a form of lard on the achy joints. Then the mustard paste you have made can be put on a wash cloth then over the greased up affected area. Wrapping this for hours or overnight can relieve much pain. Thyme tea is an easy to make remedy by getting a cup of boiling or really hot water and adding one or two teaspoons of thyme, also add sugar or sweetener for taste.

Herbs that relieve.

Devil's claw root, feverfew, licorice, boswellia (frankincense), cayenne pepper, meadowsweet leaves and flowertops, gingerroot, and white willow bark all are great natural anti-inflammatory agents that will provide much relief. Joint pain relief can be achieved by taking any of these in many forms such as tea. Taking ½ teaspoon of devil's claw root and one cup boiling water makes a great pain relieving tea.

Pills and supplements to take or avoid.

Fish oil pills and supplements are wonderful for gout as well as promoting healthy weight loss. Taking over the counter anti-inflammatory will reduce the swelling. Ibuprofen is great for this when taking in small doses. However aspirin may make the pain worsen so be cautious of that.

Avoid over the counter water pills and other diuretics do to them slowing down the excretion of uric acid, increasing the risk of gout. If you already take something like this for high blood pressure then immediately inform your doctor that you suffer from gout.

How to stay comfortable.

Gout tends to act up more often when it is cold, so keep yourself warm, thick warm socks help as well in the cold seasons. Wearing comfortable, non-restricting shoes with plenty of room is the best choice. Avoid putting pressure onto the affected area and joint, relax and sit down when in pain from gout. Also keeping the affected sore area elevated will help reduce swelling and pain. Avoid putting ice or a hot pad on the affected area due to the negative response gout gives to instant hots or colds.

In conclusion, doctors suggest that developing gout is also a sign that you are at a much higher risk for heart disease and other serious illnesses. So talk to your doctor about your concerns. Doing the natural things recommended may help or eliminate your pain and your gout attacks overall as well as lower your risk for other serious conditions.

Cited source:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/home-remedies-for-gout.htm