Natural Remedies for Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis which can be severely painful. Crystals of uric acid that lodge into the joints cause the searing pain. In olden days, a gout sufferer was viewed as a somewhat overweight and self-indulgent person but this view was unfounded. Although excess alcohol can increase the risk of gout, it is actually a disorder of the body chemistry where there is too much uric acid (hyperuricemia) and its compounds (urates) in the blood.

When acid and urate crystals build up in one of the joints, it can cause high levels of pain, swelling and redness. Normally uric acid dissolves in the blood and is filtered out by the kidneys but for those with gout, too much uric acid is produced or they have trouble getting rid of it. The joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected.

Homeopathy Remedies for Gout

Arnica: helps soothe the pain of gout

Belladonna: Apply to gout when the joint is hot and swollen and tender to the touch

Colchicum: Apply when gout is painful and mood is irritable

Rhododendron: To help ease the swelling

Sabina: To help ease pain and symptoms of depression caused by pain

Urtica Urens: Helps ease the intense itching and burning sensation when gout is painful

Home Cures to Ease Gout

~Add two cups of Epsom salt to warm water and soak your feet until the pain starts to ease

~Soak a flannel in warm castor oil and place it over the painful area

~Apply ice to reduce the pain and inflammation

~Exercise joints regularly. Even light exercise can help relieve joint pain

Diet and Gout

In order to avoid excess uric acid production, a mainly vegetarian diet with plenty salads is recommended for gout sufferers. There are however vegetables to avoid and these include: cauliflower, peas, mushrooms and spinach as these can all be high in purines.

~Avoid alcohol, coffee, red meat and refined carbohydrates like sugar.

~Cut out other foods that are high in purines. These include: liver, kidneys, sardines, mackerel, asparagus, dairy products and beans.

~Drink plenty water as this will help dilute the uric acid in the bloodstream and help prevent crystals from forming.

~Increase your intake of citrus fruits, strawberries, green peppers, tomatoes, berries and black cherry.

If you are over weight, it might help to try to lose some weight as this will reduce the blood urate levels. Weight control is important and slow weight loss is recommended as the most likely means to help keep gout under control.

Remember too, that an apple a day helps keep the pain of gout at bay!

Sources

http://www.arthritistoday.org/conditions/gout/all-about-gout/what-is-gout.php

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-some-foods-that-cause-gout.htm

http://www.natural-homeremedies.org/homeremedies-gout.htm

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