Gout is a type of arthritis. It is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid crystallizes, and the crystals deposit in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues. Gout often referred to as feet or toe disease, this is because gout most often strikes at the base of the big toe, but any joint is at risk such as ankles, thumbs, wrist and elbows. Symptoms frequently include acute pain, swelling, intense tenderness and inflammation in the joints. A gout attack usually lasts five to ten days that is especially painful. Although conventional medicine for treating gout exists, diet and lifestyle changes are the best way to treat gout. Here I give you a list of really effective home remedies for gout.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful old-timers home remedy, cures more ailments than any other folk remedy. The acidity in apple cider vinegar will help relieve acute pain. You can also add honey to the remedy to boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response. Try 2 tbsp of organic apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 tablespoons of organic honey (2 times daily).
Drink Water
Water is one of the best home remedies for gout. Water will help dilute uric acid, but the real benefit is in its ability to help excrete the acid. Follow the 8×8 rule: drink eight ounces of water eight times a day. You can even have other healthy beverages like coconut water, lime juice and fruit juices.
Vitamin C
Some evidence suggests that vitamin C may help to reduce uric acid levels. Lime is not only an excellent source of vitamin C but the citric acid found in lime also helps dissolve uric acid. Drink a glass of water with the juice of half a lime at least twice a day for visible results. Other foods rich in vitamin C include: berries, tomatoes, green peppers, and kiwifruit.
Cherries
Cherries, whether sweet or sour, can also be very helpful in treating gout due to their antioxidant properties. For gout patients, eating 15 to 20 cherries a day is highly recommended. Three hours after eating the cherries, there was a significant decrease in uric acid levels. Another option is to drink a glass of cherry juice enriched with a few cloves of minced garlic daily.
Cold Water
Placing the affected area in cold water will reduce swelling as well as pain. Immerse the inflamed, swollen joint in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process several times a day. You can also use an ice pack for about 15 minutes, but frequent application of ice packs should be avoided because excess exposure to the fall in temperature also accounts for crystallization of uric acid.
Change Lifestyle Habits
* Keep a Healthy Weight. Obesity is a large risk factor in developing gout.
* Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can relieve or prevent joint pain.
* Avoid Alcohol. Drinking alcohol especially beer is said to cause gout.
* Do not take aspirin. Aspirin has been shown to raise the uric acid level in your bloodstream.
* Healthy diet. The uric acid in your blood is due to the breakdown of chemicals called purines. Purines come from having too much of red meats, organ meats and oily fish, so avoid these foods.
