What is gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused due to the formation of uric acid crystals in joints. It causes extreme pain and inflammation. Natural treatments for the condition aim at reducing the potential formation of uric acid in the bloodstream.

What are the natural treatments for gout?

• Staying well hydrated
  Drinking enough water and staying hydrated at all times helps in keeping one’s kidneys in good health, which in turn helps the kidneys eliminate uric acid. So, staying well hydrated is one of the most practical natural treatments for gout.
• Eating cherries
  Cherries have been found to have a beneficial effect on gout. Eating cherries or consuming cherry juice prevents the chances of gout attacks. It is advised to at least consume three servings of cherries every two days.
• Adding celery into your diet
  Consuming celery in its raw form or having its juice or extract has been used as a home remedy for gout.
• Apple cider vinegar
  Apple cider vinegar is recommended as one of the natural treatments for gout. It is said to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Consuming magnesium and magnesium-rich foods
  Magnesium is said to reduce conditions of inflammation in the body, thereby having a beneficial effect on gout inflammation.
• Ginger
  It is a well-studied and documented observation that the intake of ginger as well as the topical application of ginger paste on an affected joint, greatly reduces the pain.
• Lemon water
  Some gout patients have found relief through the consumption of lemon water every day.
• Dandelion, milk thistle hibiscus, and nettle extracts/Teas
  The extract of dandelion, dandelion tea, milk thistle tea, hibiscus tea, and nettle tea have all been touted as herbal remedies to treat gout.
• Hot and cold packs
  The application of ice packs and hot packs or alternating between them is a great home remedy for gout. Hot packs should be used with caution when there is severe inflammation.
• Epsom salt bath
  While there are no studies to support it, it has been thought that soaking a gout-affected joint in an Epsom salt bath helps significantly.
• Stress management
  Stress aggravates the symptoms of gout. As a result, learning to manage and destress is very important to manage gout. Some people also find that yoga, meditation, walking, reading, listening to music, and other relaxing leisure activities help.
• Get adequate rest
  When suffering from gout, one should rest as much as possible and avoid activities that stress the joint.
• Elevation
  It has been found that elevating the affected joint or limb helps reduce swelling and inflammation. Elevation can be used in combination with an ice pack.
• Reduce pressure on the joint
  A person suffering from gout is usually unable to bear any kind of pressure on the joint. Leaving the bed cloth untucked to relieve the weight off the joint is recommended. Some people even cut out the toe area from their socks to relieve some pressure. Additionally, using a cane to support oneself and reduce pressure on a joint also helps.