Nature’s Top 4 Gout Remedies
The following is a guest article by Bernice G. Spradlin on Nature’s Top 4 Gout Remedies…
Recognizing the Predispositions and Symptoms of Painful Gout Arthritis
Gout is a painful type of arthritis. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain; redness; heat; swelling, and tenderness in the joints typically located in the large joint of the big toe where even the weight of thin material can cause excruciating pain. However, pain can occur in the sufferer’s feet, ankles, knees, hands, fingers, elbows and wrists as well. Gout attacks come on quickly and they are painful and can last anywhere from five to ten days in length.
Gout only affects about five percent of arthritis sufferers. It’s caused by the buildup of uric acid (or waste substances) in the blood. Typically, uric acid is dissolved in the bloodstream, processed by the kidneys, and eliminated via the urine. However, those with gout have an excess amount of uric acid, which the kidneys can’t eliminate, so instead the uric acid crystallizes and gathers in the joints, causing painful, lumpy deposits (called tophi). Gout patients will typically be prescribed a preventative medication, like Uloric, to eliminate excess uric acid and deal with symptoms.
Gout typically effects:
- Men in their 40s and 50s
- Those with a family history of gout
- Overweight individuals
- Excessive eaters—which increases uric acid production
- Those with diets largely consisting of organ meats (liver, kidney, brains, sweetbreads), sardines, anchovies, and dried peas, lentils, and legumes
- Heavy drinkers
- Those who’ve used diuretics for lengthy periods of time
If your doctor suspects that you are predisposed to gout, try not to:
- Consume large amounts of alcohol
- Overeat due to stress
- Start a crash diet
Unfortunately, things beyond your control can also trigger a gout attack, such as:
- Surgery
- Injuring a joint
- Undergoing chemotherapy
Nature’s Top 4 Gout Remedies
If you suffer from gout, your doctor may prescribe several prescription medications, for example, Uloric to eliminate excess uric acid in your body. However, many gout sufferers chose a combination of conventional prescription drugs and natural remedies to treat their symptoms, including:
1. Increase Your Hydration
Consuming eight, 6-ounce glasses of water a day helps to reduce gout symptoms by cleansing uric acid out of the system and helping prevent the formation of kidney stones.
2. Diet and Cardio Exercise
Switching from a diet rich in meat and seafood to a diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables and leaner proteins will help reduce the build-up of uric acid. It will also help you maintain a healthy weight if you reduce your body weight with the help of a registered dietitian and personal trainer.
Herbs have been touted for their ability to prevent inflammation and cleanse toxins from the body. Try:
- Gingerroot for as cleansing tonics
- Meadowsweet leaves, devil’s claw root and willow for pain relief
- Capsicum (cayenne) or licorice for inflammation
4. Meditation and Yoga
Breathing and gentle, restorative exercise been recommended by doctors not only to help ease pain associated with gout, but to also improve the patient’s attitude toward the condition, ease stress, and encourage relaxation.
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