More and more gout sufferers are turning to natural gout remedies. Many because they don't like taking drugs unless absolutely necessary, and, many because they suffer from one or more of the nasty side effects that drug-based medication has. And of course there's the question of cost.
And natural home remedies for gout can be very effective in reducing inflammation, relieving gout pain and preventing further gout attacks.
There is a whole range of natural ways to help get rid of gout. They use things like herbs, specific fruits and vegetables, natural supplements, natural ways of kidney cleansing, natural detoxing, changes in diet, lifestyle changes, weight reduction, and so on. It covers a very broad spectrum.
No one particular remedy will be able to 'cure' your gout. Rather, it will probably take a combination of remedies to eliminate the symptoms of a gout attack, and, help prevent the recurring gout that can cause permanent joint damage, kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, and perhaps even death, down the road.
And the other truth is that what might work for one gout victim may not work for another. Everybody's metabolism is different so that you need to discover what works best for you. This can be a lot of work for you, but it is well worth the effort.
The scope of natural remedies for gout is just far too big to go into here, but below you'll find a list of some of the most popular and effective home remedies for gout...
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Keeping yourself well hydrated, not only has overall health benefits, it also helps to prevent uric acid crystals forming, and, helps the kidneys to flush uric acid out of your system. Drink between 2 and 3 litres per day.
2. Eat Cherries
Cherries have well known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They work rather like NSAIDs. They are great for reducing inflammation and relieving pain. They can also help to neutralize and lower uric acid levels. There is some debate over how much to consume ranging from 6 to 40 per day. It will depend on the individual, but 20 a day may be a good starting point.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
But it has to be raw, un-distilled apple cider vinegar with the 'mother' or sediment in the bottom. You'll most likely get this in a health food store rather than the supermarket. It can be consumed or used as a soak. It is believed that apple cider vinegar alters the pH of the blood and so helps to lower high uric acid levels.
As a drink, add 2-3 teaspoons of vinegar to a large glass of water and stir thoroughly. Drink 2 to 3 times a day. For improved taste you could add some honey.
As a soak to relieve the symptoms, add 1 part vinegar to 6 parts hot water. Soak the affected area for around 20 minutes. Reheat and repeat 2 or 3 times.
4. Celery Seeds
Celery seeds have more than 20 types of natural anti-inflammatory properties. They are very effective. Add 1 tablespoon to 2 cups of water and boil until the seeds become soft. Extract the seeds, then drink a cup of the infusion 4 times per day. Repeat daily until your symptoms have gone.
Caution: Because they are a diuretic, celery seeds should not be used by pregnant women or by people with kidney problems or ailments.
5. Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a perennial herb found throughout the world. It has high levels of amino acids, vitamins, nutrients and minerals etc. And it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Alfalfa has been shown to reduce uric acid. It can be sourced in many health food stores and can also come in teabags and capsules.
6. Vitamin C
A long term study has shown that someone who takes plenty of vitamin c is at a lower risk of gout. Vitamin C appears to be able to increase the excretion of uric acid through urine, and, to reduce uric acid in the blood. Taking vitamin C supplements can therefore be beneficial. But too much too soon can actually cause a gout attack by altering the uric acid levels too quickly.
These are just a few of the very many natural remedies for gout out there. You can get even more tips on how to cure your gout naturally on TheGoutSite.com.