Hi friends! I hope you’re all doing well and the snow isn’t causing any issues for you.
Today I received a message from a friend who lives in Northern-America, near Seattle. He is in severe pain caused by a gout attack. He didn’t sleep well, can’t leave his house, and can’t go to the doctor or store because there is simply too much snow.
Although it is advisable to get proper medical treatment, some easy to follow natural remedies, found in your pantry, can help you to prevent, heal or improve gout. They may give you the relief you’re looking for.
What Is Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that can affect different body parts. Symptoms include acute pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. The swelling and stiffness are caused by excess uric acid forming crystals in the joints.
Causes Of Gout Include:
- Genetics, although this plays a minor role, if gout is in your family you have a higher risk of developing it yourself.
- High-fructose corn syrup, reducing sugar-sweetened beverages during childhood could lessen the risk of gout as an adult. Fructose is known to inhibit the excretion of uric acid.
- High-purine foods, like organ meat, anchovies, herring, asparagus, and mushrooms.
- High levels of uric acid in your blood (hyperuricemia), normally uric acid passes through your kidneys without harming the body. But in some cases, mostly due to poor dietary choices, the body is producing too much or excreting too little. When uric acid builds up in your body, crystals are formed in your joint and tissue causing an intense pain.
- Alcohol is a strong risk factor for this disease.
Not only your diet is important to avoid those build-ups of uric acids, certain conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease are related to increase uric acid levels as well.
5 Home Remedies for Gout And Arthritis
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda can relieve gout joint pain and reduce uric acid levels. Although most people report instant relief, in some cases it may take up to 2 days. If taken regularly, it will prevent future attacks.
Mix ½ teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup water and drink it all at once. When having an acute flare or attack it is recommended to use up to 4 teaspoons divided throughout the day. If the pain goes away, reduce the dose. You could also add the juice of 1 lemon to the baking soda, let it fizz and then add the water for a more neutral, better tasting drink.
Keep in mind, baking soda can raise your blood pressure, so if you take medicines or struggle with a high blood pressure, make sure to consult your doctor prior to using baking soda regularly.
ALSO READ: Discover The Amazing All Natural Uses For Baking Soda
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Studies suggest that ACV alkalizes the body and relieves joint pain, gout, muscle spasms, and arthritis.
Mix 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of water and drink it all at once. Always use organic vinegar with the mother intact. Use up to 3 tablespoons during an acute attack. Some people swear by using up to 3 tablespoons of ACV on a daily basis to prevent many ailments, but I would advise you to only use it when necessary. ACV may cause low potassium levels and lower bone density when not used in moderation.
Apple cider vinegar may interact with diuretics, laxatives, and medicines for diabetes and heart disease, so if you’re planning to use it on a daily basis make sure to consult your doctor to avoid interactions with the medicines you’re taking.
ALSO READ: How to Make Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar
Scroll down for more natural remedies.
3. Cherries and Strawberries
Cherries are proven to be one of the best natural cures for eliminating gout and reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis. 2 compounds found in cherries, anthocyanins, and bioflavonoids, help to relieve and prevent gout and arthritis in your body. They are a rich source, like all other berries, of antioxidants which prevent or repair the damage done to your cells by free radicals.
Strawberries are also showing good results to fight gout as they help your body the eliminate uric acid. So adding more cherries and strawberries to your diet is definitely a good idea.
If they are out of season, like now, try organic, unpasteurized tart cherry or strawberry juice. You can find those on the internet or your local health food store. Just make sure they don’t contain added high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or other sweeteners.
4. Epsom Salts Bath
Epsom salts are known to relieve gout or arthritis. It relaxes muscles aches and relieves pain. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts to your bathtub. Don’t make the water too warm as it may worsen the inflammation. Soak your body for 20 to 30 minutes once a week. If having an outbreak soak 2 to 3 times a week.
ALSO READ: 4 Detox Bath Recipes To Cleanse Your Body
5. Activated Charcoal
Charcoal has the ability to absorb uric acid and can safely be used for gout or arthritis. There are actually 3 options for you to try.
- Foot soak: mix ½ cup of charcoal with some water until you have a paste. Put the paste in a tub and add more water. Soak your feet and ankles for at least 30 minutes. The water you use should be lukewarm. Too hot or too warm can worsen the condition. So applying an ice or warm pack is a bad idea. It may seem to soothe the pain or swelling at first so don’t get tempted.
- For other body parts: make the same paste and apply it directly to your skin. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Internally: you can use charcoal capsules internally as well to relieve gout and inflammation. But consult your doctor first as it may interact and absorb other medication you’re taking.
And don’t forget, drink plenty of water to flush uric acid out of your body and avoid soda, fruit juices (they are high in fructose), and other sweet beverages. Limit or eliminate alcohol as it may raise the uric acid levels in your body and exercise. Being overweight increases your risk of gout, and regular exercise will help you to maintain a healthy weight and improve your overall health. But of course no exercising when you have a flare or gout attack as I may worsen the condition.
Get well soon!
Are you, or someone you know, struggling with gout or arthritis? Do you have other remedies or tips that could help my friend? Please share them with us in the comment box below. Your feedback is much appreciated.
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
