Gout can be a painful and severe condition when left untreated. Natural healing for gout provides relief from pain and inflammation and can help ease gout attacks as they arise. Additionally, natural gout remedies also help to decrease the amount of uric acid in the body, acting as a preventive treatment for future gout attacks.
About Gout
Gout is considered an arthritic condition and it can affect many different people, not just older adults. With gout, the affected person experiences flare-ups or gout “attacks”, which is an acute and sudden onset of pain and swelling as well as possible redness and soreness. Gout is usually isolated to the joints and most commonly attacks the big toe.1
Gout attacks can occur at any time, but they are particularly bad during the night when the pain may wake you. The affected joint can become so sensitive that even slight touch may cause intense pain.1
Unlike other forms of arthritis that may be caused by wear and tear or an autoimmune disease, gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. Uric acid buildup forms into sharp, needle-like crystals, which cause irritation to the surrounding joint tissue and cause acute inflammation.1
The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines—substances found in the body and in certain foods like red meats. An overabundance of purines can result in excess uric acid, which eventually leads to gout symptoms.1
Natural Remedies for Gout
If you’re suffering from gout attacks, it’s important to look at your overall health and make necessary dietary and exercise changes to reduce and prevent gout. By eliminating inflammatory foods and adding anti-inflammatory foods, you can achieve natural healing for gout long-term.
Bromelain - Bromelain is a substance found in pineapple. It’s a digestive enzyme that decomposes uric acid buildup and can alleviate inflammation that triggers a gout attack. Taking bromelain regularly may help to prevent future gout attacks.2,3
Cherry - Cherries contain compounds that dissolve uric acid crystals and target inflammation. Eating cherries, drinking cherry juice, or taking cherry extract can help alleviate you of gout pain and prevent future gout attacks by minimizing the amount of uric acid buildup.2
Fish Oil - Fish oils can be taken regularly to provide you with a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids like omega-3’s are natural anti-inflammatory substances and can help treat a variety of arthritic conditions over time, including gout.2
Ginger - Ginger contains compounds that provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Taking ginger during a gout attack can help to reduce pain and inflammation.4
Magnesium - Magnesium is an essential mineral that is considered alkalizing. Taking magnesium supplements can help to counteract uric acid buildup and prevent gout attacks or reduce pain during gout attacks. If you are deficient in magnesium, you may be at a greater risk of developing gout.2
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