Gout which once used to strike mainly the rich, today has become democratic in nature, affecting all and sundry. Our diet and lifestyle choices, in large parts, contribute largely to the occurrence of this disease. Characterized by excess uric acid in the body this disease mostly affects the foot and the other extremities of the body. A person suffering from gout undergoes extreme pain which is sometimes likened to that of being literally burned alive. A lot of medications are now available nowadays which promise you deliverance from this intolerable pain. Nevertheless, there are many tried and tested home remedies which have been followed for generations together that deliver equally successful results.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, a magic substance has been in use through the centuries for treating various ailments, gout being just one of them. The acetic acid of apple cider vinegar neutralizes the acidity of uric acid thereby weakening it. Not only that, it also contains malic acid which is very beneficial to gout patients. If you are brave enough, you can directly take about 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day. But for the not so brave, they can add about 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and have it two or three times a day. To give your immune system a further boost, add about 2 tablespoons of honey to the above mixture for a stronger effect.
2. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt proves very successful against gout. Epsom contains high amount of magnesium which provides relief against pain. Add about 2 cups of Epsom to warm bath water. Soak in this water and take a relaxing bath. You can go for this method about 3 – 4 times a week. Not only will your pain be lessened but your muscles will also become relaxed.
3. Have Fruits like Cherries and Pineapple
Cherries and pineapples are very effective against gout. They not only provide you relief from the pain but also reduce inflammation as well. Have as many cherries as you want. If you don’t get fresh cherries, then frozen ones will equally serve the purpose. You can go for a quirky combination of cherry juice and crushed garlic. It sounds strange but enthusiasts absolutely swear by it. Cherry, in any form, be it juice, jam, tea, compote, pie is good enough. Pineapple lovers can have pineapple slices or drink a glass of pineapple juice daily.
4. Ginger Root
Ginger root is highly effective against gout. Ginger root because of its anti-inflammatory properties becomes the ideal one to fight the symptoms of gout head on. There are various ways by which you can make use of ginger root in alleviating the symptoms of gout. Take fenugreek powder, turmeric powder and ginger root powder in equal proportions. Combine this mixture with warm water and drink it twice daily. You can make a paste of ginger root and apply it to the affected area. Leave this paste for an hour or so and then wash it off. The best method however is to incorporate ginger root into your daily diet so that you get a regular dose of the beneficial properties of ginger root every day.
5. Activated Charcoal
Charcoal absorbs uric acid, thus it is the ideal candidate to treat gout symptoms. People suffering form gout should take a charcoal bath at least two to three times a week. Take some charcoal powder in a tub and add water to it. Now place your affected body part, preferably the toe or ankle in it. Keep your toe submerged for about 1 hour to get real relief. If any other part of your body is affected with gout, then you can make a charcoal paste and apply it to the respective body part. Keep the paste for about 30 minutes and then rinse it off. By the way, were you aware that charcoal capsules are available in the market which helps reduce inflammation and ease the pain caused by gout? However, if you choose to take activated charcoal capsules, kindly consult your doctor before self-administering it.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda is very successful against gout as it has the capacity to decrease the level of uric acid in the body providing you immense respite from the pain. Take half-a-teaspoon of baking soda and mix it to a glass of water. Drink this blend about 3- 4 times a day. However, do not take more than 4 times. Another option is to add the juice of alemon to about half a teaspoon of baking soda and mix it with water. Drink this concoction to derive some amount of comfort from the pain. Alkaline lemon neutralizes the acidic uric acid.
7. Chicory Root
Chicory has been used to counter gout since a long time. Take chicory root and add it to boiling water. Drink of this mixture. Another way in which you can utilize chicory is by making a paste out of it and applying to the affected region. Keep it for some time and then wash it off.
8. Have Bananas and Apples
Gout patients should consume apples and bananas on a regular basis to diminish the effects of uric acid. Banana is rich in potassium which has the ability to synthesize the uric acid crystals into a liquid form which is then easily flushed out of the body. Similarly, apples contain malic acid which offsets the uric acid and thereby reduces the pain and inflammation to a considerable extent. It is not necessary that you need to have these fruits in their natural form; you can have apple juice or a banana smoothie, too. Either way they would be equally effective.
9. Try a Cold Compress
Cold compresses can sometimes help relieve the pain. Apply a cold compress on the affected joint for about 30 minutes a day. Not only will it reduce the inflammation but also reduce the pain. However, don’t overdo it as it might lead to crystallization of the uric acid. Soak the affected body part in cold water for about 20 minutes at a time. Repeat this procedure many times during the day.
10. Increase the Intake of Water
Water is very beneficial and is successful against many diseases, gout being one of them. If you are suffering from gout, increase the water intake by about 8-10 glasses a day. The excess amount of water will not only help to dilute the uric acid levels in the bloodstream but also flush out harmful toxins from the body.
11. Celery Seeds
Celery is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent and when used properly it can provide substantial relief to the affected person. It also has the capacity to eliminate uric acid from the body which makes it very potent. Take about a tablespoon of celery seed and boil it in water till it becomes smooth. Now drink this water at regular intervals. You are definitely going to experience immense relief.
12. Spearmint and Mullein
Spearmint, an herb is excellent against inflammation caused due to gout. Simply make a wrap of spearmint and apply it to the affected joint. It decreases the pain to a considerable extent. In a similar manner, mullein leaves can be used as a poultice and wrapped around the joint to provide one relief.
Our lifestyle habits are in a way partly responsible for the occurrence of gout. Bringing about a change in diet and leading a healthy lifestyle can definitely prevent the recurrence of gout.