Gout can be explained as an inflammatory joint disease which is caused due to build up of excess uric acid around the joints. Uric acid builds up in the body due to breakdown of waste substances known as purines. Normally it dissolves in the blood and is passed out of the body through urine after being processed by the kidneys.
But if there is too much of uric acid in the blood, it becomes difficult for the kidneys to eliminate them and the excess uric acid crystallizes and gets deposited in the joints, causing gout. Gout attacks mostly affect the big toe but it can also affect your knees, ankles, heels, elbows, wrists and fingers.
People who are obese and lead a lifestyle that is sedentary, eat a lot of animal protein and drink alcohol heavily are more prone to this disease. Gout attacks are very painful and require prompt action. Untreated gout can lead to severe joint disability. Controlling your diet, changing your lifestyle and following some simple home remedies can help in eliminating uric acid and relieve you from pain and inflammation and prevent attacks of gout.
Home Remedies for Gout
Diet
If you are susceptible to gout attack, avoid alcohol and foods high in purines like red meats, seafood, organ meats like liver.
Eliminate high sugar foods from your diet as they encourage uric acid build ups in the body. Eat low-fat dairy products and include complex carbohydrates like whole grains in your diet.
Cherry
Cherries are excellent home remedies for gout as they are high in vitamin C. Drink cherry juice or eat 10 to 15 cherries every day to reduce the level of uric acid.
Apples and Other Fruits
Eating apples and citrus fruits, berries, green peppers, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables which are high in bioflavonoid and vitamin C can help to eliminate uric acid deposits and reduce inflammation in the joints. Eating fresh strawberries, nuts, seeds and grains neutralizes the uric acid.
Berries are not only rich in vitamin C but also contain fruit acids and minerals like manganese, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron and calcium. Raw juice of carrot, beetroot and cucumber is also beneficial for treating gout.
Lemon and Lime
Another effective remedy for gout is drinking vitamin C rich lemon or lime juice. The citric acid present in lime and lemon works as a solvent of uric acid.
Bananas
Eating bananas may also help as they contain phosphorus which reacts with uric acid and help to eliminate them.
Water
Whichever remedy you may try, drink abundant water (8-10 glasses) every day to dilute uric acid and flush out toxins from the body and also prevent uric acid from building up.
Immediate Relief
For immediate relief from pain and inflammation, apply cold packs to the inflamed area for 10-15 minutes.
Another way to get immediate relief from gout pain is soaking the feet in a tub of warm water after adding a cup of Epsom salt. Epsom salt contains magnesium which helps to flush out toxins and give relief from pain.
Charcoal Bath
Another popular home remedy for gout is charcoal bath. In a tub, take as much water as you need to immerse your foot, add some charcoal powder (half cup) in this water; steep the effected foot for 30-40 minutes.
Topical Remedy
Mix wheat powder and mustard powder in equal quantities and add little water to make a paste. Apply this paste overnight on the affected area. This will bring relief from gout pain. Prepare a foot soak by adding ginger powder in water. This will help to relieve you from pain and inflammation by eliminating uric acid.
Controlling your diet, maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and avoiding alcohol will help you get relief from gout attacks.
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