Gout can be a crippling, painful health condition. Fortunately, there are treatments out there – including natural options – to provide some relief, which you can learn about with a quick online search right now.
As a type of inflammatory arthritis, gout can make it difficult to live your normal life with aches, pain, and uncomfortable swelling. However, simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in how this condition affects your daily life.
What is Gout?
More than 8 million American adults are living with gout – about 4 percent of the population. It’s a condition that often appears suddenly, with the initial symptoms being painful swelling in lower body joints.
Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid. When uric acid levels increase needle-like crystals can form in any joint, causing sudden, severe pain.
Controlling and managing gout means you need to be aware of your uric acid levels. Fortunately, that’s something that you may be able to do with natural, at-home remedies. By trying a few different natural remedies, you might be able to reduce the frequency of gout flares and live life more freely.
Cherries
This sweet, tart summer fruit might help you prevent future gout attacks and flare-ups. According to a recent research survey, cherries of any kind are reported to successfully help soothe many gout sufferers’ pain. They can also prevent and reduce the frequency of gout attacks.
Cherries are effective whether you eat them raw, in any variety, or even when made into tart cherry juice. The research findings recommend consuming three servings of cherries for two days to get the maximum benefits from this remedy.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that can have a positive effect on the body for gout sufferers. A 2015 research study discovered that maintaining an adequate level of magnesium – or, avoiding a magnesium deficiency – can result in lower, healthier levels of uric acid. That can lower the risk of gout.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the most popular natural remedies for inflammation. It’s often recommended for arthritis sufferers, as well as any other condition that can cause pain and swelling due to inflammation in the body.
It’s also known to be beneficial for gout sufferers. Multiple research studies have found that ginger directly affect gout and its symptoms – ginger can reduce pain, reduce uric acid levels, and soothe any inflammation.
You can reap the benefits of ginger in two primary ways. You can create a ginger compress by mixing fresh ginger and boiling water to make a paste, which can be applied on your skin. Alternatively, you can sip on ginger by steeping ginger root in boiling water, then drinking that water.
Nettle Tea
Nettle tea is a unique kind of tea that could help with the symptoms of a gout attack. Created from the stinging nettle, this herbal remedy has been used throughout history.
It’s thought that drinking nettle tea may reduce inflammation and help lower pain caused by gout. However, while this remedy is mentioned frequently in studies and personal accounts, there isn’t any direct research that proves nettle tea can positively affect gout sufferers.
Other Tips for Treating Gout Naturally
The natural remedies mentioned here are easy enough to try on your own, any time you’re looking for something that may be able to reduce your gout attacks or help soothe your symptoms. But there are many other natural options you can turn to as well.
Part of treating gout and managing your overall health is working to reduce the odds of a gout flare-up. If you can prevent an attack altogether, you won’t need to worry about inflammation, pain, or other uncomfortable symptoms.
Stick to a Gout-Friendly Diet
An unhealthy diet, or a diet that contains foods that can result in high uric acid, will increase your risk for frequent flare-ups and attacks. Make an effort to adjust your diet, avoiding trigger foods and anything that could aggravate your symptoms. Red meat, seafood, foods high in sugar, and alcohol are common gout triggers, according to medical research.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is important whether or not you’re worried about a gout attack. Keeping your body hydrated ensures your kidneys function at their best – and when you have gout, your kidneys need to be in good shape. Drinking plenty of water will also reduce the buildup of uric acid and its painful crystals. That can, in turn, prevent gout flare-ups.
Rest and Relax
When a gout flare-up happens, don’t push yourself. Instead, take it easy and get plenty of rest. When your joints are already inflamed, putting weight on them can only make matters worse.
Search For Relief
Managing gout requires special care and effort – but fortunately, natural remedies can be a big help. If you’d like to find new ways to care for your joints and your overall well-being, search online to learn more about these natural remedies. They may be able to lessen your pain, reduce inflammation, or help you manage the condition overall.