What Is Gout?
Gout, also known as metabolic arthritis, is a form of arthritis caused by a combination of blood acidity and abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid forms crystals which are deposited on the joints, causing pain and distortion in the joints.
A gout attack will cause acute arthritis and it is intensely painful. The big toe is one of the most commonly affected joints. If the condition persists, then over a period of time the crystal deposits will form lumps around the joints and sometimes in other areas. These deposits are called tophi.
Diet is an important factor in causing gout. Genetic factors also play a part, and the condition is more common in some racial groups than in others. It is more common in men than in women, and it mainly affects people over 50. Women are more likely to experience gout after menopause.
Regardless of what causes gout, it is normally quite difficult to treat. However, there are a few herbal home remedies that, when used correctly, can be very effective at easing the symptoms of this debilitating, painful condition.
Gout Home Remedies
- Placing ice packs on the affected joint is the best way to relieve the pain from gout, other than medication. You can use an ice pack for 20-30 minutes several times a day.
- During a flare up of gout, you should drink plenty of water to help the body clear out the urates. Follow a low protein diet, avoiding meat, fish, sweetened foods and drinks, and alcohol.
- Bicarbonate of soda is a traditional remedy which works for some people. However, this will raise sodium levels, which can have an effect on blood pressure. Do not take bicarbonate of soda if you have been told to cut down on salt.
- Potassium supplements have been suggested in some cases. Most fruit is high in potassium, especially bananas. Black cherries have been helpful for some sufferers.
- Some people have reported good results from taking ginseng supplements for gout. Another possibility is to mix turmeric and ginger and add this to food. Turmeric and ginger have anti inflammatory properties.
- Doctors will generally prescribe medication for gout relief, or you can take non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen from the drugstore. None of these are natural remedies for gout, but may be something you can try if none of the other treatments seem to be working for you. However, do not take aspirin, which can make it worse.
Prevention Of Future Gout Attacks
Anybody who has had gout in the past will be susceptible to future attacks unless they take preventive steps. The most important of these is diet. The best diet for gout prevention is low in fat and low in protein. In particular, avoid beef and seafood which are high in animal based purine. Vegetable based purine does not seem to have the same effect.
It is also important to avoid certain foods and drinks which are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This is a very common sweetener in the USA and it can lead to hyperuricemia in blood. Just two soda drinks a day have been linked to an 85% increase in risk of gout. Beer should also be avoided. Consumption of dairy foods, on the other hand, seems to lower the risk of gout.
If you are overweight, you can greatly reduce your chances of having attacks of gout in the future by stabilizing your weight within the healthy range for your height. Always consult with your doctor before trying any of the gout remedies listed here or elsewhere to check that they are suitable for your individual case.
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