It all starts with a little bit of swelling in the wrist or ankles, hands, or feet. Sometimes it comes on strong—other times, it moves in slowly, building to a painful, debilitating swell you cannot deny is a gout attack. Maybe foods high in fat or alcohol are to blame. Whatever the case may be, gout hurts, and it’s not something you want to keep around. Keep it at bay with these seven natural remedies that treat and alleviate the pain and swelling that accompany gout attacks, a result of uric acid buildup in the body.
Tart Cherries
Cherries contain anthocyanin, a flavonoid proven to reduce gout flare-ups and inflammation. The antioxidants in tart cherries mitigate gout pain. In addition, cherries can lower levels of uric acid. Experts suggest eating between 15 and 20 cherries daily to maximize their soothing effect.
Bananas
The potassium bananas contain works against gout by liquefying the uric acid crystals in your body, allowing them to pass. These tropical fruits also pack a healthy punch of Vitamin C, a natural remedy for the pain and swelling that accompany gout. The recommended amount is two to three bananas per day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidity in apple cider vinegar makes it a powerful opponent against gout pain and inflammation. Combine a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a full glass of water. Drink this two or three times daily, and feel free to increase your ratio of vinegar to water if you find this remedy particularly helpful.
Epsom Salt
Add some Epsom salts to warm water, and sink into a comforting bath that will soothe pain and bring down swelling. As a bonus side effect, the magnesium content of Epsom salts actually lowers high blood pressure, a common symptom of gout. Keep your feet or other trouble spots in the warm Epsom soak for at least 20 minutes to reap the full rewards of this natural treatment.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice increases your body’s alkalinity, which reduces the level of uric acid in your blood. Take advantage of these natural benefits by combining the juice from one lemon with half a teaspoon of baking soda. Let the mixture fizz until it dies down, then add it to a glass of water and drink the full glass quickly. For a simpler approach, just squirt lemon juice into your drinking water—aim for three glasses of lemon water per day.
Apples
Apple cider vinegar isn’t the only way apples can help to combat your gout. The fruits themselves are a good source of malic acid, which will decrease the uric acid in your bloodstream. The apple’s malic acid also goes to work on gout’s pain and swelling, so eat at least one a day to get these benefits.
Baking Soda
Baking soda lowers uric acid levels and helps to minimize pain. Dissolve a half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink. You can take this treatment a maximum of four times a day for a two-week period. You should only use this remedy three times per day if you are 60 or older.
In the long run, eliminating or lowering consumption of alcohol, sugar, red meats, sodas, and caffeine will go a long way toward preventing gout. But in the meantime, take advantage of these seven natural methods for alleviating your pain. Drink plenty of water, and try a few to see which works best for you.
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[Source: Chicago Tribune, Healthline, Mayo Clinic, Reader’s Digest, WebMD]
