Managing Gout
Health & Wellness

Tips For Managing Gout

Gout is a serious disorder that affects the joints badly. A condition of high levels of uric acid in the body called as hyperuricemia leads to arthritis like symptoms. High levels of uric acid in the body are caused by increased production of uric acid and reduced elimination of uric acid through the kidneys. In gout, there is deposition of urate crystals in the joints that affects the movement and flexibility of the joints. This causes swelling (inflammation), stiffness, warmth and redness in the joints. Medicines do their part, but living with gout is very difficult. The allopathic medicines provide symptomatic relief from pain, but the root cause is not targeted. Some other medicines help to reduce the uric acid levels in the body and these medicines have to be taken for life time. The risks and side effects involved in these medicines reduce the patient compliance. There are different methods of tackling the symptoms of gout without experiencing side effects. Also, you can prevent the attacks of gout or reduce their frequency. So, here are a few remedies that you can get at home. The natural methods of healing are slow but they ensure the problem never relapses.

Managing Gout

Drink Water: Sufficient water every day will help to filter the uric acid out of the body so that there is very little chance for the crystals to get deposited in the joints. Minimum 2 to 3 liters of water is a must everyday.

Weight Reduction: Excessive weight on the joints will increase the burden on them, causing much pain and inflammation. Reducing the body weight will help overcome the symptoms of gouty arthritis.

Keep It Cold: The pain and inflammation caused in the joints in gout can be reduced by placing a pack of crushed ice over the joint. It is the most effective natural remedy for pain management.

Diet Control: Purine rich foods such as fish, yeast, broth, red meat increase the levels of uric acid. Purine is the precursor of uric acid, purines should not be taken by the people suffering from gout. Vitamin B and Vitamin C are considered to be elevating the levels of uric acid, so that the episodes of gout be prevented.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a perfect remedy for balancing the uric acid levels just near the normal. Dilute 1 or 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in water and drink 2 to 3 times every day. This will help you to change body pH and reduce uric acid levels.

Cherries: Cherries are good for patients suffering from gout. It is the best medicine for inflammation and reduces the deposition of uric acid in blood. So patients are advised to go on fresh cherries or its juice.

Juniper Berries: Juniper berries are good for preventing crystallization of uric acid. This will ensure there is no art deposits in the joints so that there is no pain or inflammation.

Quit Alcohol: Alcohol is bad for health. It is known to be a trigger of gout and hence better avoided. It is good to avoid smoking too.