Gout is a common arthritis problem that leads to sudden joint pain and swelling and is more common in old age. Let’s find out causes and natural home treatments to heal the pain during Gout.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that produces sudden-severe pain along with swelling and tenderness in joints. It commonly occurs in big toe but can also appear in hands, knees, feet, ankles and wrists and typically lasts for 5 to 10 years.
Gout is caused due to building up of uric acid in blood. It then accumulates in joints and leads to inflammation and pain.
What Causes Gout?
There are many factors that can influence the development of gout. The most common factors are listed below.
1. Genetics
Genetic of a person is an important reason of gout. Family history increases the chances of developing it.
2. Age And Gender
Uric acid production is more in men as compared to women. Also, age is a major factor as old people are more prone to arthritis and gout.
3. Weight
People who are overweight have more chances of developing Gout.
4. Diet
Beef, scallops, mushrooms are some foods which are high in purine content that can cause gout or can increase the chances of gout.
5. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption can also increase the chances of developing gout as it affects body mechanism that eliminates uric acid from the body.
6. Medications
Certain medication can increase the amount of uric acid in the body leading to gout. Few of them are diuretics, niacin and cyclosporine.
How To Treat Gout At Home?
Natural ways are always safer and healthy and are easier to prepare and apply. Let’s learn some of the natural home remedies to treat pain and get instant relief from gout easily at home.
1. Baking Soda
What You Will Need
- ¼ tablespoon baking soda
- A glass of water
What To Do
- Add baking soda to water and stir well.
- Drink this solution.
How Often To Do
You can drink 2-4 glass per day.
Why This Works
Baking soda increases the pH level of body fluids including blood for a period of time. This helps uric acid deposits to dissolve quickly so that they can be eliminated easily from the body. It reduces the uric level in the body and provides relief from the pain of gout. If you are suffering from high blood pressure consult your doctor before trying this remedy.
2. Epsom Salt
What You Will Need
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- A bucket of warm water
What To Do
- Add the Epsom salt to a bucket of warm water and mix it well.
- Soak your affected feet in water for 10-15 minutes.
- Then rinse your feet with regular water.
How Often To Do
You can do it when you feel pain or whenever required.
Why This Works
Epsom salt removes toxins from the body and reduces the inflammation of joint. It contains high amount of magnesium that increases circulation and lowers the swelling. It also has a calming and relaxing effect on muscles. Warm water also reduces inflammation and treats pain.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- A glass of water
What To Do
- Mix apple cider vinegar in water.
- Consume the solution.
- You can also add honey for enhancing the taste.
How Often To Do
Drink one glass every day in the morning.
Why This Works
Apple cider vinegar is a natural home remedy for many ailments including gout. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing swelling and relieving pain. Malic acid present in apple cider vinegar dissolve the uric acid in bloodstream and Potassium present in it also plays a role in waste removal.
4. Fenugreek Seeds
What You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- A half cup of water
What To Do
- Soak the seeds in water and leave them overnight.
- Drink the water in the morning and chew the seeds.
How Often To Do
You can do it every day or can repeat after two or three days.
Why This Works
Fenugreek seed helps in curing gout and reduces internal as well as external inflammation of the body.
5. Lemon Juice
What You Will Need
- 1 lemon
- 1 glass of water
What To Do
- Squeeze juice of one lemon and add it to water.
- Drink the water.
- You can also add honey to enhance the taste.
How Often To Do
Drink 2-3 glasses of lemon juice every day.
Why This Works
Rich in vitamin C, lemon helps in breaking uric acid deposits and reduces pain associated with gout.
6. Pineapple
What You Will Need
- 1 cup pineapple
What To Do
- Eat the pineapple
How Often To Do
You can consume 1 cup pineapple, two to four times a day.
Why This Works
Enzyme bromelain present in pineapple relieves inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties and also helps in breaking uric acid deposits.
7. Ginger
What You Will Need
- 1 inch ginger root
What To Do
Eat the ginger in the morning
How Often To Do
Consume ginger every day.
Why This Works
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation and pain. It can also reduce the level of uric acid in the body.
8. Cherries
What You Will Need
- 1 glass cherry juice
What To Do
- Drink the juice or eat 10-15 fresh cherries during the day.
How Often To Do
Drink or consume cherry every day.
Why This Works
Consuming cherries lowers the risk of gout attack. Also, anthocyanin, and anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant present in cherry treats swelling and pain. Vitamin C present in cherry also contributes to lower level of uric acid in body.
9. Papaya
What You Will Need
- A ripe papaya
What To Do
- Cut the papaya into pieces after removing the seeds.
- Eat the papaya pieces.
How Often To Do
Eat approx 1 cup papaya every day.
Why This Works
Papaya contains anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of papain enzyme in it. It also helps in removing uric acid by increasing the alkalinity of the body.
10. Yogurt
What You Will Need
- 1 cup plain yogurt
What To Do
- Consume the yogurt alone or with your meals.
How Often To Do
Eat two to three cups a day.
Why This Works
Dairy products such as yogurt reduce uric acid level in the body.
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