Gout is an inflammatory arthritic condition plaguing more and more people with each passing day. Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid formation in the body also known as hyperuricemia. It is more common in men than women though it is often seen in post-menopausal women. It is characterized by severe joint pains, inflammation, swelling and redness around the joints especially the big toe.
It is always advisable to keep a check on your dietary intake and opt for natural remedies rather than going for medications. Here are few natural remedies that can help you ease the gout pain.
Foods to have during Gout:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is very helpful in relieving gout pain and swelling. The acidic nature of vinegar helps alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drinking it two to three times a day is advisable.
2. Baking Soda: It helps in reducing the amount of uric acid in the body, which is the main cause of gout, and relieves gout pain. Mix half a teaspoon into a glass of water and drink it up to four times a day for two weeks.
3. Activated Charcoal: The charcoal absorbs uric acid, which will help to reduce the effects of gout on the body. Either soak in a bath with half a cup of charcoal powder or create a paste with charcoal powder and water and apply to the affected area.
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4. Epsom Salt: Epsom salt contains high levels of magnesium.Soak the affected body part in a mixture of Epsom salt and warm water for pain relief and to reduce swelling.
5. Water: Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water. An increase in water consumption has been linked to fewer gout attacks. Aim for eight to 16 glasses of fluids a day with at least half of that as water.
6. Ginger Root: Ginger root has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in many different ways as a remedy for gout pain. You can have ginger by incorporating it into your daily meals when cooking. Another way is to add half a teaspoon of ginger root to boiling water and drink the mixture once it has cooled. You can also create a ginger paste and apply it to the affected area and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
7. Apples: Malic acid in apples is believed to neutralize uric acid and provide relief to the sufferers. Also, apples being rich in Vitamin C have been seen to provide pain relief in the gout attack.
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8. Bananas: Bananas are rich in nutrients like potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C and Pectin. These help in reducing uric acid levels and associated inflammation.
9. Lemon: Its juice is though sour but its reaction in the body is alkaline. Intake of lemon juice in sufficient quantity prevents the deposit of uric acid in tissues & reduces the possibility of the attack of gout. Vitamin C is known to prevent and cure sore joints by strengthening the connective tissues of the body. Citric acid is also a solvent of uric acid.
10. Asparagus: (Shatwar, Soot Mooli and Halyan): Asparagus is a valuable food medicine in rheumatism on account of potash content. But, it should be steamed and not boiled as in boiling about four-fifths of the valuable salts are lost. An infusion prepared from this vegetable is also considered highly beneficial. 30-60ml doses. It is not advisable in advanced stages of kidney diseases.
11. Cucumber: Cucumber juice along with carrots, beets and celery juice has a beneficial effect in treating conditions with an accumulation of uric acid.
12. Castor Seeds(Arandi): Castor seeds can be applied to affected areas in the form of poultice(Seeds are moistly heated, wrapped in a cloth and applied over the painful area).
13. Celery(Ajwain ka patta): Celery again has got alkaline elements which help neutralize the acidic elements present during a gout attack. The fluid extract of the seeds is considered to be more powerful than the raw vegetable.
14. Cherries: There is some evidence that eating cherries is associated with a reduced risk of gout attacks.
15. Low-purine vegetables: Purines are chemical compound found in certain foods. Purines break down into uric acid which forms crystals in the joints causing pain and inflammation. All vegetables and legumes are fine.
16. Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek helps in reducing internal and external inflammation in the body, hence helpful in gout. Soaking half tbsp fenugreek seeds overnight, and drinking that water and chewing those seeds next day in the morning helps in reduction of pain and swelling.
Foods to avoid in Gout:
1. Alcohol: Alcohol is known for its dehydration properties. Along with this during its metabolism in the body, it tends to increase the uric acid production. Beer especially is associated with an increased risk of gout and recurring attacks. Grain liquors like vodka and whiskey should also be avoided.
2. Some meats such as Red meat, lamb, and pork
3. High purine seafood, especially shellfish like shrimp, lobster, trout, mackerel, and sardines
4. Avoid rich, heavy or thick gravy foods
5. Restrict the intake of High purine vegetables such as spinach, peas, cauliflower, asparagus and mushroom
6. Avoid peanuts.
Learning how to lower your uric acid through dietary changes can help you manage gout and its symptoms efficiently.
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