Gout can be a real pain if left untreated. This type of arthritis is more common than we think, especially in our society. We take inflammation, tenderness, swelling, and pain as signs of tiredness. Unfortunately, it becomes worse when it starts affecting other parts of our body like wrists, ears, ankles, knees, and different hand joints.
The main cause of gout is usually the excess levels of uric acid but other factors may include stress, genetics, excessive protein intake, and lack of exercise. Without treatment, gout may take the shape of more serious illnesses.
While it is important to seek medical treatment, there are tons of home remedies you can use to ease the pain and swelling caused by gout. Here are the top ones you can try right now.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is popular for a lot of amazing reasons; one of which is that it is the most effective ingredient used as a natural home remedy for gout. Consumption of apple cider vinegar balances the acidity levels of your body since it’s alkaline in nature. This helps relieve gout pain.
By simply drinking 1-2 tablespoons of organic, raw, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water daily can show results. You can also use ACV as a topical treatment. Mix 1 cup of ACV in 4 cups of hot water and soak your foot in it for 20-30 minutes. Dip a towel in this mixture and wrap it around the affected area for best results.
Baking Soda
Another magical ingredient you can use for effective gout treatment is baking soda. Add a half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water and drink at least three times a day. Just like ACV, baking soda is also alkaline in nature and helps lower uric acid in the body.
It is highly effective in dealing with pain.
Note: avoid baking soda if you are a high blood pressure patient. The high sodium content present in it is not recommended for you.
Cherries
Naturally rich in antioxidant properties, cherries are a great addition to your diet if you are suffering from gout. A study [1] that included 600 gout patients revealed how consumption of 10-12 cherries daily helped them reduce the issue by 35%.
By increasing your serving size, you can drop the risk further. However, multiple servings also mean high sugar intake. So, make sure you keep your cherry consumption moderate.
Epsom Salt
If you are more inclined towards topical treatments but do not want to use expensive medicines, get Epsom salt instead. The salt is quite popular for its pan reducing and muscle relaxing properties. It is widely used for the same purpose.
Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, which is an alkaline mineral. Simply add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt in your warm bath and soak your entire body for 20-30 minutes to relieve pain and symptoms. Do this regularly for best results.
Final Word
While following these simple home remedies mentioned above, also increase your water intake. Keeping yourself hydrated will help you flush off excess uric acid from your body. It is also a great way to limit gout flares.
Make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water every day to keep gout at bay.
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/art.34677