A type of arthritis that is caused due to high levels of uric acid in the blood, gout can be extremely difficult to deal with. The accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream, which then crystallizes in the joint, resulting in Gout. Often affecting the big toe, gout is characterized by moderate to intense joint pain, accompanied by swelling, redness, and limited range of motion. The pain is often described as being excruciating, especially at night.1
While commercial treatments are effective in treating Gout, they are often expensive and cause side effects. However, you can opt for a natural, organic method of treating gout and prevent another gout flare-up in the future, by watching what you eat and leading a healthy lifestyle.
What To Eat
1. Bananas
Vitamin K present in Bananas aid in liquefying the uric acid crystals and flushing them out of the body. Bananas are also a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps reduce the inflammation and lessen the pain. Eating a banana or two every day can provide you relief from gout.
2. Celery
Celery has often been claimed as the best food to treat gout. Celery decreases uric acid levels, and has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduces redness and swelling. However, celery could be harmful if you are excessively sensitive to salt. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consuming celery on a regular basis.2
3. Juniper
With its properties that reduce swelling and pain, Juniper is effective to treat arthritis and gout. The juice squeezed from juniper berries, which acts an antiseptic, can be applied externally on the swollen joint to reduce inflammation.3
4. Nettle Leaves
Nettle has pain-relieving properties, which are effective in treating arthritis and gout. Studies state that gout-patients reported that their pain had drastically reduced by almost 70 percent, after they consumed 2 ounces of nettle leaves, in addition to their regular medication.4
5. Cherries
The antioxidant property of cherries helps in the treatment of gout. Cherries contain a pigment called anthocyanins, which can reduce inflammation and pain caused due to gout. Cherries can be consumed in its raw state, or in the form of tarts and juice.
What To Avoid
1. Alcohol
Alcohol can worsen the symptoms of gout, by increasing the uric acid level in your body. Beer, in particular, contains purine, which is broken down by the body into uric acid. If you suffer from gout, it is essential that you avoid beer, and other alcoholic beverages.
2. Seafood And Meat
Consumption of seafood and meat puts you at risk of gout, or contributes to its severity. Red meat reduces the excretion of uric acid by the kidney, thus increasing its level in the body.
While seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acid, which is essential for a healthy heart, it contains high purine levels. Individuals suffering from gout must avoid seafood and could replace it with soy and walnuts, which are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acid.5
What You Need To Remember
1. Wear Warm Clothes
If you are living a cold climatic area, you are susceptible to gout. Keep yourself warm by donning thick clothes and socks. Avoid exposing your feet to the cold, as gout often affects the big toe. Also, ensure that you sleep in a room that is slightly higher than room temperature.6
2. Exercise In Moderation
There is no substitute for exercise, as being overweight could contribute to gout. Keeping your weight in check and getting enough exercise will prevent the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. It is also important to note that excessive exercise to lead to more harm than good, by putting pressure on the already inflamed joint. Hence, always exercise in moderation.
By adding certain foods, and removing others from your diet, you can obtain relief from the symptom of gout. To prevent gout flare-ups in the future, it is also important that you exercise moderately, keep your weight in check, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
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