Natural solutions for painful gout
GOUT is an extremely painful arthritic type condition which occurs when excess uric acid crystallises around joints and soft tissue. It can come on suddenly without warning; you may experience inflammation, heat, pain, and swelling. Some will also have a fever and fatigue. Commonly it’s seen in the big toe but you can also get it in your knee, thumb, or elbow.
Contributing factors that increase the incidence include lifestyle and dietary choices, antibiotics, steroids, excess weight, and diabetes. Aspirin can alter the blood uric acid level, and high levels of B3 may elevate uric acid levels. Men over thirty are more prone than women. Triggers can include stress, infection, and surgery. Certain illnesses increase uric acid production like psoriasis or blood disorders.
Avoid foods which promote uric acid production including red meat, rich fatty foods, and alcohol. Also avoid shellfish, herrings, sardines, organ meats, and yeast as these foods can cause uric acids to accumulate. It’s also wise to avoid sugar, white processed foods, and caffeine during a flare up, if you’re prone to fungal infections.
Include in your diet high fibre whole grains, unprocessed foods, nuts and seeds in particular flax seeds. Eat fruit, especially berries like blueberries and cherries, and plenty of vegetables. Add barley grass and wheatgrass powders to your food as they will help keep the blood alkaline. Drink plenty of water.
My favourite remedy to relieve gout is Cherry Active Juice Concentrate which is made from tart Montmorency cherries. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help clear excess uric acid from the body in just a few hours. For gout you’ll need to drink 30ml added to water twice a day. Cherry Active Juice is also used to ease the discomfort of painful arthritis, plus it can help you get a good night sleep because it’s a natural source of melatonin. Other options to flush out uric acid include Celery or Nettle juice. Many customers tell me that apple cider vinegar with the mother, taken every day works well for them.
You may also need to take a natural anti-inflammatory. Bromelain is a good choice as it reduces inflammation and can assist dissolving of uric crystals, or A. Vogel Artosan Devils Claw which is traditionally used to reduce inflammation in arthritic conditions.