6 Home remedies to treat gout
Health

6 Home remedies to treat gout

An accumulation of excess uric acid in the joints of the body leads to gout. The crystals so formed in the joints are treated as foreign particles by the body and the body’s immune system perceives them as a threat. In order to relieve the redness, pain, and inflammation caused by the illness, one can turn to medication, along with home remedies. Some of the natural treatments for gout one can try at home are:

  • Increased water consumption: Some of the most common symptoms of gout are swelling and inflammation. Drinking water at regular intervals can help in reducing these. When fluid consumption is increased, the kidneys release excess fluids, further reducing any swelling. Other clear liquids like herbal tea and broths can also be helpful. Fluids high in purines like soda and alcohol should be avoided. It is better to consult  a doctor before drastically increasing the water consumption in case one suffers from kidney disease or congestive heart failure.
  • Usage of ice packs: One way to reduce the inflammation is to apply a cloth-covered ice pack over the joint. Applying it for about 10–15 minutes should be able to relieve the pain.
  • Elevation of affected joints: The swelling caused at the affected joints can be reduced slightly by elevating them. This will help the blood and fluid collected there to move away from the site, thereby reducing the swelling. This natural treatment for gout can be tried at home along with the application of an ice pack.
  • Stress reduction: It has been seen that high stress is capable of worsening gout symptoms. Activities like journaling, reading a good book, taking some time off from work, brief walks and slight exercise, and meditation can help in reducing stress. Taking good care of your mental health is also highly advantageous.
  • Avoidance of high-purine food substances: Excessive uric acid is formed in the body due to the breakdown of purines. Hence, the consumption of excess purines will mean that the symptoms are further aggravated. Some high purine food substances are veal, anchovies, turkey, bacon, mussels, cod, trout, haddock, venison, herring, and scallops.
  • Avoidance of dietary triggers: Foods that may trigger adverse reactions in your body can also worsen gout symptoms. Various studies show that food substances such as sugar, alcohol, red meat, and seafood usually act as triggers and worsen the pain and inflammation. Proper care should be taken to avoid them. 

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