Gout is a disorder that causes joint inflammation. The joint swelling can either be slight and cause stiffness or severely painful and cause swelling that develops very fast in just a few hours.
Uric acid overload is the main cause of gout. It happens because of improper waste elimination or excessive waste creation.
The uric acid is a byproducts or purine breakdown. The uric acid is a chemical that is present in many foods and that our bodies create naturally.
If the kidneys are unable to remove the uric acid it leads to creation of crystal formations which are deposited around the joints.
Reduce uric acid
You should always pay attention to the foods and nutrients you consume whether you are healthy or have a health condition. A proper diet should include variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, seafood and whole, unprocessed grains.
Reducing processed sugar such as high fructose corn syrup, foods high in saturated fats and alcohol is also recommended.
You should always keep your body properly hydrated by drinking lots of water and sugar-free natural juices, fruit infused water or herbal teas sweetened with organic honey.
Try to reduce stress as much as you can. You can relax by hiking, walking in the nature or doing any activity that calms you.
The importance of water is enormous because if the body is hydrated it means it will easily get rid of the toxins including uric acid.
Tonics that fight gout
Besides being delicious, lemon water also increases the alkalinity of the body and it prevents the formation of uric acid crystals. Drink a mixture of half a lemon and 8 ounces of warm water every morning before breakfast.
Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 8 ounces of water and drink the liquid every day before lunch. The apple cider vinegar also makes the body more alkaline. If your body is more alkaline it means you have a reduced risk of gout and many other health conditions. Apple cider vinegar also contains malic acid that breaks down the uric acid and helps remove it from the body.
Sodium bicarbonate, or commonly known as baking soda, has the ability to reduce the uric acid in the body. Consume a mixture of ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 glass of water every day. For current gout attacks mix 1 whole teaspoon of baking soda with water.
Foods that fight gout
The University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland has discovered the anti-inflammatory properties of Devil’s Claw extract.
The scientists discovered fifteen flavonoids that reduce the uric acid, two of which are found in parsley. Another flavonoid called apigenin inhibits the enzyme that promotes the conversion of purines into uric acid.
Flaxseed has shown the ability to reduce serum uric acid in one laboratory test performed at the Federal Fluminense University.
Turmeric, particularly curcumin, has anti-inflammatory actions and plays a major role in renal protection.
Bromelain, a substance found in pineapples also has anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic properties.
Scientists at the Lanzhou Medical College have discovered that two flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins, found in cherries, grapes and berries have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion
While having gout attacks, patients are advised to soak the affected area in Epsom salt at least 3 times a week in order to reduce the pain and the inflammation causing it.
Swelling and pain can be relieved with a combination of hot and cold compresses which should be applied 15 minutes each in sessions of 2-3 hours.
Anytime you suspect that you have a health condition it is very important to seek medical advice or consult your doctor as soon as you notice any unusual symptoms.