Natural Gout Remedy

Gout is a form of arthritis resulting from a build-up of uric acid in the joints and blood. Like other forms of arthritis, gout is extremely painful and symptoms include redness, stiffness and inflammation around certain areas of the body and typically include the big toe, foot, ankles, wrists and other joints. Treatment usually involves the use of NSAID pain relievers, but these often cause a lot of problematic side effects. There are natural ways of alleviating pain and inflammation from gout including dietary changes, nutritional supplements and the use of certain herbs and spices.

Food Remedies

• Certain fruits, and especially berries, can be quite effective in preventing uric acid build-up and reducing pain and inflammation. Blueberries, cherries, black cherries or black cherry juice, grapes and strawberries all contain compounds that act quickly to neutralize uric acid in the body.
  Another food remedy you can use to relieve gout symptoms is celery seeds. Celery seeds contain anti-inflammatory compounds and also have a diuretic effect. Start by boiling some celery seeds in water. Strain the seeds, then allow the water to cool and then drink it. Because of the diuretic effect of this remedy, pregnant women should not do this.

Nutritional Supplements

• Supplements such as Vitamin C, B vitamins and fish oil can help prevent and relieve episodes of gout. Vitamin C can help reduce the levels of serum uric acid in the body. This works well when taken in higher doses (up to 1000 mg) at the onset of a gout episode and continued at up to 500 mg per day as a means of maintenance. B vitamins can convert uric acid into other compounds which are not harmful to the body. Fish oil helps reduce the frequency and severity of gout inflammation.

Spices

• Just adding some new spices to your cooking can not only help with symptoms of gout but make your food a little tastier, too. Cayenne pepper helps relieve inflammation as well as fresh garlic and parsley. Red clover is another great thing to use in your cooking because of its ability to help remove toxins from the body and thin the blood, reducing swelling and pain.