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Minerals to Cure Gout

Gout is a condition that can debilitate the sufferer joint by joint, causing pain and swelling. While there are drugs such as allopurinol to maintain health, many patients wish to know about alternative treatments such as minerals, herbs and homeopathic medicine. Here are some mineral remedies and treatments that can work with them to increase their effects. Many of these treatments are not approved or recommended by doctors; please exercise caution when drastically changing any aspect of your diet or life.

  1. Minerals for Gout

    • The minerals that can most help gout are those that target the bones and joints. Calcium is well known to be a contributor to bones, teeth, blood, nerves and muscles. Magnesium is a trace mineral that could be connected to hundreds of functions in the body. A lack of the mineral could cause multiple problems such as diabetes and allergies. Zinc is related to the immune system, cell health, DNA synthesis and healing. Connective tissue disorders and chronic illnesses can be linked to zinc deficiency. Chromium helps to raise HDL (good) cholesterol, the reduction of body fat, and the regulation of glucose levels. Spikes in blood sugar can be connected to pain and gout attacks; chromium can help to curb those. Selenium is a mineral that stops free radicals from causing cellular damage (see reference 2).

    Epsom Salt and Herbs

    • One of the most important gout remedies related to minerals is Epsom salt. This magnesium-containing salt is a well-known home treatment as a soaking aid to reduce toxins such as uric acid. It helps to detoxify the body and can heal bruises and reduce gout pain in a very short amount of time. Further decreasing the amount of toxins in the areas of pain are bromelain and quercetin. Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapples and quercetin comes from apples, and both reduce pain by decreasing inflammation and uric acid levels, respectively. Chicory root can relieve gout symptoms quickly, while thyme can be used to treat the condition over time. Boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties and Devil's claw can lower the amount of uric acid in the body. Nettle root and gravel root both help the kidney to flush out excess uric acid, which can aid in gout-related pain (see reference 3, resource 2).

    Homeopathic Gout Treatment

    • Arnica is used to alleviate the pain and discomfort of gout and chronic injuries. Symptoms that require arnica use are extreme pain that causes the patient not to want to be touched, and a sore, bruise-like feeling at the point of the pain. In abrupt gout attacks where there is a swelling or throbbing at the site of pain, belladonna is used. Bryonia is used when there is a tearing sensation with swollen joints that are hot to the touch. Other homeopathic remedies that can help with gout include calcarea fluor, ledum, colchicum, sulphur, rhododendron and rhus tox, but each treatment is related to very specific symptoms. It is worth going to a homeopathic practitioner to ensure the proper remedy will be used (see reference 1).

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