Home Remedies For Gout

Gout is a condition in which the blood contains abnormally high levels of uric acid. As a result, uric acid crystals form on joints and the surrounding tissues, which causes pain, restricted movement, and damage to the joints as well. There is a hereditary element in the development of gout, and it can also be a secondary condition caused by another health problem, such as kidney failure or leukemia, for example. However, to a large extent, gout is a result of poor lifestyle and diet. An unbalanced diet with an excess of protein and fat, along with an excessive intake of alcohol are the typical causes of gout. As with many lifestyle related diseases, treatment of gout consists mainly of addressing the factors that cause the condition in the first place.

Modifying your diet to make it healthier is the best way to control uric acid levels and gout. Foods that contain an element known as purine are the main contributors to high uric acid levels, and intake of these foods must be restricted or avoided completely. These are mostly high protein foods, particularly animal products. Fish and red meat, particularly internal organs such as the liver, heart, and so on, are the foods with the highest purine content, and these should be strictly avoided except on rare occasions. Other protein rich foods such as dairy products, beans, cauliflower, and poultry contain less purine, but they should also be consumed in limited amounts, preferably no more than one or two servings a day. Alcohol consumption should also be limited – beer should be avoided completely, and other spirits should be consumed only occasionally and in small quantities. Wine seems to have no effect on uric acid levels, and can therefore be consumed, but as with any alcohol, moderation is important. These measures will limit the frequency and severity of gout attacks.

There are also several home remedies that you can use whenever you do have an attack of gout. One simple remedy is applying a warm compress – using a hot water bottle is the easiest way to do this. Taking a warm bath also provides some amount of relief from the pain and inflammation. Some people prefer to use an ice pack instead of heat, and you can try this too. You should drink plenty of water daily, as this will help flush out the excess uric acid from your body. Finally, avoid straining the already inflamed joint(s) – stay in bed for a day or two, and elevate the affected joint as much as possible to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.