Home Remedies For Gout
Gout is a kind of arthritis, and is characterized by severe inflammation and pain in the joints, caused by excess deposits of uric acid crystals (monosodium urate). These crystals are unable to be flushed away by the kidneys, and instead get deposited in the various joints, causing swelling and pain. Attacks can be severe and sudden, and occur usually at night. General a single joint is attacked at a time. While most patients commonly complain of the attack in their big toe (first metatarsophalangeal), it also affects the joints of the elbows, wrists, hands, knees and feet.
While gout generally attacks males in middle age, post-menopausal women too are sometimes prone to it.
Causes: In some cases, gout is a genetically passed down abnormality, where the body cannot process the uric acid. Otherwise, gout has also been linked to kidney disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes and blood pressure. But it is mostly blamed on an unhealthy diet pattern.
Home Remedies have been passed down from the 2000 years ever since this disease was first identified, and have proved quite effective in handling the pain and sudden attacks. Diet changes are important to tackle gout.
• First of all, drink plenty of water and fluids, since this will help to flush away the uric acid crystals.
• Bananas are rich in phosphorus, which combat the formation of uric acid crystals. Eating a couple of bananas every day is useful.
• Cherries, apples and strawberries are also beneficial in controlling symptoms of gout.
• Along with apples, apple cider and vinegar are also beneficial in keeping gout under control. Mix 2 teaspoons of organic cider with an equal quantity of honey and consume it at least once a day.
• Vitamin C has been known to counteract the onset of gout. Include plenty of citrus fruits, green pepper, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables in your diet.
• Lemon juice is also rich in Vitamin C, and helps dissolves the uric acid deposits which cause gout. Drink lemon juice diluted in a glass of water, at least three times a day. This also acts as a diuretic and helps to flush out the kidneys.
• The juice of French beans is supposed to reduce the inflammation caused by gout.
• To bring relief from the swelling, inflammation and pain of a gout attack, apply ice cubes to the area. It may feel a little uncomfortable in the beginning, but it will help to reduce the swelling.
• You can also soak the affected area in warm water to which you have added 2 cups of Epsom salts. Soak for at least 30 minutes, or till the water becomes cold.
• Instead of Epsom salts, you can add half a cup of grated ginger.
• A mustard pack can be useful in reducing the inflammation. Make a paste of equal quantities of whole wheat flour and mustard powder, and apply on the affected area.
• Apply warm castor oil with a soft flannel cloth, and then use a heating pad over it.
• Another home-made mixture which brings relief is a cupful each of vinegar and water, to which a teaspoon of pepper has been added. Dab it on with a cloth and keep in position for about 2 hours.
• Regular exercise focusing on the muscles and gout-affected joints will help to maintain flexibility and mobility.
