Gout causes excruciating pain and inflammation in joints, and sometimes fever. Elbows, knees and knuckles can be affected, but it is usually the big toe. Caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, it sometimes runs in families and is common in very overweight people. Acute attacks of gout may require medical treatment.
Dietary Advice For Gout
Try to keep your weight down and avoid foods high in purines, which contribute to a build up of uric acid crystals. Purines are produced when you digest red meat, organ meats, game, oily fish, fish roe, pulses, mussels, anchovies, sweetbreads, coffee, chocolate, yeast extracts and alcohol. Research also suggests a link between too much sugar and gout. Drink 2 to 3 liters of filtered or bottled water and diluted fruit and vegetable juices a day. Eat onions, leeks and garlic for their anti-inflammatory benefits and diuretic vegetables such as celery and parsley. It has been suggested that eating 225 g of cherries – which contain antioxidants called proanthocyanidins – a day may help eliminate uric acid.
Complimentary Remedies For Gout
Add up to 6 drops of diuretic essential oils such as juniper berry, cypress and lemon to the bath and use in a whole body massage (10 drops essential oil to 25 ml carrier oil). To reduce swelling make a cold compress, using 4 drops juniper berry to 600 ml cold water. Soak a flannel, wring it out and apply to the affected joint until the cloth warms. Refresh in the water and reapply for a total of 20 minutes. Repeat every two hours if necessary. If pregnant, avoid juniper berry oil.
The homeopathic remedy Arnica 6c can help when joints are hot, painful and sensitive to touch. Rhus tox 6c is good- for hard, painful swelling in the big toe. Take 1 tablet every 2 hours for up to 12 doses during an attack.
Recommended Ready Made Natural Remedies For Gout
- Gout-Gone – Homeopathic remedy that relieves symptoms of gout, swelling, inflammation and burning pain in small joints.
- JointEase Plus – Supports joint and muscular-skeletal system health and mobility.
