People affected with gout experience severe pain and discomfort. It occurs when there is too much build-up of uric acid in your body. Gout usually affects your ankles, knees, and toes. Since there is no cure for gout, the gout treatment usually involves a combination of certain medications and home remedies. Here are some of the natural ways to treat gout symptoms.
Drinking More Water
People suffering from gout often experience severe inflammation and swelling. Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest ways to reduce swelling. When fluid consumption increases, the kidney will release more fluids that will help in reducing the swelling. In addition to water, broths and herbal teas are also great choices for reducing swelling. Please avoid alcohol and soda because they are high in purine.
Consuming More Fish
Several studies have shown that there are many anti-inflammatory compounds present in fish that will help in enhancing your overall health. A study conducted in 2016 showed that the extract of tuna fish was effective in reducing the levels of uric acid in the human body. It is important to note that some websites focussing on nutrition are saying that tuna has a high amount of purine.
Applying Ice
It may sound weird but applying ice on the affected joints will help to reduce inflammation related to gout. Wrap the ice in a cloth and apply on the joints for 10-15 minutes at a time. This will also help to reduce the pain caused by inflammation. Instead of ice, you can also apply a frozen vegetable covered in a washcloth to the affected area.
Drinking Coffee
Some anecdotal records are showing that drinking coffee may help in decreasing gout symptoms. A 2016 review has shown that people who drank more coffee have a lower risk of developing gout. This is because coffee may have the ability to lower the uric acid levels in our bodies.
Meditation
This home remedy is for reducing stress because heightened stress can worsen the symptoms of gout. Meditation is proven to be very effective in calming your mind by alleviating all the stressful thoughts and feelings. If you are not interested in meditation, a brief walk, or listening to your favorite music could also calm your mind and reduce stress.
Including Cherries In Your Diet
A recent study has shown that eating more cherries could decrease the risk of gout attacks by about 35 %. The anti-inflammatory compounds – anthocyanins present in cherries help in reducing the inflammation caused by gout.
