Gout is kind of arthritis, accompanied with intense tenderness, swelling, inflammation, and pain in the joints. Even though elderly people are most susceptible to gout, it can appear in younger individuals as well.
One of the main causes of getting out is the high amount of uric acid, even though a lack of exercise, genetics, and alcohol can appear as common culprits too. Uric acid kidney stones, hypertension, and diabetes are also associated with gout.
Luckily, the home treatments presented below can provide a relief from gout and help you put an end to the agonizing pain.
1. COLD WATER
The simplest way to reduce swelling and pain is to put the affected area in cold water. However, never use ice directly onto the skin, as it can damage the skin and worsen the condition.
It is recommended to immerse the swollen joint in cold water for 15-15 minutes and repeat this procedure couple of times daily. You can also hold ice pack onto the affected area for 15 minutes, but make sure you wrap the ice pack in a towel first. Do this twice daily and avoid using an excess of ice packs in order to avoid crystallization of the uric acid.
2. APPLES
You are probably familiar with the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. It turns out that eating, at least, one apple a day is an extremely healthy habit, especially if you are suffering from gout.
According to the experts, eating an apple after each meal will help neutralize the uric acid in the body, remove inflammation, and alleviate gout symptoms, due to its malic acid content. In case you are not keen on apples, drink apple juice instead. Eating raw carrots along with an apple is also a good idea.
3. EPSOM SALT
Epsom salt is known as a useful ingredient when it comes to treating gout and any other form of arthritis. In addition to this, the high amount of magnesium present in Epsom salt will lower high blood pressure and improve your heart condition as well. Soaking the inflamed area in warm water mixed with Epsom salt relaxes muscles and relieves pain.
Add about two cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water and soak the body until the water cools off. Repeat this procedure once a week, or 2-3 times if you are suffering from severe gout.
4. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
It is a well-known fact that activated charcoal as the ability to absorb uric acid, which makes it effective for treating gout. Individuals suffering from gout are recommended to take a charcoal bath 2-3 times weekly.
You should mix ½ cup of charcoal powder with some water to create a paste. Put the paste into the bath tub and pour more water. Soak the inflamed body part for at least half an hour. This method is extremely effective for treating gout in the big toe or the ankle.
When it comes to other affected body parts, prepare and a charcoal paste and apply it directly onto the skin. Let it work for half an hour and rinse with lukewarm water afterward.
Finally, taking activated charcoal capsules orally to relieve gout pain and inflammation is another good solution. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor prior using this option.
5. BANANAS
Due to the high potassium content, bananas are very effective in converting uric acid crystals into a liquid form which will be flushed out of the body through the urine. In addition to this, the vitamin C content will manage the swelling and pain.
There are two ways of using bananas to relieve gout pain. You can either eat one or two bananas daily or add one ripe banana to a half cup of yogurt. It is important to mention that this will help you prevent diarrhea as well.
6. CHERRIES
Regardless of whether you use sweet or sour cherries, they are very helpful in treating gout due to their antioxidant properties. In addition to this, cherries are rich in anthocyanins, compounds which minimize gout flare-ups and reduce inflammation.
Gout patients are recommended to eat 15-20 cherries daily. For optimum results, start your day with some cherries. However, if you don’t like cherries, try drinking a glass of black cherry juice. You can also add some minced garlic to it.
7. BAKING SODA
As mentioned in the very beginning, the uric acid in the body is a significant contributing factor to getting gout. Baking soda steps in as perfect solution since it can help lower the amount of uric acid and provide a relief from the pain.
You should mix ½ tsp of baking soda with a glass of water and drink this solution four times daily. However, if you are over 60 years old, don’t take more than three times daily. This solution should be consumed up to two weeks. Finally, individuals suffering from hypertension shouldn’t take this remedy.
8. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
ACV, which is commonly used to treat acid reflux and headaches, can also help treat gout and any form of arthritis. It is the acidity present in apple cider vinegar which provides relief from acute pain. Feel free to add some honey to the remedy in order to enhance the anti-inflammatory effect.
Dilute one teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink this solution 2-3 times on a daily basis.
In case, you don’t find this remedy helpful, feel free to increase the amount of apple cider vinegar to up to 2 tablespoons.
9. LEMON JUICE
As you have probably acknowledged so far, for getting relief from gout pain, it is crucial to alkalize the body and neutralize the excess uric acid. The use of fresh lemon juice and baking soda is the best way to do this easily. In addition to the use of lemon juice, you should consume fruits rich in vitamin C in order to strengthen the body tissues.
Mix the juice of one lemon with half a teaspoon of baking soda. Let the baking soda dissolve and then mix it into a glass of water and drink right away.
Another option is to add some lemon juice to a glass of lemon and consume the lemon water three times daily.
10. GINGER ROOT
Ginger root is a very useful ingredient for relieving pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. There are various ways to use ginger root for this cause. They are as follows:
– Make a paste of ginger root and a little water. Apply this paste onto the affected area and let it work for about half an hour.
– Mix equal amounts of dried ginger root powder, turmeric powder, and fenugreek powder. Take one teaspoon of this mixture along with warm water twice daily.
– Add half teaspoon of ginger root to one cup of boiling water. Drink the solution at least once on a daily basis.
– Ultimately, you can simply add ginger root in cooking recipes or eating a small piece of ginger root on a daily basis.
