Home Remedies for Gout
Gout is a painful and serious condition caused when abnormal levels of uric acid crystallize in the skin or joints. Historically, gout was considered to be a disease of the rich. This is because it is most common in people who consume high meat and high sugar diets as well as in people who consume large quantities of alcohol. Of course, not everyone with gout fits this description; in fact, most people suffering from gout have one of many possible underlying causes that predispose them to the condition. In addition, meat and alcohol are now cheaply available to all and so the old stereotype is no longer applicable.
If you suffer from gout, you will know how unpleasant it can be. Your doctor will probably have prescribed several drugs (such as allopurinol) and recommended dietary alterations. But if you are still suffering from gout or get frequent recurrences, there are several more traditional remedies you can try. This article will discuss some of these home remedies for gout.
1) Drink plenty of water! Most people struggle to drink the recommended daily volume of water but if you suffer from gout, it is even more important to try to do so. This is because water will help to flush out toxins and will dilute the levels of uric acid in your blood.
2) Exercise. Exercise, whether of the affected joints or just in general, is good for gout. If you exercise the affected joints every day you can help to keep them moving freely and without pain. If you exercise regularly in general, this will help to build up muscle, increase joint strength and flexibility and will help to flush out toxins at the same time.
3) Apply ice to affected areas. This helps to reduce pain and inflammation caused by gout. Apply ice in a cold pack to avoid freeze burns and keep the cold pack on the affected area for around ten minutes at a time.
4) Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts. As 75% of people affected by gout first notice it in their big toe, it is likely you will benefit from this therapy. It will alleviate stress and increase the circulation to the affected area. This helps to flush toxins and relieve pain at the same time.
These four natural home remedies for gout are very useful tools in making life with gout easier and more comfortable. Do not stop conventional medical therapy but if it is not helping enough, add some of these treatments in on top. Hopefully that way you will reduce the pain and discomfort you suffer significantly.
