Home remedies for gout

What is gout?

Gout is a medical condition similar to arthritis. It is caused by uric acid deposits around the joints that cause pain and swelling.

Uric acid is a natural waste product of the body. Sometimes, it is not completely eliminated from the body and it forms crystal deposits around the joints, mostly on toes, knees, elbows, feet, hands and wrists. The big toe is the part of the body that is the most commonly affected by gout.

Gout is more common in middle-aged and elderly people, and it is far more common in men than in women. It symptoms tend to get worse at night, and they can get quite severe. Some of the common symptoms of gout include pain and inflammation of joints, which usually come in cycles known as gout attacks, swelling, redness and tenderness of the affected area and feeling of pressure.

Certain factors increase the risk of gout. Such factors include obesity, alcohol abuse, sedentary lifestyle and certain medical conditions, especially those related to liver and kidneys.

Fortunately, gout can be treated, or at least alleviated at home, using items commonly found in every home. These remedies can be quite effective against gout symptoms.

Home remedies for gout

Cherries are known as a good remedy against gout. They are rich in vitamin C, which helps eliminate uric acid crystal deposits. Cherry juice is also very beneficial. Apples are another fruit that is highly recommended for people suffering from gout.

Drinking the juice of half a lemon diluted with some water, three times a day, is a good way to get enough vitamin C, which will help against gout.

Bananas can be very helpful for persons who have gout. Three or four bananas a day will provide enough phosphorus that will interact with uric acid and neutralize it. Berries are also highly recommended, especially strawberries.

An efficient remedy for gout that affects toes requires one third of a cup of freshly ground ginger added to a bathtub full of water. Soaking the feet in this water will cause perspiration which will, in turn, cause elimination of uric acid. The skin has to be rinsed thoroughly after this, because ginger may cause irritation.

A paste that can be applied to areas affected by gout can be made with ground mustard seeds mixed with whole wheat powder in equal amounts, with some water added to make a smooth paste that is supposed to stay on overnight.

The pain caused by gout can be relieved by drinking a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar with some honey, twice a day.

Applying ice packs, castor oil and Epsom salts is proven to bring relief from gout symptoms.