Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by swelling or inflammation of the joint. There’s acute pain in the joints as well. The major reason for this is an accumulation of excess uric acid in the body.

While medication for gout is an option, they have several side effects. It is best to try home cures first, and many do work!

Natural gout treatment is kinder and gentler to your body than drugs, besides being more effective.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great home cure for several ailments including gout. It helps enhance the alkalinity of the body and thus prevent issues such as heartburn and gout. You can add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to around 8 ounces of water and have it. You can either have it all at once or drink it over time.

Ginger root
Ginger root is known to have anti-inflammatory qualities. It combines equal portions of turmeric powder, ginger root powder, and fenugreek powder. Mix one teaspoon of the powder into water. This can be taken twice a day. You can also have ginger root raw, in small quantities.

Baking soda
Having baking soda with water is a very effective remedy for gout. It relieves pain almost at once. Mix half a teaspoon of baking powder in a glass of water. Drink the solution in one go. This may be repeated, and you can have three tablespoons of baking soda in a day. As the pain subsides, you can reduce the dosage. Avoid taking baking soda if you suffer from high blood pressure, as it may increase blood pressure when consumed excessively.

Cherries
Research shows that cherries decrease the level of uric acid in the body. They offer for a great natural gout treatment. You can eat around fifteen or twenty cherries a day. You can also have cherry juice. Preferably without sugar, as sugar intake should be kept to the bare minimum to combat gout.

Drink plenty of water
You should have at least eight glasses of water a day. Water helps excrete uric acid and hence reduce the uric acid content in the body.

Increase your vitamin C intake
Increased consumption of vitamin C can help in the reduction of uric acid. You can have citrus fruits or lemon juice. You can also mix the juice of a lemon with half a teaspoon of baking soda. After a few seconds, dilute it with a glass of water. The mixture should be consumed immediately.

Exercise
Stick to a regular schedule for exercise. Exercise helps balance insulin levels in the body and hence reduces uric acid.

Epsom salt
Epsom salt is an effective home cure for gout. Add Epsom salt to water and place the affected part of the body in it. This helps relax the muscles and soothe the pain.

Fish
Fish that are rich in omega 3, such as salmon and trout should be eaten. These can help decrease inflammation and also protect against gout.

Fiber-rich foods
Have fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables that are rich in fiber. These can help in the reduction of uric acid.

Studies show that many of the dietary items we consume lead to gout as well as other health problems. Change your diet and lifestyle might be the easy solution to getting rid of gout. One of the first things to do is eliminate certain foods and beverages from your diet to beat gout.

Here’s what you should exclude from your diet for a natural gout treatment:

Caffeine
Avoid caffeine. Studies have shown that caffeine can lead to a gout attack.

Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. Besides dehydrating the body, alcohol also increases uric acid levels in the blood, leading to problems such as gout pain.

Sugar and carbonated drinks
Avoid soda and limit your sugar intake to the bare minimum. Also, avoid refined carbohydrates such as pasta and baked products. Avoid fried food as well.

Sodium
Avoid sodium in your diet as it may lead to swelling of tissues and worsen symptoms of gout. Avoid processed foods as they tend to have hidden sodium. Check for labels which say low – sodium or sodium-free.

Foods containing purine
Purine is a compound that is an amino acid and leads to the formation of uric acid. Foods such as red meat, lentils, spinach, and mushrooms have a high content of purine. Also, avoid foods such as meat and sardines. Foods that are high in purines will significantly worsen your gout problem.

Medications such as colchicine and corticosteroids are used to treat gout. However, these come with some side effects. Side effects of such medications range from headaches, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can thus, often pose more problems than providing benefits.

The best way to combat gout is by changing your diet and lifestyle. It’s not a coincidence that most people suffering from gout tend to be obese. Develop a regular schedule for exercise and stick to it. Instead of opting for medications right away, deal with gout with lifestyle changes and natural gout treatment.