When a person has gout, they experience a high build-up of uric acid. In large amounts, this chemical element causes attacks on a patient’s body. As a result, they endure periods of considerable pain in or around the joints. However, there is good news for people with gout. People can control the symptoms associated with gout. You can reduce the pain with some affordable, easy-to-find remedies. In many cases, you will find the ingredients for home treatment right in your kitchen.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a safe bet for many people who experience gout. Health professionals recommend that you take 2 to 3 tablespoons a few times a day to effectively treat symptoms. You can take apple cider vinegar directly, provided you can tolerate the taste. However, this natural cure-all strips the enamel from your teeth over time so you may consider thinning it. Your best choice is to mix apple cider vinegar with water and honey. Apple cider vinegar works well as a treatment because it contains antioxidants and potassium. Both of these elements help to remove toxins. Moreover, apple cider vinegar offers other health benefits. It promotes clear skin, increases energy levels, and improves digestion. You should try organic to work apple cider vinegar into your daily health routine since it works on many health concerns.

Ginger Root

People commonly use ginger root throughout the world as a flavorful component in cuisine. Its spice and pungent flavor make it a hit with many different cultures. Ginger root also is a powerful superfood because of its health benefits. People use it for many health purposes, including gastrointestinal problems like motion sickness and vomiting. Ginger is an effective remedy for gout because of its anti-inflammatory benefits. It contains elements called gingerols and shogaols that aid in increasing mobility. Moreover, ginger is powerful in treating other gout symptoms, such as pain and swelling. It is an instant hit with gout patients because they can find ginger root year-round. You can eat small pieces of ginger every day as a preventive measure against gout symptoms. If the ginger is too peppery for you, mix the root in boiling water, steep it, and drink it once a day. When you can locate the site of your pain, you can also apply ginger paste as a salve. You just need to crush the ginger root, mix it with a small amount of water. Then you can apply it directly to the affected areas of your body.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a popular home remedy for treating gout. As a chemical compound, it raises your pH level and removes uric acid from your body. Therefore, baking soda can remove or significantly reduce the pain from a gout attack. Another benefit of baking soda is that it acts quickly. Some people who use this remedy feel immediate pain relief. Others wait anywhere from 24 hours up to a week for comfort. Nevertheless, baking soda is an easy, affordable purchase. To benefit from its healing traits, you should mix a teaspoon into a glass of water at least four times a day. It is important to talk to your doctor before beginning any home treatment involving baking soda. If you overuse it, you may see any existing heart or kidney issues get worse. It also could drain vital nutrients from your blood.

Lemon Juice

Lemons contain some key ingredients that make them a powerful weapon against gout. First, they are rich in vitamin C, which is known to relieve gout pain. Lemons also contain potassium, which is necessary for proper kidney function. A healthy kidney is useful in filtering your blood. Potassium also helps to keep your blood and urine pH alkaline. This means that lemons can help prevent gout. Moreover, they act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Over time, lemons strengthen your joints and tissues, making them less likely to collect uric acid or develop arthritis. The best way to drink lemon juice is by mixing it with water. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water in the morning. Additionally, you also can repeat this during the afternoon. To increase the effect of lemons, you can add baking soda to your water.

Cherries

For many reasons, cherries are an ideal natural remedy for gout. First of all, they are rich in vitamins C and A. These nutrients are important for a healthy body and contribute to a high-functioning liver. Moreover, cherries are an excellent source of fiber. Multiple studies show that consistent intake of cherries may reduce uric acid levels by up to 50 percent. If you eat as few as ten cherries a day, you can reduce gout flare-ups by about 35 percent. Additionally, they may contribute to reducing joint inflammation as well as overall pain. Cherries are low in calories, making them appeal to those who also are looking to lose weight. In addition to eating raw cherries, you also can drink cherry juice. Almost all cherry products and foods contain cherry extract, the beneficial element for gout.

Epsom Salt

Those who swear by home remedies rely on Epsom salt for many cures. As a bath salt, Epsom salt acts on a range of health conditions. It reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, fades bruises, draws toxins out of the body, and softens skin. It seems a single bath provides a load of healing. The Epsom salt mineral contains magnesium and sulfate, which also make it ideal for some household chores. Thus, people use this salt to clean bathroom tiles and washing machines, as a plant fertilizer, and to prevent slugs. Epsom salt benefits people with gout by creating joint proteins, relieving muscle pain and reducing inflammation. Therefore, to benefit from its healing power, you should soak your body in an Epsom salt bath. If the source of your pain is in your feet, then soak them in a bowl of Epsom salt. The ideal soak time is 20 minutes.

Hydration

Of all the home remedies for gout, water may be the cheapest and easiest path to a life that is free of symptoms. Because water is an essential part of your body, it is also useful for treating some illnesses. It is important to stay hydrated because humans constantly lose water as they sweat, urinate and breathe. Another important function of water is joint lubrication. Water also aids the kidneys in expelling unwanted toxins from the body. Water performs well as a gout treatment because it pushes uric acid crystals out of your system. People who drink a lot of alcohol or on diets that are high in protein are at risk of increased uric acid levels. Water can thin out that acid and make it easier to flush out of your system. Nutrition experts and doctors recommend 8 to 12 cups of water per day.

Avoid Organ Meats and Anchovies

For the average person, organ meat is a healthy source of iron and protein. However, these meats also contain compounds called purines, which can build up uric acid in people who have gout. Foods like anchovies and sardines also contain high levels of purines. Some of the organ meats in question, sometimes called sweetbreads, include the kidney, liver, heart, brain, and tongue of animal products. They have stirred up controversy and debate in the global community. The reason: They also offer a good source of minerals, vitamins and healthy fats that prevent gout attacks. People do not agree on the rules of eating something so rich in nutrients.  A safe practice is to listen to your body. You may consume as much organ meat or anchovies as your body allows. You should note how much of these foods tend to lead to a gout attack. Then you can adjust your intake.

Exercise

Exercise strengthens bones, joints, and muscles and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Staying in shape keeps illnesses away and improves overall health. If you deal with gout, your exercise routine plays a central role in reversing the effects of your condition. By exercising, you reduce pain and improve energy levels. However, exercise alone is not enough. To reap the full benefits of an exercise plan, you also should eat healthy balanced meals. If you are overweight, you are already at risk for gout. Conversely, if you already have gout, keeping a healthy weight will help you ward off gout attacks. Sometimes these attacks are caused by stress. However, you should wait until a gout attack has passed before you start exercising again.

Reduce Caffeine Intake

If you have gout, caffeine is both a gift and a curse. Caffeine is preventive medicine for people who do not already have gout. However, if you already have gout, caffeine makes your condition worse. Moreover, consuming caffeine on a regular basis places you more at risk. According to a 2010 study, people who increase their caffeine intake suddenly through coffee or tea are more likely to experience gout attacks. This increase in attacks occurs because caffeine moves uric acid through body tissues.