How to relieve heal and soothe gout naturally

For those who suffer from gout, you’ll know just how painful it can be. It can affect your ears, small joints in your hands, wrists, ankles and knees, and produces acute pain, swelling and inflammation.

While the exact cause is unknown, a high amount of uric acid in the body is one. Gout is also linked to other types of health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney stones, so it is important to be as healthy as possible to reduce symptoms.

Here’s 8 ways to do so:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar really is a cure all, and its treatment of gout is no exception. The acidity in apple cider vinegar helps to relieve acute pain, and you can also add honey to boost your body’s anti-inflammatory response. Drink a teaspoon of ACV in water two to three times a day.

2. Ginger

The anti-inflammatory properties in ginger have been uses to relieve pain and inflammation for hundreds of years. Simply mix 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 spoon dried ginger root powder into a cup of warm water twice a day. Another option is to make a paste of ginger root with a little water and apply to the affected area.

3. Bicarb soda

An increase of uric acid in the body is a major cause of gout, so neutralising bicarb soda can help lower this in turn giving you relief from the pain. Drink a glass of water with half a teaspoon of bicarb several times a day.

4. Cherries

Cherries are very helpful in treating gout due to their antioxidant properties, and it’s recommended to eat 15 to 20 cherries a day. For better results, start your day with some cherries as some studies have shown that cherries can also reduce uric acid. You can also drink cherry juice concentrate, which can contain about 55 to 60 tart cherries without all the sugar.

5. Apples

It sounds so simple and cliche but apples really will keep the doctor away – they contain malic acid which can help to neutralise uric acid. Carrots coupled with apples are a winning combination and will provide relief.

6. Keep your fluids up

To help the kidneys clear of uric acid, make sure you are drinking at least two litres of fluid daily, and reduce your caffeine intake and use of diuretics to conserve water.

7. Lemon juice

Lemons alkalise the body and neutralise the excess uric acid in blood stream. To get your daily serve, mix half a teaspoon of bicarb soda with the juice of one lemon and some water.

8. Light exercise

Although it’s not advised to do full body workouts if you have gout, a bit of light exercises or Pilates can really help stretch out those joints and get you moving again. See your doctor and speak to a physiotherapist about ways to increase your physical activity.