Gout is a very painful form of arthritis that is caused by an excess of uric acid build-up in the body. An excess of uric acid occurs when the kidneys are consistently overloaded and have a hard time eliminating the excess. As a result, these uric acid deposits can become crystallized and accumulate in between the joints, damaging them.

Those afflicted with gout often have uric acid deposits in their big toe joints. These uric acid deposits may appear as lumpy patches under the skin, and in the toes can make the wearing of shoes and even walking excruciatingly painful.  Gout can be so debilitating that even a bedsheet draped over the foot can cause excruciating pain.

The uric acid build-up and crystallization may also develop into kidney stones.

Dietary changes, including reduced alcohol intake, will reduce the incidence of gout attacks. Appropriate lifestyle changes can prevent re-occurrence. However, for those not able or prepared to make such changes, remedial treatments are available.

Natural treatment options have given relief from gout pain to many people, below we have listed a few of them.

 

Cherries

Cherries are one of the classic natural remedies for gout. Some gout sufferers say that eating cherries works for them, but others say it doesn’t help them. Research has shown, however, that those who did consume cherries were found to have lower levels of uric acid as well as a reduction in inflammation.

In any event, cherries are nutritious, most find them delicious, and worth a try! You’ll need to eat half a cup of cherries in any one day. You might also like to add them to your blender and make juice or even a cherry smoothie.

 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is often found to be helpful for lowering uric acid levels. When experiencing an acute gout attack, try mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-oz glass of water and drinking the entire mixture at once. But avoid taking more than 4 teaspoons of baking soda per day, as this may increase the risk of high blood pressure.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has long been touted as effective in providing relief from joint pain caused by arthritis and gout. Apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect, therefore providing relief to people suffering from too much acid in the body. That is one of the reasons it is also helpful for relieving heartburn.

For relief from gout pain, just mix one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink. When buying apple cider vinegar, make sure it is organic and look for the ‘mother web’ in the bottle. Then you’ll know it’s good!

 

Lemon Juice with Baking Soda

People with gout should try to alkalize their body as naturally as possible. Another way to do this is to drink lemon juice mixed with baking soda. This mixture can help you achieve balanced pH levels.

Combine the juice of one lemon in one-half teaspoon of baking soda and wait for the mixture to settle down, which may take a few minutes. Then pour the mixture into a glass of water before drinking.

All these natural remedies may prove beneficial in alleviating painful gout attacks.

However, neither these home remedies nor any other treatment should be used as a “crutch.” Making changes to your diet and lifestyle are far better and healthier than any ‘fix’. Start making positive changes, especially in your eating habits, followed by other healthy lifestyle habits, and treat the underlying problem first. Let your pain motivate you to improve your health.