Friday, January 31, 2014

Top 10 home remedies for gout

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, which is used to treat headaches and acid stomach, also helps treat gout and arthritis. The acidity in apple cider vinegar will help relieve acute pain. You can also add honey to the remedy to boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response.
  • Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it two to three times daily. If you find this remedy helpful, you can increase the dosage of apple cider vinegar to up to two tablespoons.
  • Another option is to mix two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of honey. Take it two times daily, once in the morning and once before going to bed.

2. Ginger Root

The anti-inflammatory properties present in ginger root can be very helpful in relieving pain and inflammation. There are many ways to use ginger root in the treatment of gout.
  • Mix equal amounts of fenugreek powder, turmeric powder and dried ginger root powder (sonth). Have one teaspoon of this mixture along with warm water. Take it twice daily.
  • You can simply add ginger root in cooking recipes, or eat a small, raw piece of ginger root daily.
  • You can also add one-half teaspoon of ginger root to one cup of boiling water and mix it well. Drink this solution at least once daily.
  • Another option is to make a paste of ginger root with a little water and apply this paste on the affected area. Leave it on for about half an hour. Do this once daily.

3. Baking Soda

One significant factor contributing to gout is an increase of uric acid in the body. Baking soda can help lower the amount of uric acid, giving you relief from the pain.
  1. Mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it.
  2. Drink this solution four times a day but not more than that.
  3. Continue up to two weeks.
If you are above 60 years, do not take more than three times in a day. Also, ignore this remedy if you suffer from hypertension.

4. Lemon Juice

To get relief from gout pain, it is essential to alkalize the body and neutralize the excess uric acid in blood stream. This can be done easily with fresh lemon juice and baking soda. Along with lemon juice, also eat other fruits rich in vitamin C to strengthen the body tissues.
  • Mix the juice of one lemon with one-half teaspoon of baking soda. Let it sit for a few seconds, and then mix it in a glass of water. Drink it immediately.
  • Another option is to add the juice of half a lemon to a glass of water and drink it three times a day.

5. Cherries

Cherries, whether sweet or sour, can also be very helpful in treating gout due to their antioxidant properties. Cherries also contain anthocyanins, which can reduce inflammation as well as minimize gout flare-ups.
  • For gout patients, eating 15 to 20 cherries a day is highly recommended. For better results, start your day with some cherries. It is best to eat fresh cherries, but if they are not available at the market, you can opt for canned cherries.
  • Another option is to drink a glass of cherry juice enriched with a few cloves of minced garlic daily.

6. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is another useful ingredient for home treatment of gout and other forms of arthritis. The high amount of magnesium present in Epsom salt will also improve the condition of your heart and lower high blood pressure. Soaking the affected body part in warm water mixed with Epsom salt relaxes aching muscles and relieves pain.
  1. For a leisurely bath, add two cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water.
  2. Soak your body in it until the water starts losing heat.
  3. Do this once a week. If you have severe gout, you can try it two or three times a week.

7. Bananas

bananas
Bananas are also very effective in treating gout. The high potassium content in bananas will help convert uric acid crystals into liquid form that will be flushed out of the body later through urination. Bananas also contain moderate amounts of vitamin C, which can be very effective in managing swelling and pain.
  • Simply eat one or two bananas daily, and soon you will notice improvement in your condition.
  • Another option is to add one ripe banana to one-half cup of yogurt. This will also help to keep diarrhea away.

8. Apples

apples
It is very common to hear people say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” It’s a good, healthy habit to eat at least one apple daily, especially when you have gout.
Experts suggest eating an apple after each meal. The malic acid present in apples will help neutralize uric acid in the body and thereby relieve gout pain and inflammation. If you do not like to eat apples, you can try apple juice. Along with an apple, it is also a good idea to eat raw carrots daily.

9. Activated Charcoal

activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is known to absorb uric acid; hence, it can be safely used for gout treatment. Those suffering from gout should take a charcoal bath twice or three times a week.
  • Mix one-half cup of charcoal powder with some water until it forms a paste. Put the paste in a tub and add more water. Soak your affected body part for at least half an hour. This remedy is a good solution for gout in the ankle joint or big toe.
  • For other affected body parts, make a charcoal paste and apply it on the skin. Leave it on for half an hour; then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  • Alternatively, you can take activated charcoal capsules orally to relieve gout pain and inflammation. Consult your doctor before using this option.

10. Cold Water

running water
Placing the affected area in cold water will reduce swelling as well as pain. When you have gout, do not use ice directly on the skin; it can damage the skin and make your condition worse.
  • Immerse the inflamed, swollen joint in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the process several times a day.
  • You can use an ice pack for about 15 minutes, but wrap it in a towel before placing it on the affected area. Do this twice a day. Avoid excess use of ice packs because it can lead to crystallization of uric acid.
So, if you are suffering from gout, simply try these natural remedies to get relief from the pain and inflammation. Bear in mind, there is no quick cure. Time and determination are required to treat gout.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Gout Sufferer? – Decrease High Uric Acid Naturally

What is Uric Acid?

Before showing you how to lower uric acid levels naturally, it’s important to understand what uric acid is, where it comes from, and why high levels can lead to gout…
Uric acid is a byproduct of the chemical breakdown of compounds called ‘purines’ that exist in our body’s cells and in our food. Purines are very important to us because they provide things like our energy and our protein that we all need. During this process, uric acid is produced in the bloodstream. Uric acid is good for us because it acts as an antioxidant and helps look after the internal linings of our blood vessels. It’s our kidneys’ job to process the uric acid produced and excrete waste out of our bodies via our urine, with a little amount via our stools.

What Causes High Uric Acid in Blood?

Although the kidneys usually maintain uric acid at healthy levels, there are times when they are unable to do this, resulting to excessive uric acid circulating in the blood.
Two of the main causes for high uric acid levels in blood are:
(1) The kidneys aren’t working to their full potential so that they are unable to process and expel sufficient uric acid quickly enough, or…
(2) There is too much uric acid being produced by the metabolizing purines for healthy kidneys to process. Whatever is the case, the result is high uric acid in the blood.
Food containing high purines convert to high uric acid levels that may lead to gout

What is the Result of High Uric Acid Levels in the Human Body?

High uric acid levels in the bloodstream is a condition known as ‘hyperuricemia.’ Over time this can lead to the production of uric acid crystals which can settle in the joints, tendons and surrounding tissue. Now, these crystals are needle-like in shape and are looked upon as foreign objects by the body’s defenses. The body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes against these crystals cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, inflammation, stiffness and very great pain. These are the symptoms of a gout attack. In other words, high uric acid levels in the human body can lead to gout.

How to Lower Uric Acid Levels Naturally?

The obvious answer to this is to avoid foods high in uric acid and switch to a low purine diet, as discussed below.  However, more and more gout sufferers are also moving away from costly drug-based remedies with their nasty side effects, to more natural remedies. Here are 3 simple tips on how to lower uric acid levels in the blood naturally:
(1) Drink between 2 and 3 liters of water everyday. Drink small amounts regularly throughout the day. Water helps the kidneys to process and flush uric acid out of the body.
(2) Consume a baking soda solution to help dissolve uric acid crystals, and, increase uric acid solubility. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 8 oz of water. Mix thoroughly, and drink maximum 8 glasses daily. One before bedtime, one when you get up in the morning, and one every 2 to 4 hours between meals. Repeat until the symptoms have gone.
Note: Since baking soda is high in sodium, change to a salt-free diet whilst taking this remedy. And, if you suffer from high blood pressure, although you can take it as long as you monitor your blood pressure closely, it’s better not to use this remedy at all.
(3) Avoid foods high in uric acid – change to a low purine diet. Since uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines, and, purines also exist in our foods, a gout sufferer needs to select food that is relatively low in purines. This means avoiding high purine foods completely.

The general types of foods high in uric acid are:

  • Fatty red meats – veal, bacon, mutton
  • Poultry  - turkey, goose
  • Some seafood – mussels, herring, smelt, sardines, trout, scallops
  • Alcohol -  Beer, in particular, is a trigger for gout
  • Sweetbreads  and internal organs
The types of foods that make up a low purine diet are things like; essential fatty acids (e.g. tuna, salmon, etc.), low-fat dairy products, complex carbohydrates (e.g. bread, cereal, pasta, rice, vegetables, fruit, etc.), fruits such as cherries, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, etc.
Final note: As always with natural remedies, first consult your doctor for professional guidance on their suitability to your individual case.

Dangers of Recurring Gout

Many folks are unaware that not dealing with their gout in a proper manner can be very damaging. By ‘dealing in a proper manner,’ I mean doing all they can to prevent their gout from coming back. You see, frequently recurring gout can lead to many health issues, such as permanent / serious joint damage and kidney problems like painful kidney stones. And, making matters worse is that, a person who experiences just one gout attack, now has a much higher chance of further attacks. In fact, it’s almost certain unless they take proper measures to prevent recurring gout.
So, as a gout sufferer, you need to, not only eliminate gout symptoms during an attack, but start on a regimen to prevent gout recurrence.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Gout cure foods and relief through natural nutrition

Gouty arthritis is inflammation of the joints. This is induced through the excessive quantities of uric acid in the body that the kidney can't address. When this happens the surplus runs into the bloodstream.

Uric acid - when in your bloodstream - locates in the joints, commonly in the bottom half of the body. Gouty arthritis represents real pain and relief is essential in order to be fit to work and accomplish day by day actions.

Uric acid is produced when the body acts upon on purine, which is detected in many foods. Nutrients rich in purine are meats, particularly red meat, food from the sea, fish, and fats. Many of these nutrients are what we would regard as as normal food stuff, all the same these ingredients don't manage the gouty arthritis, these foods may make for an attack of chronic gout.

There is naturally medicines which address the infliction. That doesn't repair the problem it only addresses the result of the problem - and in numerous cases not so good.

A lot of folks are searching for elemental treatments to manage the disorder. Many are looking for healthful nutrition that can combat their gout condition. Because a couple of of the foods which bring on gout are viewed as natural we have got to understand what is beneficial foods and what isn't beneficial foods in relation to gouty arthritis.

The nutrients which are low in purine are found in certain fruits and veggies. These are crucial when it comes to treating gout. Adding additional fruits and vegetables is needed.

Adding more water to the diet is also essential. If there is one single thing that helps the most, water is it. Pure, spring water is essential. The addition of ten to twelve glasses of water a day is imperative. This assists in flushing out the kidneys and aiding in detoxifying the body.

Vitamins are needed if you do not feel you are getting a good balance in your diet. The vitamins that are recommended for gout are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Selenium. These are nutrients that assist the body in processing the toxins through the body.

If there is any one food that is highly recommended, it is the Wild or Black Cherries. These are high in vitamin C, the kind that is easily absorbed. To achieve a significant level of relief from these cherries, the intake needs to be about 45-50 per day.

There is also reason to assume that raising your body's pH level will come in as a good natural gout treatment. The higher on the pH scale, meaning the body is more alkaline, the more the body will be capable of reducing uric acid. The uric acid is more water-soluble the more alkaline your body is. This is most significant, because if the uric acid is soluble then the body can expel it easier - as opposed to not leaving your body.

Recall that raising the pH level will make your body more alkaline. You do not want to lower that level, as it makes things more acidic. Optimum health requires you to maintain a high pH value.

So how do we achieve a high pH level and make our bodies a healthy alkaline? One way is to drink water. There is some water that is designed to achieve this easier. We can drink alkaline (ionized) water, which is water that has excess oxygen in it.

The ionized water is much more tasty than you regular spring water. Food flavors are enhanced by this water, by the way.

You will have understood that there are certain basic principles for natural nutritional gout treatment. Not only are they easy to implement, also they will have lasting results when thinking of a life free of gout induced pain.

Disclaimer: This report is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any sort of health trouble. Always confer with a health professional on any sort of health problem and particularly prior to commencing on any kind of a diet adjustment or physical exercise routine.