Try these home remedies for gout relief that can ease your symptoms and reduce pain.
13 Natural Gout Remedies for Pain and Swelling You Can Try
Updated on May 14, 2021
What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, tenderness, and inflammation in the joints, according to the Mayo Clinic. It affects different body parts like the ears, wrists, knees, ankles, and small joints in the hands. High levels of uric acid in the body typically causes gout, but some other causes include lack of exercise, high levels of alcohol consumption, stress, excessive protein intake, and genetics. Gout is also linked to other, more serious, health problems so you should seek proper medical treatment. But trying these home remedies for gout relief can reduce your pain and ease other symptoms.
Cherries
Cherries have antioxidant properties, which are an excellent home remedy for gout relief, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cherries also help reduce inflammation and gout flare-ups because they contain anthocyanins.
Ginger root
Ginger root has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as one of the many different treatments for gout relief. One way to take ginger root is to just incorporate it into your daily meals when cooking. Another way is to add half a teaspoon of ginger root to boiling water and drink the mixture once it has cooled. A third option is to create a paste by combining the ginger root with water and applying it to the affected area and leaving it on for about 30 minutes.
Hydrate
One of the best gout remedies? Water. If you’re suffering from gout pain and swelling, it is important to stay hydrated and drink lots of water, says Taz Bhatia, MD, an integrative health specialist in Atlanta, GA. This will help to flush the uric acid out of your body, keeping gout under control.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the simple home gout remedies for pain and swelling. The acidity in the vinegar helps to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it two to three times a day. If you find this to be helpful, you can increase the amount of apple cider vinegar that you add to water.
Cold water
Cold helps to reduce swelling. In the case of gout, though, it is important to soak the affected area in cold water for pain relief rather than use ice. Ice alone can damage the skin and make the condition worse.
Bananas
You probably have these gout remedies right on your kitchen counter. The high levels of potassium in bananas convert uric acid crystals in the body into liquid, which will then exit the body through urination. Bananas also contain vitamin C, which may help reduce gout. Bananas are also an anti-inflammatory food. Try adding one or two bananas to your daily food intake for your gout.
Baking soda
Baking soda can reduce the amount of uric acid in the body, which is the main cause of gout, helping to relieve gout pain. Mix half a teaspoon into a glass of water and drink it up to four times a day for two weeks. If you are above 60 years old only drink this solution three times a day, says Dr. Taz.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is one of the potential home gout remedies for pain, according to Dr. Taz. The charcoal absorbs uric acid, which will help to reduce the effects of gout on the body. Either soak in a bath with half a cup of charcoal powder or create a paste with charcoal powder and water and apply to the affected area.
Epsom salt
Epsom salt contains high levels of magnesium, which works to reduce high blood pressure. Soak the affected body part in a mixture of Epsom salt and warm water for pain relief and to reduce swelling. (These essential oils for gout can also help relieve inflammation.)
Exercise
We bet you didn’t think of exercise as one of the natural gout remedies. Exercise reduces the level of uric acid in the body by normalizing insulin levels. Exercise will help to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, especially when you have gout. Apples contain malic acid, which will help to reduce the uric acid in the body. The malic acid makes apples one of the most optimal gout treatments because it reduces swelling and relieves pain.
Lemon juice
The best way to relieve gout pain and swelling is to reduce the amount of uric acid in the bloodstream. Lemon juice alkalizes the body and reduces the amount of acid. Mix the juice from one lemon with half a teaspoon of baking soda, according to Dr Taz. Once the fizzing has stopped, add it to a glass of water and drink immediately. Another option is to add lemon juice to your water and drink around three glasses a day. You might reap these other benefits of drinking lemon water too.
Eliminate sugar, soda, alcohol, and caffeine
By reducing your sugar intake you can decrease your chances or the severity of gout. Also, alcohol dehydrates you, causing uric acid levels in the bloodstream to rise. Reducing your intake of red meat and other gout-producing foods will also help.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic: "Gout: Symptoms."
- Taz Bhatia, MD, integrative health specialist, Atlanta, GA.
- Mayo Clinic: "Gout: Diagnosis and Treatment."
Originally Published in Reader's Digest
