How to Treat Gout at Home
Gout develops when uric acid forms tiny crystals on the cartilage in joints and tendons. It typically affects the feet, but can also affect other joints. In rare cases, it even attacks the spine. The pain and inflammation of gout leaves many sufferers unable to walk normally or even put on shoes during an attack. Fortunately, physicians and gout sufferers themselves have discovered a variety of effective methods for decreasing the frequency of attacks and treating them when they do occur.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Soak the affected joint in a soothing bath. Fill a small basin with 1/4 pound of sea salt, 1/2 cup medicinal activated charcoal or 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar per liter (2 pints) of water. Use water that’s very warm, but not hot. Soak your feet or other affected areas for approximately 20 minutes.
Home Remedies for Gout Flare Ups
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Take appropriate over-the-counter medications 2. Choose a medication with anti-inflammatory and pain-killing action, such as Ibuprofen. Check that the medication isn’t counterproductive in cases of gout or kidney disorders. Aspirin, for instance, increases uric acid in the bloodstream and can worsen gout. For a severe onset of gout pain, take the medication as directed 2. For chronic, long-term gout, ask your doctor about taking regular low doses to prevent gout attacks.
Try herbal supplements and teas. Celery seeds, which can be taken as a tea or extract, help dissolve uric acid crystals. Celery seeds, along with sarsaparilla and dandelion leaf, are also diuretics and help your body eliminate uric acid more quickly. Cat’s claw (Unicaria tomentosa) reduces inflammation, and rose hip tea contains high levels of joint-protecting vitamin C. Certain plant extracts, such as bromelain and quercitin, can also help you treat gout at home.
Strawberries for Gout
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Avoid food and drink that increase your purine levels. Limit your protein consumption to around 15 percent of your total calories. Avoid red meat, organ meat and fish. Eat only moderate amounts of poultry and high-protein beans and legumes such as lentils and kidney beans. Steer clear of vegetables that contain purine, such as asparagus, mushrooms and cauliflower. Avoid alcohol completely because it increases uric acid retention, and some alcohols, such as beer and port wine, contain purines.
Eat more foods that lower uric acid levels. Potassium in foods such as bananas, apricots and cantaloupe dissolves uric acid crystals. Eat cherries or cranberries and apples daily. Cherries and cranberries strengthen the kidneys and reduce inflammation, while the malic acid in apples breaks down uric acid. Snack on blueberries, which contain anthocyanosides that prevent inflammation and protect the collagen in your joints. Protect your joints even more with foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries and cabbage.
Tips
Drink plenty of water, especially if you use diuretic herbs. Your kidneys need sufficient water to efficiently eliminate uric acid. Consult your doctor for other gout treatments. Prescription medications such as allopurinol and colchicine can also keep gout pain and inflammation in check.
Warnings
Frequent foot baths can dry out the skin on your feet. Limit foot baths to one or two a week. If you have diabetes, don't soak your feet.
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References
- University of Michigan Health System
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Gout. Updated April 2016.
- Zhang Y, Chen C, Choi H, et al. Purine-rich foods intake and recurrent gout attacks. Ann Rheum Dis. 2012; 71(9):1448-53. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2011-201215
- Fischer E. Ueber die Harnsauer. 1 [On Uric Acid. 1]. Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft. 1884: 17:328-338. doi:10.1002/cber.18980310304
- Ragab, G., Elshahaly, M., & Bardin, T. (2017). Gout: An old disease in new perspective – A review. Journal of Advanced Research, 8(5), 495–511. doi:10.1016/j.jare.2017.04.008
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gout. Updated January 28, 2019.
- Zgaga, L., Theodoratou, E., Kyle, J., Farrington, S. M., Agakov, F., Tenesa, A., … Campbell, H. (2012). The Association of Dietary Intake of Purine-Rich Vegetables, Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Dairy with Plasma Urate, in a Cross-Sectional Study. PLoS ONE, 7(6), e38123. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0038123
- Choi HK, Gao X, Curhan G. Vitamin C intake and the risk of gout in men: a prospective study. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(5):502–507. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2008.606
- Zhang Y, Neogi T, Chen C, Chaisson C, Hunter DJ, Choi HK. Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks. Arthritis Rheum. 2012;64(12):4004–4011. doi:10.1002/art.34677
- Arthritis Foundation. Gout Diet: Dos and Don’ts.
- Boban M, Modun D. Uric acid and antioxidant effects of wine. Croat Med J. 2010;51(1):16–22. doi:10.3325/cmj.2010.51.16
- Caliceti C, Calabria D, Roda A, Cicero AFG. Fructose Intake, Serum Uric Acid, and Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Critical Review. Nutrients. 2017;9(4):395. Published 2017 Apr 18. doi:10.3390/nu9040395
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. Published December 2015.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Gripped by Gout. NIH News in Health. Published February 2014.
- Kakutani-Hatayama M, Kadoya M, Okazaki H, et al. Nonpharmacological Management of Gout and Hyperuricemia: Hints for Better Lifestyle. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015;11(4):321–329. Published 2015 Sep 2. doi:10.1177/1559827615601973
Tips
- Drink plenty of water, especially if you use diuretic herbs. Your kidneys need sufficient water to efficiently eliminate uric acid.
- Consult your doctor for other gout treatments. Prescription medications such as allopurinol and colchicine can also keep gout pain and inflammation in check.
Warnings
- Frequent foot baths can dry out the skin on your feet. Limit foot baths to one or two a week. If you have diabetes, don't soak your feet.
Writer Bio
Nicole Langton has been a professional writer for over 10 years. She began writing for a natural health company where she developed a deep interest in nutrition and natural treatments. Langton earned a Bachelor of Arts in east central European studies as well as a certificate in English language to teach to adults.