Nothing can bring a halt to your regular, daily routine faster than the burning, swelling, and pain of gout. Caused by a buildup of uric acid in your bloodstream, this type of arthritis is extremely painful and you will want relief from it as quickly as you can get it. Making use of the 15 home remedies for gout pain that we’re about to show you, you can get rid of the pain and get back on your feet faster.
Be sure that you understand that these remedies are not all-inclusive cures which are meant to supersede the advice and treatment of a healthcare professional.
1. Black Cherries
Black cherries or black cherry juice is one of the most effective gout relief remedies and preventions you will find. Rich in ascorbate and anthocyanins, these dark jewels have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to bring you much-needed relief. The anthocyanins also decrease the level of uric acid in your bloodstream when used regularly.
What to do:
- Eat 10 to 12 black cherries or drink the equivalent amount in juice mixed in 6 to 8 oz. of water every morning.
- Do this daily to keep uric acid at bay or to relieve gout symptoms whenever it strikes.
2. Pineapple
Pineapple is also effective when it comes to treating gout pain. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, bromelain helps to break down uric acid deposits and lowers serum uric acid to prevent gout flare-ups. Most of the bromelain is found in the husks and cores, though the fruit contains some.
What to do:
- Peel and core a fresh pineapple saving the husks and the core.
- Boil the husks and core in 3 quarts of water for 1 hour.
- Puree husks and core in the water used to boil them and then strain out the pulp.
- Drink this juice 2 to 3 times daily and eat the fruit as well.
3. Papaya
The consumption of papaya fruit is among the best home remedies for gout pain as well. The enzyme, papain, found in papaya helps to reduce inflammation around the joints. In addition, papaya helps maintain your body’s alkalinity and facilitate the removal of uric acid from your bloodstream.
What to do:
- Half a papaya and scoop out the seeds.
- Cut each of the halves in half and save three of them.
- Use a spoon to scoop out and eat the fruit while still in the shell.
- East at least 1 cup of papaya daily.
- Note that unripe papaya has an even greater concentration of papain and can be prepared in a Thai Green Papaya Salad.
4. Kale
Green leafy vegetables are also good for eliminating gout pain and kale is among the best of them. Kale is rich in vitamin C, which helps to lower uric acid levels in your bloodstream as well as helping to reduce overall serum acidity.
What to do:
- Add kale to your diet on a daily basis through juicing, salads or kale chips.
- Spinach and Swiss chard are other leafy greens to keep in mind.
- Eat at least 1 cup of kale or other leafy greens daily.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
When it comes to home remedies for gout pain, apple cider vinegar is another option to keep on the table. The anti-inflammatory properties of ACV help to eliminate much of the pain of a gout attack. In addition, ACV also helps to break up the uric acid deposits so that they can be flushed out of your body.
What to do:
- Stir 1 tsp of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a 10 oz. glass of warm water.
- Drink this first thing every morning before drinking or eating anything else.
6. Baking Soda
A simple solution for gout pain found in just about every kitchen is baking soda. Baking soda helps to maintain proper pH levels in your bloodstream and keeps down the buildup uric acid while also dissolving the crystals so that they can be eliminated.
What to do:
- Dissolve ¼ tsp of baking soda in an 8 oz. glass of water.
- Drink this solution 2 to 4 times on a daily basis.
7. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt can also help to soothe the inflamed joints associated with gout pain. The magnesium of Epsom salt helps to control inflammation while at the same time bringing relaxation and removing toxins from the body.
What to do:
- Dissolve ½ cup of Epsom salt in warm water in a foot tub.
- Soak the affected foot in the solution for about 20 minutes.
- Repeat this 2 to 3 times daily as necessary.
8. Blueberries
Blueberries are another of the highly effective home remedies for gout pain that you just can’t pass up. Rich in anthocyanins and ascorbate, blueberries help to reduce and inhibit the production of serum uric acid, which both prevents gout and helps alleviate it once it hits.
What to do:
- Consume ½ cup of blueberries on a daily basis.
- Add blueberries to fruit salads, smoothies, cereals and baked goods as well.
9. Kombucha
Kombucha can also help to control uric acid and relieve gout pain. Besides being excellent for building up the immune system, kombucha is anti-inflammatory and helps to relieve pain around the joints.
What to do:
- Kombucha can be purchased at most health food stores ready to go, but you can also make your own if you know what you’re doing.
- Drink 1 to 2 cups of this fermented tea daily.
10. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can also help to eliminate gout pain. The vitamin C content in lemons, as well as the level of citric acid, helps to balance the pH level of your blood making it more alkaline and inhibiting the buildup of serum uric acid.
What to do:
- Extract the juice of one lemon and add it to a 10 to 12 oz. glass of water.
- Add a little honey if you must and drink this 2 to 3 times daily.
11. Olive Oil
Another of the simple yet effective home remedies for gout pain is olive oil. The healthy fats found in olive oil have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, olive oil helps to bind toxins and eliminate them from your body.
What to do:
- Use olive oil as a carrier for massage oils.
- Replace vegetable oil and other oils with olive oil for cooking.
12. Quinoa
Maintaining pain-free health joints and reducing the pain of gout can also be accomplished by regular consumption of quinoa. Quinoa is a potent antioxidant which helps to maintain healthy joints and tissues and also helps to relieve and prevent inflammation.
What to do:
- Learn to cook with and use quinoa.
- Add quinoa to your diet in place of other grains which contain gluten on a regular basis.
13. Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen essential oil can also be added to the list of home remedies for gout pain. Wintergreen has a cortisone-like effect when applied to the joint affected by gout. It is easily absorbed and helps to promote better blood circulation to flush the uric acid out of the joint and reduce inflammation.
What to do:
- Place 2 drops of wintergreen essential oil in 1 tsp of olive oil or other carrier oil.
- Gently massage this oil mixture into the affected joint and allow it to absorb.
- Repeat this 2 to 3 times daily.
14. Raw Vegetables
Raw vegetables are quite effective at preventing and treating gout. Eating raw vegetables helps to reduce the overproduction of uric acid by limiting the number of purines you consume, therefore lowering your overall serum uric acid levels and inhibiting the buildup of those painful crystals. In addition, raw vegetables contain more fiber to help flush uric acid out of your system.
What to do:
- The best choices among raw vegetables include beets, cucumbers, lettuce, red cabbage, red peppers and summer squash, which can also be juiced in order to obtain their benefits.
- Leafy greens, which we mentioned earlier are also an ideal choice.
- Cooked beets or potatoes are also effective at reducing gout symptoms but stay away from frying those potatoes.
15. Turmeric
A major inflammation and pain reducer that cannot be forgotten among home remedies for gout pain is turmeric. The active ingredient found in turmeric, curcumin, is highly regarded as an anti-inflammatory and pain treatment. In fact, turmeric is more effective at reducing pain and swelling than ibuprofen and other drugs, which also tend to be murder on gout sufferers.
What to do:
- Mix 1 tsp of powdered turmeric along with a pinch of pepper in a glass of warm milk.
- Continue stirring while drinking this mixture as the turmeric will not dissolve.
- Drink this morning and night.
Conclusion
The overwhelming pain and swelling of gout are so severe that it takes most people off of their feet for a day or two and keeps them from their regular routine. If you are prone to gout or are searching for an answer to a gout attack, make use of one or more of these home remedies for gout pain and get the relief you need in order to get back on your feet. Be sure to share your own remedies, success stories and questions in the comments section below.
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