Table of Contents

I. The Disease of Kings

a. Symptoms of Gout

II. Warning Signs of a Gout Attack

III. Vitamin C

IV. Ginger

V. Cherries

VI. Other Fruits

VII. Stay Hydrated and Get Plenty of Rest!

The Disease of Kings

Gout was once referred to as the “disease of kings,” but today we know it can affect many more people than just the royal family. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines. Purines are naturally present in all types of food, and uric acid is the waste product created when purines are broken down.

If you consume a lot of high-purine food, your body may have a hard time excreting all the uric acid produced. If uric acid is not expelled correctly, it builds up and forms painful crystals in the joints. High-purine foods can include beer, meat, and seafood. Now that those foods are available to the masses, kings and nobility are not the only ones affected by gout's unpleasant symptoms.

a. Symptoms of Gout

Intense joint pain: Gout pain typically affects the big toe first, but can occur in any joint. Gout attacks can occur in the knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Severe pain is felt for the first 4-12 hours after the onset of an attack.

Lingering discomfort: Once the severe pain subsides, continuing discomfort can last for a few days to a few weeks. In more severe cases of gout, attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints.

Inflammation and redness: When a joint is affected by gout, it will become swollen, tender, warm, and red.

Limited range of motion: If gout is not treated correctly, it can inhibit the joints' normal movements.

All of the side effects of gout can have a significant impact on your normal activity level. Gout sufferers can be prescribed medications like Colcrys (Colchicine), but you can also do things at home to help your condition. Read on to learn more about home remedies for gout pain. [1]

Warning Signs of a Gout Attack

Gout, also referred to as gouty arthritis, is typically diagnosed once you already have symptoms. By this time, the urate crystals have already taken hold in the tissues of your joints. Some people will have no early signs of a gout attack.

Many people with gout can tell if a gout attack is coming on. Many report a burning, itching, or tingling feeling in or around the affected joint. These sensations can occur one or two hours before a flare-up begins. The joint may also feel a bit stiff and sore. To prevent the onset of these symptoms, you can take pain medications, Colcrys, as well as implement some natural techniques to reduce the risk of future gout flare-ups. [2]

Vitamin C

Some studies suggest that vitamin C can help reduce uric acid levels. In one study, 184 people took vitamin C capsules or a placebo. The study results found that uric acid levels were significantly reduced for those who took vitamin C supplements. Those taking the placebo had no effect on uric acid levels.

You should always consult your doctor before taking vitamin supplements because they can interact with other prescription medications. Vitamin C supplements may raise levels of aspirin and acetaminophen in the blood if you take those medications regularly. It may also interact with the effectiveness of Warfarin and other blood-thinning medications. [3]

Ginger

Ginger is a common natural remedy for many inflammatory conditions. A study conducted by the International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research found that topical ginger can reduce gout pain. You can make a topical ginger remedy at home by boiling water with one tablespoon of grated fresh ginger root. You then soak a washcloth in the mixture and apply the cloth to the affected area. If you continue to experience pain, you can use this compress method once a day for 15 to 30 minutes.

Ginger may irritate some people's skin, so always do a skin test before using this method. If you do not want to apply ginger topically, you can also consume it in tea. To do this, boil water and steep two teaspoons of ginger root for 10 minutes. You can enjoy up to three cups of ginger tea per day. [5]

Cherries

Cherries have long been a popular home remedy for gout. Qualitative research suggests that around a quarter of gout patients in the United States use cherry products to treat their gout. Cherries contain vitamins A, C, and E. This fruit is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Many people blend their cherries or dilute tart cherry juice for consumption. Cherry extracts are also available at most health stores. [4] 

There is little evidence that it effectively helps gout, but some studies have shown a decrease in uric acid levels. One study had ten women consume two servings of Bing cherries after an overnight fast. Three hours after consuming the cherries, it was found that the women's uric acid levels significantly decreased. [3]

Other Fruits

The majority of fruits are low in purines and can be beneficial in reducing gout attacks and symptoms. Apples contain malic acid, which has been shown to neutralize uric acid. Malic acid may help with gout symptoms, but it is essential to consume apples in moderation because they contain fructose. Fructose can be a trigger for gout flare-ups, but eating apples is okay if it does not add excessive daily sugar to your diet.

Bananas are also thought to be helpful in gout relief. They are potassium-rich and may help tissues and organs function properly. The vitamins in bananas are useful to your overall health, but they do contain sugar. Sugar is a gout trigger, so you may want to reduce your bananas consumption to one a day. Dark, leafy greens and avocados are also a good option because they are also high in potassium, but lower in sugar. [5]

Stay Hydrated and Get Plenty of Rest!

It is essential to stay hydrated when you suffer from gout. Uric acid is processed through the kidneys and excreted as urine. Drinking plenty of water is vital to kidney function and can aid in the excretion of uric acid. It is important to reduce uric acid crystal buildup to prevent gout attacks. Drinking water cannot replace gout treatments, but it can improve symptoms.

Gout attacks can wreak havoc on your everyday routine, especially if your routine involves a lot of movement. Gout attacks can significantly interfere with movement and mobility, so you should stay put when experiencing a flare-up. You should avoid exercising, bearing heavy weights, and using your joints excessively. These activities can worsen joint pain and extend a gout attack. [5]

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.