The pain of gout comes from crystallized uric acid with lots of sharp edges that embed themselves in the soft tissues of your joints. This crystallization happens when the uric-acid level in your blood gets too high. To find pain relief from gout, you need to get rid of the crystals. Consider doing it naturally so that you can avoid the side effects that come with medications.
Signs and Symptoms
When you are hit with a gout attack, it usually begins with a sharp pain that grows in intensity until it becomes excruciating. The affected area will feel warm and appear red and swollen. It will also be very tender. The most common site for a gout attack is the joints of the big toes, but gout can also affect the ankles, knees, wrists and fingers.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts contain magnesium, which helps improve circulation. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts to a bath while the tub is filling. Soak in the warm water until it cools. The warm heat of the bath and the healing salts help break up uric-acid crystals, and improved circulation resulting from the bath helps carry the crystals away. The bath will also help minimize swelling.
Celery Seed Juice
Celery seeds have more than a dozen anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help reduce gout swelling and eliminate uric acid from the body. Cook 1 tbsp. of celery seeds in 2 cups of water until they are soft. Strain out the seeds and drink ½ cup of the remaining water. Repeat four times a day.
Lemon and Lime Juice
Lemon and lime juice stimulates the formation of calcium carbonate in the body. Calcium carbonate neutralizes acids in the body, including the uric acid that triggers gout attacks. It also helps break down uric-acid crystals. After each meal, squeeze the juice from a lemon or lime and drink it in a glass of lukewarm water.
Cherry Juice
Cherries are a standard gout reliever. They contain anthocyanins, the compound that gives cherries their red color and helps the body reduce inflammation. They also help lower uric-acid levels because they are rich in antioxidants, allowing the body to get rid of uric-acid crystals more quickly. Drink up to 2 pints of cherry juice daily.
Tags: uric acid, uric-acid crystals, also help, Epsom salts, gout attack