Gout is a type of arthritis that creates inflammation, swelling and painful joints caused by elevated uric-acid levels in your body. Although prescription medications are traditionally used to treat gout, consider natural herbal supplements as an alternative treatment regimen. Natural remedies and supplements for gout are abundant.
What is Gout?
Gout is a painful type of arthritis caused by elevated uric-acid levels in the body. Gout commonly starts with excruciating joint pain in the big toe, but can affect other joints as well. Gout is treated with prescription medications like colchicine, but many people prefer to pursue effective natural remedies and supplements for treating the condition.
Gout Remedies
Cherries are famous for lowering uric-acid levels in the body and stemming the effects of gout. Eat a half pound (225g) of either fresh or canned cherries per day, or drink two liters of pure, natural cherry juice.
Bilberry is related to the blueberry, and has a high concentration of anthocyanins, flavonoids that help stimulate blood flow to your joints and reduce painful swelling. Bilberry has the added benefit of containing numerous antioxidants. Choose a bilberry supplement that contains at least 25 percent anthocyanins and follow the dosage recommendations on the label.
Devil's claw is an herb that has the ability to lower uric acid in the system, flushing out toxins and waste and alleviating the pain of gout. Follow the directions on the label of the supplement you choose.
Safflower helps relieve gout by neutralizing uric acid and clearing toxins and waste from the system. Safflower also works as an anti-inflammatory to help relieve painful stiff joints. It comes in capsule form; as always, follow the recommended dose on the label.
Diuretic Gout Remedies
Celery is a diuretic that promotes the excretion of urine, which helps remove uric acid from your body. Make an infusion by adding 2 tsp. of celery seed to 1 cup of boiling water; let it steep for 30 minutes. Drink this infusion three times a day. Because this is a diuretic, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Nettle root is another natural diuretic that helps the kidneys excrete excessive uric acid. It is also a natural antihistamine, which can help reduce the painful swelling of gout.
Warning
Consult your doctor before using herbs or natural remedies to prevent or treat gout. If you are taking colchicine, ask your physician or pharmacist about drug interactions. Until you know how you will react to herbs and natural remedies, start by taking them slowly. Do not overuse herbal supplements, and take only the recommended dose. Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water daily to properly hydrate your system and excrete uric acid and toxins.
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