4 Natural Treatments for Gout

Gout is an incredibly painful and common condition which affects the joints and leads to searing pain and inflammation. It is caused by a build up of uric acid in the blood which leads to uric acid crystals being deposited in the joints. It commonly affects the joints of the toes, fingers, ankles, wrists and knees.

It is now known that eating a diet high in carbohydrates and thus having chronically elevated blood sugar
levels is the underlying cause of gout. High insulin levels have been linked to greater incidents of gout. Sugar, specifically fructose, slows the body’s ability to excrete uric acid which leads to it building up and causing gout. It seems that uric acid is also a by-product of fructose metabolism which compounds the problem. The key is to reduce consumption of sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, excess fruit, baked goods, fruit juices, cool drinks, fructose-sweetened drinks and foods. Increase your consumption of meat, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, fish and vegetables.

Drink plenty of water each day to help the body flush uric acid out. Drink about 2L of water each day and include herbal teas that reduce inflammation like ginger tea. Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juice if you have gout, but you can make naturally pressed vegetable juices.

Cherries are a known treatment for gout because they contain compounds called anthocyanidins which decrease inflammation. Consume a cup of fresh cherries each day or drink pure cherry juice. Avoid canned cherries or juice with added sugar.

Alcohol is a risk factor for gout, especially wine, because it increases insulin levels and can have high sugar content. This leads to an increase in blood uric acid levels and cause gout. Limit your alcohol consumption or avoid alcohol completely to treat gout.