Natural remedies for gout
Gout is a condition that affects many people throughout the world. It is considered to be a type of arthritis that is characterized by sudden pain as well as swelling, heat, redness and tenderness in the affected joints. Gout typically affects the joint found in the big toe but the symptoms can spread to include the entire foot as well as the knees, ankles, wrists and hands. A gout attack normally lasts for around five to ten days but may last longer depending on the severity of the condition. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals that accumulate in the body. These acid crystals are found in a variety of foods such as asparagus, mushrooms, organ meats, herring and anchovies.
There are many medical therapies and remedies for gout. Natural remedies for gout are very popular and are recommended to accompany typical medical care. There are a variety of natural remedies that have been used to treat gout over the years and many have been very successful in reducing the pain, swelling and tenderness of the condition.
Vitamin C has been used for many years to treat the common cold as well as other illnesses and conditions. It has been used to successfully treat the symptoms of gout as well. It is believed that the properties of Vitamin C help to reduce the uric acid levels found in those that have been diagnosed with gout. It is important to note that if you have kidney disease, you should consult with your regular physician before beginning a regimen that includes taking Vitamin C. This vitamin will increase the way your body absorbs iron from a variety of foods. You should also be careful to stay within the recommended dosage of Vitamin C. It is currently recommended that you take no more than 2,000 milligrams per day of this vitamin. More than the recommended dosage can lead to painful gas, diarrhea and difficulty digesting foods. Vitamin C can also interfere with blood thinning medications in rare cases. If you take Coumadin, consult your physician before adding Vitamin C to your daily supplemental intake.
Cherries are also considered to be a natural remedy for gout. Cherries can either be eaten raw or blended and mixed with water to make fresh cherry juice. The recommended amount of cherries is typically between one-half to one cup per day. You can also find natural cherry extract at a variety of health food stores and online stores. Cherries have been a popular choice for home remedies for many years and although they are well-known for their help with the symptoms of gout, there is no medical evidence that proves this theory. Studies have been done to show that fresh cherries do lower the uric acid levels in the body as well as slightly lowering inflammation or swelling in those that have been diagnosed with gout.
The most common natural remedy for gout includes an overall healthier diet. Most uric acid is created from the metabolic process of purine. Eating foods that are rich in purine will contribute to raising the uric acid levels in your body so avoiding these foods can help to better control both the symptoms of gout and the condition itself. Certain meats and seafood contain higher levels of purines that act to increase the levels of uric acid found in the body. A healthy diet, while it should contain some meats and seafood, should avoid the foods that are highest in purine particularly for those with gout. It has also been noted that dairy helps to substantially decrease the amount of uric acid in the body and can help to control the pain and inflammation associated with gout.
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