What are the best remedies for Gout?

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I would like to know what are the best remedies for gout? Not involving drugs. My other half suffers from gout in his leg and sometimes ends up limping.
Gout is a common type of arthritis that occurs when an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood, tissues and urine crystallizes in the joints. People who have gout are unable to break down and excrete uric acid, a byproduct of digesting certain foods. It usually comes on suddenly, and can last from a few hours to several days. It can cause extremely sore toes or other areas of the foot, and because it frequently manifests itself in the big toe, it is also known as "gouty big toe". Another name is "gouty arthritis". Gout can also appear in an ear, heel of the hand, small hand joints, ankles, knees, elbows, or wrists with inflammation, swelling and intense pain from the buildup of uric acid crystals. Uric acid is the end product of the metabolism of a class of chemicals known as purines. In people with gout, the body does not have enough of the digestive enzyme uricase, and, as a result, uric acid builds up and crystallizes. Left uncontrolled, excessive excretion of uric acid in the urine can lead to the development of painful kidney stones, kidney disease, and even kidney failure.

Gout is associated with high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and uric acid kidney stones.

It is estimated that up to 2 million people have gout. Between 75-90% of gout sufferers are middle-aged males and 25% have family members with it. In women, uric acid starts building up after menopause, quite possibly due to the drop in estrogen.

Remedies
Folk
Alfalfa is a good source of minerals and other nutrients that help reduce serum uric acid.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) Add some rose hips to vinegar and boil; dab on affected area. You may need to apply this mixture several times a day for a few weeks. The vinegar changes the blood pH so that the crystals will go into solution and be excreted.

• Mix two teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and raw honey in a glass of water and drink at mealtime.

• Soak the foot in a mixture of 1/2 cup of ACV and three cups of hot water.

Bilberry is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.

Black cherry juice Get some natural, concentrated black cherry juice and drink several tablespoons of the concentrate daily. You should expect relief in 48 hours.

Black cohash moderates blood acidity.

Blueberries are high in anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins, which help ease the pain of gout.

Buchu tea helps dissolve and flush out uric acid crystals.

Castor oil packs Soak a piece of white flannel in warm castor oil, wring it out and place over the affected area; cover with plastic wrap and apply a heating pad. Do this for one hour twice daily.

Cayenne pepper Boil one tablespoon of pepper in 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water and dab onto the painful joint.

• Mix cayenne with enough wintergreen oil to make a paste and apply to the affected area.

Celery seeds These seeds are quite effective in relieving gout by eliminating uric acid from the body. According to James Duke, Ph.D., a medical botanist formerly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, celery seeds contain about twenty different anti-inflammatory agents. Although there is little scientific research on celery seeds, according to Kerry Bone, a leading expert on herbal remedies in Australia, "it (sic) works brilliantly in patients." Recommended dosage is 500 mg (standardized to 450 mg of celery seed extract) 2x daily. Note: This remedy is not to be used by pregnant women because of its diuretic effect and the fact that it can encourage uterine contractions, or those with kidney disease because of its potential diuretic effect and that the plant's oils can worsen kidney inflammation.

• Cook a tablespoon of celery seeds in two cups of water until they are soft; strain and drink 1/2 cup four times a day.

Charcoal Take 1/2 -1 teaspoon of activated charcoal daily.

• Make a poultice using � cup of activated charcoal, 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed and warm water to draw out the toxins.

Cherries If you are lucky enough to have fresh cherries, eating 6-8 cherries daily will relieve the symptoms of gout. This remedy was reported in 1950 by Dr. Ludwig W. Blau who cured his own gout. Frozen and canned cherries may also be used. When you feel an attack coming on, eat 20-30 cherries immediately. Cherries are rich in compounds that prevent the destruction of collagen, which the body uses to form connective tissue. The connective tissue is damaged by gout. Cherries also have an enzyme that neutralizes uric acid and are high in anthocyanins which have high antioxidant properties as well as anti-inflammatory action. For greatest effectiveness eat them between meals.

Devil's claw reduces uric acid levels and is a natural cleansing agent for toxic impurities. Take 400 mg of the dried extract 3x a day for as long as desired.

DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) is very effective in relieving pain and swelling caused by inflammation. It helps dissolve crystalline deposits.

Garlic Eat several cloves of raw garlic daily. Mince the garlic and add it to black cherry juice for a potent remedy.

Ginger Put 1/3 cup of ground ginger (buy in bulk to keep the cost down) in a bathtub of water and soak for 30 minutes. This will cause you to sweat (a good thing) which will help eliminate the uric acid from your tissues. When you are finished the bath be sure to rinse off thoroughly, as the ginger can cause skin irritation if it dries on your skin.

Grapes are high in alkalines which lessen the acidity of uric acid and aid in its elimination from the body.

Hawthorn is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.

Hydrangea is an anti-inflammatory.

Ice Apply an ice pack for ten minutes, then alternate with a moist hot-towel compress, to soothe and numb the pain.

Mullein Soak mullein leaves in a hot vinegar/water mixture. Pack the leaves on the affected area.

Nettle contains alkaloids which neutralize uric acid.

Parsley acts as a natural diuretic.

Quercetin The flavonoid quercetin inhibits uric acid production in a similar fashion to commonly prescribed drugs for gout. Take 1000 mg of quercetin along with 1,000-1,500 mg of the enzyme bromelain (to enhance absorption) two to three times daily between meals. Bromelain also help reduce the inflammation.

Red clover has traditionally been one of the standard remedies for gout, as well as removing toxins from the body, and treating psoriasis, eczema, and hot flashes. Studies have shown that red clover may thin the blood, so it should not be used by patients who are also taking an anticoagulant medication. While red clover is high in isoflavones, the reason it is helpful in treating gout has not been studied.

Saffron neutralizes uric acid buildup.

Spearmint Make a poultice of spearmint leaves and wrap the affected area.

Strawberries Eating a cup of strawberries with each meal should bring quick relief. They neutralize uric acid.

Yarrow Make a tea by using equal parts of yarrow and stinging nettles; strain, cool and drink several cups a day.

Prevention
• One of the best ways to prevent gout is to drink at least 6-8 eight ounce glasses of water, fresh juices or herb tea daily, especially at the first signs of gout. This will keep your urine diluted and will help your body excrete uric acid and prevent crystals from forming.

• Eat foods high in potassium, as mentioned above.

• Eating generous amounts of other fruits and vegetables helps keep uric acid crystals in solution.

• Take the flavonoid quercetin - see below under Folk Remedies. This should be part of your permanent gout-prevention diet.

• Having sex prevents men from getting gout. It seems that increased sexual activity reduces uric acid levels in fertile men.

• Lemon juice prevents gout attacks by stimulating the formation of calcium carbonate in the body. Calcium carbonate neutralizes acids in the body, including uric acid that triggers gout attacks. After each meal drink the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. To get more juice out of the lemon, bring it to room temperature, then roll it around on the counter with the palm of your hand.

• Taking 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with meals will prevent gout attacks. This will help alkalize the body.

• Keep the leg elevated.

• A high fiber diet also aids in the elimination of uric acid by absorbing bile acids formed in the liver. These bile acids can act as a precursor to uric acid.

Foods and Other Things to Avoid
• Meat: organ meats, offal, meat extracts, veal, bacon, sweetbreads, meat gravies and broths, consommé/bullion

• Poultry: turkey, goose

• Seafood: salmon, mackerel, trout, cod, herring, sardines, anchovies, mussels, crab, shrimp

• Vegetables: peas, beans, lentils, asparagus, mushrooms, cooked spinach, rhubarb, cauliflower

• Yeast products: baked goods, beer

• Alcohol - it increases the production of uric acid and inhibits its excretion by the kidneys

• Coffee - it accelerates the breakdown of protein into uric acid

• All fried foods - they cause a depletion of vitamin E, which can cause uric acid to rise

• Cream and ice cream

• Rich desserts

• Spices

• Pastries

• Simple sugars, simple carbohydrates and saturated fats - they increase your body's production of uric acid and impair your kidneys' ability to get rid of it. Eliminate fructose (found in food and drinks, like sodas)

• White flour

• Aspirin can raise uric acid levels. If you need to use pain killers, only use ones with ibuprofen.

• Oatmeal

• Whole grains

• Caffeine - it impairs kidney function, which is needed to get uric acid out of the body.

HOPE THAT HELPS!  (+ info)

Has the frequency of gout and kidney stones gone up over time?

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We all here about the obesity epidemic, and that there is related increase of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. What about gout and kidney stones, is that occuring with more frequency as well? Anyone know the statistics on this?
i beleive it has!due to the awful diet a lot of people eat nowadays  (+ info)

Can anyone suggest some herbal remedies for gout?

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My husband has been prescribed with medication for gout, which is causing side effects and doesn't seem to be clearing the problem up
Many Thanks in advance.
Hi Rosie,

Some of the problems related to conventional medications for GOUT are

Pain relievers such as Tylenol or other more potent analgesics are used to manage pain. Anti-inflammatory agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are used to decrease joint inflammation, but common side effects of NSAIDS include irritation of the gastrointestinal system, stomach ulcers and intestinal problems , and even intestinal bleeding. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, given in short courses, are powerful anti-inflammatory agents for treating acute gout; yet long-term chronic use of corticosteroids is discouraged because of serious long-term side effects. Probenecid (Benemid) and sulfinpyrazone (Anturane) are medications that are commonly used to decrease uric acid blood levels by increasing the excretion of uric acid into the urine. Since these drugs can cause kidney stones patients with a history of kidney stones should seek other options. Allopurinol (Zyloprim) lowers the blood uric acid level by preventing uric acid production, but medication is used with caution in patients with poor kidney function, as they are at a particular risk of developing side effects, including rash and liver damage.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies have been used for centuries to treat a number of conditions, including gout. Harpagophytum procumbens (indigenous to the Kalahari Desert and is exclusive to Africa) has been used for many years to promote joint health and stability.

Glucosamine sulphate has been approved for the promotion of joint and cartilage health in more than 70 countries throughout the world, while Boswellia serata extracts address swelling joints, pain and tender tissues naturally, without side effects.

Check out these 2 hugely popular remedies (one of which is specific for gout) and see if that helps. http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/products/goutgone.htm and http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/products/jointeaseplus.htm

Hope all this helped

Good Luck!  (+ info)

Any suggestions for treating a mild case of gout?

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My uric acid levels have been running high the past couple years, and for the second time in my life I seem to be having a gout problem in my left foot, this time distributed across all my toes. As I remember last time, there isn't too much can be done, but does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
If its a mild case of gout, its usually tolerable. However, if it gets worst, thats when it starts affecting the way you walk n such. Really what you can do is watch your diet very carefully, avoiding certain foods...here's a link that tells you more about the diet.

http://www.everydiet.org/diet/gout-diet  (+ info)

Is it a good idea to exercise during a gout attack?

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I've been dealing with a gout attack over the last few days. The doctor has given me some medicine and I feel better, but I was just wondering if it is a good idea for me to go the gym and workout, or do I need to wait until I'm completely healed?
Yeah, as long as you don't feel pain, exercise is a good idea. Fellow gout sufferer here, and as the other answerer mentioned, when a joint is feeling pain from gout, a person just does NOT feel like exercise.

But I don't think exercise will be bad for you. Just stay hydrated big time, drink water during and lots of water after.  (+ info)

Has anyone ever heard of the benefits of drinking coffee to relieve the symptoms of Gout?

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Also vitimans and herbs that help relieve the symptoms of Gout.
i know cherry and pomegranate extract capsules will help gout.
also, flaxseed oil.

it helps my dad a lot. eliminating shellfish from his diet helped too...that really seemed to trigger attacks with him.  (+ info)

Can drinking water help lower your blood pressure?How about gout symptoms?

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If it can why doesn't the Doctor emphasize it?I'm not a water drinker, but I'm only reminded to drink water when I'm giving blood for a test, sometimes and to help with weight loss. I'm wondering if it would lessen 'gout' symptoms in my big toe joint also.
Sorry but drinking water does not help lower blood pressure. There are many in the natural health field that recommend drinking a lot of water to help prevent and treat gout. The truth is water does not help much. If you drink very little water each day it can help a little. Your doctor does not mention it because it really does nothing to prevent the conditions.

There are some things you can do to help prevent gout attacks. Here is an article that can help.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/348741/get_out_the_gout.html

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/Gout-Symptoms/index.htm  (+ info)

Any good remedies for chronic gout or diet recommendations for gout?

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Have had occasional gout turn (once or twice a year) into chronic gout 8-9 times a year. Do not smoke or drink but have some diet issues to address.
You need to avoid animal proteins, red meat, fatty foods, organ meats, anchovies, herrings, mackerel that are high in uric acid.

Drink plenty of fluids to dilute uric acid & purines in your body.

Some say coffee can lower uric acid, but don't start drinking if you don't.

Vit Ester C might lower uric acid, I'd suggest 3000mg/day.
Also cherries & other dark red & blue berries have lots of antioxidants in them.

Google: mayo clinic>>diseases>>gout

Good luck  (+ info)

Is there a good home remedy for gout?

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I know someone who was recently diagnosed with gout, is there something that could possibly treat this condition that is safe to use?
It depends where it is. My father had gout and they could never do anything for him. It was in the wrong place.It was about 4 inches in front of his big toe.  (+ info)

If I go to the emergency room for a serious,painful case of Gout, what can they do for it medically?

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I have had a serious Gout attack for 2 days now! I am debating on going to the emergency room, I don't have insurance and was wondering what they would do to help me.
They will give you high-dose NSAIDs such as diclofenac, or colchicine if you can't take NSAIDs. Go to a doctor.  (+ info)

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