An extremely painful form of arthritis, gout is characterized by severe pain and inflammation of one joint at a time. It affects the big toe joints especially, and other joints of the extremities. The main goal for gout treatment involves reducing uric acid in the blood and ridding the body of uric acid crystal in the joints. Various home remedies help gout sufferers find pain relief; however, medical treatment is recommended when symptoms become intolerable.
Sour Cherries
Sour cherries and sour cherry juice are helpful in reducing inflammation and pain for gout in the knee and elsewhere in the body, reports the University of Michigan Health System.
The active ingredient in cherries helpful in reducing gout is called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin also gives cherries their red color. Cherries are high in potassium, which contributes to the body's ability to create a slightly alkaline environment, promoting the reduction of uric acid in the blood and urine.
Sour cherry juice is available at most health food stores. Mix the cherry juice with water to taste, and drink one glass a day to prevent gout attacks.
Black Bean Broth
Also high in anthocyanins, black bean broth is reputed to be an excellent gout treatment, relieving inflammation, pain and stiffness, according to the Gout Pal website. Rich in nutrients, black beans are replete with anti-inflammatory properties and are useful for gout as well as for other forms of arthritis.
Nutrients in the beans and the broth help lower uric acid in the blood and dissolve uric acid crystals in the joints.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an old folk remedy still popular today. Its properties help relieve gout pain and inflammation. Apple cider vinegar alters the body's pH, creating a more alkaline environment, an ideal situation for reducing acidosis and lowering uric acid in the blood and urine, according to Robert O. Young, Ph.D., and Shelley Redford Young in their book, “The pH Miracle.”
Consume apple cider vinegar in a drink mixed with water, or used as a compress on gouty knees and joints to relieve pain. To use as a compress, heat apple cider vinegar and water in a 1 to 1 ratio. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and gently wring it out, forming a compress to place on sore knees. If heat is bothersome, make the solution room temperature. Repeat as necessary.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Gout
- Gout Pal: Natural Remedy for Gout-Black Bean Broth
- “The pH Miracle”; Robert O. Young, Ph.D. and Shelley Redford Young, 2003
