Gout attacks occur when excess uric acid enters the bloodstream because the kidneys are unable to excrete it. Uric acid is then deposited in the form of crystals in the body's small joints, primarily those of the feet. Gout is an excruciatingly painful form of arthritis that may be controlled with lifestyle adjustments, including changes in diet, weight loss and the addition of various natural treatments. However, you should consult with your health practitioner before starting unfamiliar products.
Step 1
Lose weight, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. Obesity is one of the main causes of gout, adding to already painful joints in the feet and legs.
Step 2
Drink water to keep your urine diluted. When urine becomes too acidic, uric acid forms crystals and the kidneys have a much more difficult time eliminating them. Drinking enough water allows the kidneys to maintain the uric acid in suspension, excreting it regularly.
Step 3
Reduce your intake of foods high in purines, says the University of Michigan Health System. Purines are formed primarily from the breakdown of proteins. When purines break down further, uric acid is produced in the bloodstream. Purines are found in red meats and organ meat, shellfish, animal fats, high-fat dairy products, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms and some legumes.
Step 4
Eat foods that are low in purines, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. Whole grains, fresh vegetables, vitamin C-rich fruits, low-fat dairy and soy products, root vegetables and lean poultry are all low in purines.
Step 5
Avoid alcoholic drinks, including beer. Alcohol can aggravate gout symptoms.
Step 6
Drink a mixture of apple cider vinegar and baking soda to help maintain alkalinity in the body and reduce acidosis, a major factor in the formation of gout, writes Dr. Robert O. Young, author of "The pH miracle." Add 1/2 tsp. baking soda to 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar in a tall glass. Allow it to fizz and foam until all the foam disappears. Add approximately 6 oz. water and drink all at one time. This mixture will also help relieve acid indigestion and heartburn. Baking soda can raise the blood pressure, so consult your health practitioner before using this treatment. If your blood pressure rises, stop drinking this mixture.
Step 7
Use plain baking soda to prevent gout attacks, suggests Dr. Theodore Baroody in "Alkalize or Die." Plain baking soda instantly alkalizes the body, helping to reduce pain and inflammation during an acute gout attack. Mix 1/4 tsp. baking soda with 8 oz. water and drink all at once. You can use up to a maximum of 4 tsp. baking soda daily in a series of drinks during an acute gout attack. Because baking soda can raise the blood pressure, you should consult your physician before using it. If your blood pressure rises, stop using baking soda.
Step 8
Drink an 8 oz glass of tart cherry juice mixed half-and-half with water every day to prevent gout symptoms, suggests the University of Michigan Health System. Tart cherries are high in antioxidants, which act as anti-inflammatory agents, reducing pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your body's pH slightly alkaline, advises Dr. Young. When the blood and urine are slightly alkaline, uric acid is unable to form crystals and does not deposit in the joints. Gout crystals in joints dissolve in an alkaline environment and are excreted naturally through the kidneys.
- If gout symptoms persist or worsen, consult your health practitioner.
Things You'll Need
- Low-purine foods
- Apple cider vinegar
- Baking soda
- Tart cherry juice
