Gout is a very common, often painful, form of arthritis that affects more than 6 million adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gout occurs when the body overproduces uric acid and is not able to properly eliminate it. It can also occur if the diet is full of purine-rich foods. Gout causes painful, swollen, stiff joints and usually attacks the big toe, heels, wrists, fingers, elbows and ankles. Watching your diet closely could positively impact the severity of gout.
Cherries
Cherries have natural anti-inflammatory properties. They are high in antioxidants and contain enzymes that are capable of neutralizing uric acid, which causes gout. A study done at the U.S. Agricultural Research Service Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, Calif., and published in the "Journal of Nutrition," found that levels of uric acid significantly decreased after participants consumed approximately 8 oz. of cherries daily. This same study also showed that individuals who continued to eat cherries over three months saw their uric acid levels return to normal, eliminating arthritic gout attacks.
Red Grapes
Red grapes contain an antioxidant known as quercetin, which has powerful ant-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. NaturalNews.com suggests that eating a handful of red grapes daily can help the body dissolve extra uric acid and can assist in relieving joint pain caused by gout. Grapes are also very alkaline, according to Health911, and can help eliminate the acidity in the bloodstream caused by high uric acid levels.
Celery Seed
Celery seeds can relieve the painful symptoms of gout by releasing uric acid from the body. James Duke, Ph.D, a medical botanist who used to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, claims that not only do celery seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties, but they also can cure gout if an individual takes 500 mg of celery seed extract twice per day. According to the website Health911, celery seeds can be made into a tea and can help relieve gout if the individual drinks a half cup at least four times per day.
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