Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe pain, redness and tenderness in the joints, mainly found in the joint of the big toe. It is caused when uric acid in the blood forms crystals that accumulate around the joint, causing inflammation and intense pain. Some alternative treatments can help relieve a gout attack, but it is recommended that you consult with a doctor before starting any treatment.
Vitamin and Supplement Therapy
For gout attacks, you may want to consider adding certain vitamins and supplements to your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil supplements, may help with the inflammation associated with gout. Salmon and halibut are two good sources, but speak with your doctor before adding omega-3 to your diet, especially if you are taking any blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin. Acidophilus supplements, which contain Lactobacillus acidophilus, can be taken to maintain not only the gastrointestinal health but also the immune health as well. N-acetyl cysteine and vitamin C are both good for their antioxidant effects, while MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is good for decreasing inflammation. Avoid taking extra doses of niacin and vitamin A because both may increase attacks of gout.
Diet Therapy
Potential food allergens, such as dairy, gluten, additives, preservatives and corn, may cause gout attacks. Your doctor may run tests to check for food sensitivities. Eat foods high in antioxidants, like blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, spinach and bell peppers. Eating 1/2 pound of cherries every day for two weeks may lower uric acid levels and prevent attacks. Eat more high-fiber foods such as oats, potatoes, yams and psyllium seeds, and avoid refined foods such as white bread, pastas and sugar. Cut down on oxalate foods such as spinach, beets, chocolate, black tea and strawberries, and eat foods that are rich in magnesium and low in calcium, such as barley, bran and brown rice. Eat less red meat such as beef, pork and lamb, and eat more lean cuts of meats, cold-water fish, tofu and beans for protein. Restrict foods high in purines, such as goose, organ meats, anchovies and mackerel. Use healthy cooking oils like olive and vegetable oil, and reduce the consumption of trans fats, which can be found in commercially baked goods like cookies, crackers and cakes. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened drinks. Drink six to eight glasses of filtered water every day; it helps to flush out uric acid and prevents dehydration, which often triggers gout attacks.
Herbal Therapy
Cranberry is good for kidney health; it is recommended that you drink 8 to 16 oz. of unsweetened cranberry juice every day. Green tea is a good antioxidant and is important for immune system health. Be sure to use caffeine-free green tea. Devils claw is good for pain and inflammation but may increase the blood-thinning effects of certain medications like aspirin and warfarin. Cat's claw is good for the immune system and inflammation and is an antibacterial and antifungal treatment. Bromelain and turmeric are both good for pain and inflammation, but both can increase the blood thinning effects of certain medications like aspirin and warfarin.
Homeopathic Therapy
Although homeopathic remedies have not been fully studied to determine their effectiveness, some of the most commonly prescribed remedies may work. Consult with a homeopathic doctor for the right dose for each one. Aconite is used for the sudden onset of burning pain, restlessness, anxiety and gout attacks that may come on after either a shock or injury. This can also be used for swollen, painful joints. Belladonna is used for intense pain that may be throbbing or if the pain is made worse by any motion and is made better by applying pressure or if the joint feels hot. Berberis vulgaris is used for spasms of pain in the joints made worse when walking. Bryonia is for pain made worse by any kind of motion or if the pain is much better with applied pressure and heat. Colchicum is used for pain made worse by motion and changes in the weather and can be used for nausea brought on by a gout attack. Ledum is used when the joints become spotted or blotched in coloring, purple and swollen or if the pain is much better with a cold compress or worsened with heat. Rhus toxicodendron is used for stiff, swollen joints that are hot and painful or if the pain is worse with a cold compress and better with heat.
