Gout is a painful inflammatory joint disorder, similar to rheumatism and arthritis. According to a 2009 report in "Rheumatology," gout may have genetic and environmental causes. If the body produces excess uric acid that cannot be excreted through the kidneys, uric acid crystals accumulate and lodge in the joints and kidneys, causing a gout attack. Natural treatments for gout aim at controlling the number and severity of gout attacks.
Diet
It is important to reduce or eliminate purine-rich foods that can raise the level of uric acid in your blood and lead to gout. These include organ meats (the heart, brain, liver and kidneys), sardines, herring, scallops, mussels, anchovies, beans and alcoholic beverages. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking four to eight cups of water each day and another four to eight cups of other fluids, but avoiding alcohol. It also recommends getting your protein from eggs, tofu and low-fat dairy, while limiting meat and fish consumption. Coffee, small amounts of vitamin C (preferably from fresh fruit and vegetables) and cherries may lower uric acid production, but check with your doctor before trying these.
Weight
Excess weight can strain the heart and kidneys, making it difficult to excrete uric acid. According to a 2005 study in "Archives of Internal Medicine," obesity is a strong risk factor for gout in men, and weight loss is a protective factor. Exercise and dieting can help maintain a healthy weight.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies complement other natural gout treatments. Diuretic herbs like burdock root (Arctium lappa), celery seed (Apium graveolens), yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and wild carrot (Daucus carota) will help your kidneys flush uric acid from your body. Anti-inflammatory herbs will help reduce joint inflammation. Anti-inflammatories most helpful for arthritic conditions include meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), black willow (Salix nigra), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and wild yam (Dioscorea villosa). If joint pain is constant, thuja (Thuja occidentalis) is a useful anti-rheumatic herb.
Relaxation and Exercise
Popular ways to manage pain include relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. Endorphins released when you are in a state of relaxation can actually lower your perception of pain. Daily moderate exercise will also release endorphins and help with weight loss, another natural protective measure against gout attacks. Gentle yoga, tai chi and massage are all excellent ways to loosen joints, improve circulation and release toxins.
References
- "Rheumatology"; New insights into the epidemiology of gout; Michael Doherty; March 2009.
- Mayo Clinic
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Obesity, weight change, hypertension, diuretic use, and risk of gout in men: the health professionals follow-up study. Choi HK, Atkinson K, Karlson EW, Curhan G. April 2005.
