How to Get Rid of Gout Fast – Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs if there’s too much uric acid in the blood. This leads to a formation of crystals in the joints. Gout can cause some serious pains and discomfort when it flares up. This is why we want to tell you how to get rid of gout.
The gout crystals usually form at the big toe but it can also occur at the knee, ankle, wrist, elbow, etc.
The pain it causes is similar to that of osteoarthritis. So you can rest assured it isn’t fun at all.
Gout pain springs up suddenly and causes swelling and redness around the joints.
It can last anywhere between 3 to 10 days.
However, the first day or two are typically the most painful.
Fortunately, attack occurrence isn’t so frequent.
Some people won’t experience it again until after months or maybe even years.
Gout Causes
Uric acid is produced by the body. It is used for the breakdown of purine which is naturally in the body and in some foods such as cola, juice, red meat, etc.
Typically, uric acid dissolves in the blood when produced in normal amounts. Most of it is also passed out when you pee.
However, if the body produces it in excess, a condition referred to as hyperuricemia, or a lot of it isn’t passed out, it forms into gout.
In another case where the uric acid forms crystals in the urinary tract, it can cause kidney stones.
Men are more likely to experience gout after the age of 40.
Women, on the other hand, might be at risk after menopause.
The risk is high too if there’s a family history of gout, one is overweight, or have had gastric bypass surgery, etc.
Gout Symptoms
Pain is the most obvious symptom of gout. It occurs at the affected joint and it can be quite unpleasant.
After the pain subsides, there will still be general discomfort in the area.
Redness and inflammation is another symptom you cannot miss.
If the gout is in the joint of the big toe, for instance, it will swell to the side like a bunion.
You might also find it difficult to move especially the affected joints during a gouty arthritis attack.
Gout Prevention
Prevention, they say, is better than cure.
If you have experienced it before, you will appreciate the need to get rid of gout.
Before we go into details with gout treatment, there are certain things you can do after a gout relief that will help you prevent a future attack. They are as follows:
- Reduce your intake of meat, fish, or poultry (1). Pay attention to how much of these things you consume tend to trigger gout attacks. Of course, small amounts might be tolerable.
- Avoid alcohol. This may be difficult for some people but it is a good way to avoid an attack. Some studies have shown that beer may be a factor that contributes to gout symptoms in men.
- Maintain good body weight. As you have seen above, being overweight increases your risk of getting gout. Start by eating healthy which can help with eliminating uric acid from your system (2).
- Drink a lot of fluids. Stay hydrated all the time. Avoid taking sweetened beverages as well.
List of Foods to Avoid with Gout
Before looking for gout remedies, it is best to know how it won’t recur.
There are certain types of foods that are high in purine.
These foods will cause your body to produce uric acid which increases your risk of gout.
It is good to avoid these foods in order to stay safe.
It is best to avoid foods that have 150 to 200 mg of purine for every 3.5 ounces.
Foods like that can trigger a gout attack (3).
Here is a list of foods that cause gout:
- Fish: Haddock, Sardines, Mackerel, Tuna, Trout.
- Yeasts: Brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast, supplements.
- Sugary Beverages: Soda and processed juice.
- Organ Meats: Kidney, Liver, Brain, etc.
How to Get Rid of Gout Fast with 11 best Home Remedies
Now that you have the needed baseline knowledge of gout, let’s get started with gout remedies you can get in your homes.
1. Ginger to Get Rid of Gout
You probably already have it in your kitchen as it is a popular herb for culinary purposes and also useful in treating a lot of ailments.
Ginger has been shown to reduce uric acid levels.
There are several shreds of evidence that ginger is good for treating inflammation.
So, topically applying it can treat gout.
Directions:
- Grate fresh ginger root and add a tablespoon to hot water.
- Put a washcloth in the mixture and let it cool.
- If you have gout in the ankle or toe, you should apply the washcloth on the area every 30 minutes.
To use ginger internally, steep 2 teaspoons of ginger root in hot water for 10 minutes.
Take 3 cups of it every day.
2. Nettle Tea for Gout
Stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory properties so it is useful for treating gout and reducing the associated pain.
There have been studies on animals that show nettle to be useful for reducing uric acid in the blood.
Usage:
- Boil a cup of water.
- Add 2 to 3 nettle leaves and let it steep.
- Drink 3 cups every day.
3. Hibiscus for Gout Treatment
Did you know this garden flower is used as herbal treatment?
It has been used in folk medicine for a long time.
It has been discovered that hibiscus can reduce uric acid levels in the body.
However, this research was not conducted on humans.
Hibiscus tea can be used to get rid of gout as a supplement, extract, or tea.
4. Hot and Cold Water
Topically applying cold and hot water on the affected area can help get rid of gout.
Hot water can be used if the inflammation is not severe.
Applying ice packs on the affected area is also said to have caused relief.
5. Epsom Salt Gout Remedy
Epsom salt is considered as effective to get rid of gout because it is high in magnesium.
You can use it to combat gout by putting some Epsom salt in water and immerse the affected joint in it for symptom relief.
6. Cherries for Gout Treatment
Studies have shown that cherries of any type are useful for getting rid of gout and can also be used for prevention.
Its recommendation is to eat 3 servings of cherry over a two-day period for the best effect.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar for Gout Remedies
Apple cider vinegar for gout does not have a lot of research to back it up but it has shown efficacy at protecting the kidneys.
Add one tablespoon of ACV in a cup of warm water with a tablespoon of lemon to taste.
Drink this 3 times a day to get rid of gout.
8. Turmeric to Get Rid of Gout
Lots of studies have backed up the efficacy of turmeric at lowering uric acid levels in the body.
To use turmeric to get rid of gout, mix two teaspoons of it with the juice of half a lemon in a cup of warm water and drink 3 times a day.
9. Baking Soda for Gout
Bicarbonate of soda is used for a lot of things in the home.
From baking to cleaning and even as a purgative.
Baking soda for gout is now something worth considering.
Some advocates of this method suggest dissolving ½ teaspoon of baking soda in water and drinking up to 8 times a day.
Kindly note that they also said that if you monitor your salt intake or have high blood pressure, you should consult your doctor first.
10. Dandelion
Extracts and tea of dandelion have been known to help improve liver and kidney performance.
It has also been shown that it can reduce uric acid levels.
You can get the tea, extract, or supplements of dandelion to get rid of gout.
However, be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
11. Essential Oils for Gout Treatment
Some essential oils have properties that can help with the inflammation associated with gout (4).
Yarrow oil, celery seed, lemongrass oil, etc. are some of the essential oils for gout. Topical application can help soothe the pain and reduce inflammation.
Do note, however, that essential oils can sometimes cause irritation. So, it is best to mix them with a carrier oil before applying on the skin.
Takeaway
Gout can be painful and that is why we have brought you remedies you can easily access from home.
It is best to prevent the attack than to endure the pain during treatment.
Gout diet which includes vitamin C, apples, and some vegetables can also help prevent gout attacks.
If you use the information we have provided, you will be able to prevent gout attacks and get rid of gout if it occurs.
