7 Natural Remedies That Help to Prevent Gout

Gout and gouty arthritis is caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in your joints. Uric acid is a natural substance that is formed when you metabolize nitrogen containing foods. Uric acid is eliminated from the body by the kidneys, through the formation of urine. When the kidneys can’t keep up with the uric acid formation in the body, this can cause the uric acid to build up and crystallize in the joints. Uric acid crystals are very sharp, like razor blades. When they are in your joints and you move, this can cause damage to your joint cartilage. These sharp uric acid crystals cause pain and inflammation in tissues.

Some natural treatments have the potential to significantly help when it comes to dissolving and eliminating uric acid crystals:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar - In folk medicine apple cider vinegar is largely used in the treatment of sore joints. Regular application of this treatment can result in significant improvement within a month. Soak a bandage or a piece of cloth in some apple cider vinegar and apply the compress on your swollen joints. Wrap it well. Repeat the remedy every morning and evening. You can also dissolve 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of lukewarm water and drink the liquid every day.

2. Burdock Root - This traditional herbal remedy is useful in the treatment of arthritis associated conditions, including acute gout attacks. According to “The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine” burdock root eliminates the toxins in the bloodstream, reduces inflammation and promotes proper excretion of urine which contains uric acid, and this is why it is commonly recommended as an effective folk remedy for gout. The recommended dose is combining 20-30 drops of burdock root tincture and 9 oz of water, 3-4 times a day. The treatment should last for a few days.

3. Pineapple - Pineapple is packed with bromelain, an enzyme that reduces inflammation. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to be useful in reducing inflammation. Pineapple juice can help to prevent and to relieve gout symptoms.

4. Lemon Juice - Many people believe that lemon juice makes the body more acidic, but believe it or not, it actually creates an alkaline environment and neutralizes uric acid. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is quite important when it comes to decreasing uric acid level. You can juice a lemon and add it to a glass of warm water. Drink warm lemon water in the morning before you eat or drink anything. For optimal results, consume this drink for several weeks.

5. Vitamin C - Vitamin C supplements plus bioflavonoids also works great. 1,000 mg/day is a good dose.

6. Calendula - Calendula leaves and flowers can be used in a warm bath or as a tea using calendula leaves. The tea can also be used in a compress, directly on your joints.

7. Parsley - Parsley can be used as a tea, or as an herb to use in a salad. Regular consumption of parsley tea stimulates the elimination of uric acid buildups in the joints, especially when combined with mulberry juice.

Another great natural way to reduce uric acid, not mentioned in the link, is a daily glass of 100% pure cherry juice.

Also, drink plenty of water, which is the best choice if you want to maintain normal level of uric acid. Water stimulates the kidneys to remove toxic buildups of excess uric acid.

Before taking any new herb or supplement, you should always check with your doctor and pharmacist, to make sure that there are no contraindications with any medications that you may be taking.

Read More