Gout is a form of arthritis that develops in people who have high levels of uric acid in their blood. Uric acid is produced by the body when it breaks down purines, commonly found in meats, seafood, alcohol, fructose, and yeast. (1) High levels of uric acid cause crystals to form in the joints, which leads to intense pain and inflammation.
Gout symptoms can range from a level of discomfort to extreme pain. One of the first signs of this particular inflammation is often the sudden onset of severe pain in either one of the big toes or in the joints. Other signs may appear as symptoms of gout in the knees and in the ankles, including discoloration, swelling, and pain. (2)
Gout Symptoms
- Sudden onset of severe pain in one of the big toes
- Sudden onset of severe pain in the joints, including the feet, ankles, knees, hips, wrists, hands, fingers and back
- Noticeable discoloration in the joints, deep red or purple color
- Joints that are swollen and stiff
- Joints that are hot to the touch
- A fever of up to 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, with or without chills
- Joints that are inflamed and tender
- Decreased mobility
- Lingering discomfort from joint pain and inflammation
- Hard lumps or bumps at the joints
Gout Natural Treatments
Diet is an important part of treating gout naturally. Cutting back on alcohol, meat, and other foods that contain high amounts of uric acid can help reduce gout attacks. There are also several foods and supplements that help reduce uric acid in the blood and treat inflammation naturally.
1. Cherries
Researchers found that cherries may work as a gout natural treatment. (3) Cherries have the ability to reduce inflammation and promote weight loss. Consume cherries on a regular basis or drink unsweetened cherry juice for relief from symptoms. Tart cherry varieties are best!
2. Celery Seed Extract
Celery seed extract is full of antioxidants that help decrease uric acid in the body. Drinking celery juice throughout the day can work as a natural gout treatment to help relieve symptoms.
3. Coffee
In addition to other benefits, both regular and decaf coffee have been shown to help lower the levels of uric acid in the body. (4) In fact, having a cup of Joe in the morning might help relieve painful gout symptoms throughout the day.
4. Vitamin C
Now, you may not think adding Vitamin C would help, but studies suggest that a higher Vitamin C intake significantly lowers uric acid levels. (5) For treatment of gout, take a high-quality Vitamin C supplement or consume foods rich in Vitamin C, such as guava, red bell peppers, kiwi, oranges, and tomatoes.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory spices on the planet, thanks to a compound it contains known as curcumin. Add turmeric to your soups, salads, or smoothies for an extra anti-inflammatory boost as a gout natural treatment.
6. Quercetin
Yes, we're putting supplemental quercetin on the list! A meta-analysis from 2022 showed the benefits of quercetin for gout and hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels). Quercetin works in several ways, acting as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, as well as by clearing urate from the body. (6)
Sources: 1. Arthritis Foundation
2. Mayo Clinic
3. NCBI
4. Mayo Clinic
5. NCBI
6. NCBI
