Natural Remedy for Gout

Gout is a problem suffered by many people around the world. It is not surprising that a lot of people are now seeking natural remedy for gout. Most people who undergo this painful disease sometimes mislabel it as common arthritis. However, this is not so. Gout is an arthritic-like disease that is very painful it can disrupt a person’s routine to a point where he can even be disabled.

What causes gout? Gout is caused by a problem in the metabolic and excretory system wherein the body converts too much purine into uric acids. Normally, uric acid is secreted by the kidneys to maintain its normal level in the body. However, failure to secrete sufficient uric acids leads to concentration and formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. This causes pain as the cartilages cannot go on smoothly as they grind each other because of the uric acid crystals. If symptoms worsen, white blood cells may accumulate and target the joint cartilages, leading to more inflammation, pain and deformities.

Gout may be caused by lifestyle and diet. Hence, a lot of people are finding alternative and natural remedy for gout, because if left untreated, severe symptoms may occur which eventually cripple a person. Medical treatment such as prescribed drugs may work well. However, some drugs are not made for long-term use as many cause further complications. An example would be Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAID’s (these are your usual over-the-counter painkillers) which may cause bleeding, stomach ulcers, skin rashes and elevated blood pressure. Some may cause kidney, liver, heart and hallucination problems if used for a prolonged period of time. Because of this, a lot of people are now resorting to natural remedy for gout rather than the usual prescribed medicines which may harm the body later on.

Fortunately, nature has always provided us with alternative cures that never fail. For those who are looking for natural remedy for gout, they need not look far as these cures can be easily available right within your community.

Vitamin C, a nutrient which is commonly taken for granted, has been found to have a positive direct effect on gout patients. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid has been considered to be a natural remedy for gout because of its ability to aid the uric acid to be released from body tissues, making it easier to be secreted out. A daily dose of Vitamin C from citrus and berry fruits may aid the body from gouty symptoms.

Nettle extract is also considered as another natural remedy for gout. It is a known fact that gout is caused by the inability of the kidneys to secrete sufficient amount of uric acid allowing it to crystallize in the joints. The nettle extract’s fast-acting diuretic effect really helps the body flush out excess uric acid and liquid which is essential for the treatment of gout. With less amount of uric acid in the body, the chance of forming uric acid crystals is lessened.

The pineapple, which is rich in a fruit enzyme called Bromelain is regarded as a natural remedy for gout. Bromelain which comes from the flesh of pineapples helps in the metabolism and digestion of protein in the body. This is important, because protein is converted into purine and uric acid by the body. It allows faster digestion of protein leading to reduced protein remains which are susceptible to purine conversion.

Blueberries, apples, red onion skins contain a fruit enzyme called Quercetin which is a very effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It has been referred to as a natural remedy for gout because of its anti-inflammatory properties which help decrease the inflammation of the joints caused by the immune system aggregation. By slowing down and decreasing the inflammatory process, pain is also reduced. Natural antioxidants will also help in the production and maintenance of healthy cells which are important in the healing process. Cherries also has been observed to improve the condition of patients with gout, although the cause is yet to be discovered.

Diet modification is perhaps one of the most effective natural remedy for gout. For people with a tendency to have an elevation of their uric acid levels in the body (those with kidney problems, etc.), low-protein diet is recommended. These people should avoid eating food rich in protein such as nuts, beans, liver, red meat and a lot more. Protein is converted to purine and then later on altered into uric acid. Low protein in the body means lower uric acid production.