Gout is an arthritis-related health disorder caused by excess uric acid in the blood. The uric acid in the blood forms crystals at joints and on tendons. This causes inflammation and sudden bouts of pain differing in intensity, sometimes excruciating. Modern medicine offers medications like corticosteroids that reduce uric acid in the blood. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to fight inflammation. These medicines cause unwanted side effects.

Natural remedies exist and they help to relieve gout. Here are a few natural substances that help with gout:

• Apple Cider Vinegar

This liquid is an alkaline substance that recovers the body’s pH balance. The root cause of gout is the pH imbalance in the body, with the body becoming acidic (acidosis) due to an improper diet and other causes. Sipping a mixture of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces (235 ml) or drinking it down in one go daily, will help reduce the pain over 2 – 3 days.

• Baking Soda

Drinking half a teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces (235 ml) of water a day relieves gout pain almost instantly. The quantity of baking soda may be increased to 3 teaspoons a day. However, people with high blood pressure should be careful as baking soda may cause hypertension.

• Beet juice

This is an excellent beverage to prevent acidosis. It stimulates the liver and cleans the bile ducts.

• Cherries

Cherries reduce uric acid. Consuming cherries have significantly reduced the risk of subsequent pain attacks caused by gout. A daily dose of 10 – 12 cherries (1/2 cup) is recommended.

• Pineapple

Pineapple contains a substance named bromelain that is frequently prescribed for people with gout.

• Vitamin C

Adding or increasing vitamin C in the diet reduces uric acid in the blood. Amla (Indian gooseberry), broccoli, guavas, kiwi fruit, oranges, papaya, red peppers, strawberries are rich in vitamin C.

• Water

Staying adequately hydrated will help the kidneys flush out the uric acid in the blood.

• Exercise

A regular exercise regime is a must for all. Getting the body to move by walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling, or going to the gym for about 30 minutes a day help reduce uric acid in the blood. However, these exertions should be light so as not to increase the risk of pain attacks. Having diabetes increases the chances of gout. Exercise helps to neutralize insulin and reduces the chances of developing the condition as well as prevents the painful effects of gout.

Avoid these substances:

• Cigarettes, Cigars, and Tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco increase the risk of uric acid in the blood. Smoking will aggravate the painful conditions caused by gout.

• Anchovies, organ meat and sardines

These substances are rich in uric acid and will increase inflammation and pain episodes.

• Alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates the body, reducing the water content in the body. This leads to higher concentrations of uric acid in the blood.

• Caffeine

Coffee is known to trigger gout attacks for those with gout. There’s very little evidence on this as research has to be done to get concrete evidence.