By: John Cielo
Submitted: 2011-12-24 09:52:01 | Word Count: 504
Home remedies to reduce gout symptoms are on the increase nowadays as more and more gout sufferers are moving away from drug-based medication mainly because of their negative side effects. These range from things like nausea and diarrhea to more serious issues such as heart and circulatory problems.
The problem is that there are a lot of natural gout remedies in existence and some work better than others. And some can work well for some people but not as well for others. So that it can become a case of trial and error until you find the home remedy, or cross-section of remedies, that actually works for you.
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To help you in your search, here are 3 of my favorite natural home remedies for gout, which are also three of the most popular among gout sufferers worldwide...
1. Change Your Diet
Compounds called 'purines' in our bodies and foods produce uric acid during metabolism. Sometimes your body is unable to process excess uric acid out of your body and so you end up with high uric acid levels in the blood that go on to produce the crystals in your joints that cause gout.
So people with gout should try to reduce the amount of purines they consume through their food. This means avoiding or, at the very least, seriously reducing foods that are high in purines such as; fatty red meat, organ meat, game, fish, shellfish, poultry, yeast products, dried legumes.
Eat more complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, low-fat dairy produce, vegetables (except mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, spinach), high vitamin C foods.
2. Drink Lots of Water
It is known that it is easier for uric acid crystals to form in a dehydrated body. So, as a gout sufferer, you need to stay hydrated.
By drinking plenty of water throughout the day you can help to prevent urate crystal formation and also to help your kidneys process and flush excess uric acid out of your body.
Drink a minimum of 2 litres of water every day, up to 3 litres if you can. But try to remember to spread it evenly throughout the day, don't guzzle it down in 3 or 4 attempts.
3. Consume Cherries and Other Blue / Red Fruits
Cherries and other fruits like strawberries, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, etc., are packed full of antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins that, when eaten daily, can have a great beneficial effect on your overall health.
And gout is no exception. Eating a daily serving (cupful) can help to reduce the inflammation of gout and can also help to reduce the risk of the next attack considerably.
So there you have just 3 of the most popular home remedies for gout. But, as I said at the beginning, there are many more to consider...
