Symptoms
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Crystals develop on the joints, followed by intense and sudden pain.
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Joints can swell, feel warm and tender, and can’t bear the pressure of touch.
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You won’t be able to move the affected joint much.
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Primarily felt in the feet,
specifically the big toe, although it can flare up in the ankles, heels,
knees, wrists, fingers or elbows.
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Skin surrounding the joint can turn red or purple, and appears bruised.
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After gout subsides you will have lingering discomfort around the joints and the skin around the joint will peel and feel itchy.
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After extended periods of gout, nodules may develop beneath the skin near the joints.
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Repeated bouts can also damage your joints and the kidney.
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Fluid sacs cushioning tissues around the elbow or knee may become inflamed.
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Symptoms often follow surgery or an illness.
- Uric acid is caused by purines
metabolizing, which are proteins found in organ meats, sardines, and
anchovies, as well as alcohol. Some medication and supplements can also
cause a buildup of uric acid. Examples include salicylates, the active
component of aspirin, vitamin B3, too much vitamin C, and diuretics.
Alcohol consumption, excess weight, and lead exposure can increase the
chances of gout developing in those with a genetic susceptibility.
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1. Apple cider vinegar
This common cooking ingredient
can raise your body’s alkaline level, thereby reducing gout pain
considerably. With its significant acidity, apple cider vinegar is
commonly used to treat headaches and acid stomach. The best way to
effectively ingest apple cider vinegar is by drinking it in a glass of
water. Mix in one teaspoon to one glass of water and drink this mixture
three times a day. To sweeten this bitter drink add some honey, which
can also boost your body’s anti-inflammatory response.
2. Activated charcoal
One
wouldn’t naturally think of charcoal as a solution for any medical
condition, but it seems activated charcoal is perfectly safe and it is
known to absorb uric acid. The best way to use it to prevent gout
flare-ups is by soaking in a bath of charcoal two to three times a week.
You can add half a cup of charcoal powder to your bath water. When a
paste is formed, add more water and soak your affected joint for at
least half an hour.
If you don’t enjoy bathing,
applying a charcoal paste directly to the skin of the affected joint.
You can leave this on for half an hour and then remove with lukewarm
water. The alternative solution is to consume activated charcoal
tablets. This option does require consultation with your physician.
3. Baking soda
Baking soda is another
household item that can be effective in treating gout pain. Baking soda
reduces uric acid in the body. In an 8 oz. glass of water mix in half a
teaspoon of baking soda and drink it. You can repeat this several times a
day. No more than 4 teaspoons should be consumed in one day, and if you
are over 60 years old, only 3 teaspoons per day should be consumed in
total.
Note: This method is not recommended for anyone suffering from hypertension, as baking soda is known to elevate blood pressure.
4. Cherries
Cherries
are another one of nature’s treats that can help with gout. They are
not only packed with antioxidants but also anthocyanins, which are known
to reduce joint inflammation and can substantially reduce gout from
flaring up in subsequent attacks. A daily serving of 15 to 20 cherries
is recommended. If you want to avoid the high concentration of sugar in
the fresh fruit, try drinking a glass of black cherry juice or a cherry
juice concentrate daily.
5. Apples
The commonly heard phrase “an
apple a day keeps the doctor away” can be especially true when it comes
to gout. An apple after each meal, as endorsed by medical experts, can
be very effective. The strong component of malic acid in apples can
neutralize uric acid, thereby offering relief to both pain and
inflammation. Some people don’t enjoy the texture of apples – for those
people I recommend trying apple juice or dicing the apples up and adding
them to a bowl of cherries.
6. Lemon juice
Another
way to neutralize excess uric acid in the blood stream, which can
provide relief from pain caused by bouts of gout, is with lemon juice.
The freshly squeezed juice of a lemon can alkalize the body. Another
useful way to consume it is adding a lemon half to a glass of water, as
this will be less strong than pure lemon juice. You can also mix the
juice of a lemon with half a teaspoon of baking soda. When this mixture
stops fizzing, add it to a glass of water and drink it immediately.
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