Gout is a form of arthritis that results in sudden pain, swelling and tenderness in the joints. The big toe joint is most commonly affected, but gout pain can also occur in the knee and ankle joints.
Gout can strike when there is a high level of uric acid in the blood, which can be caused by a diet rich in red meat and alcohol consumption. Other factors contributing to gout include being overweight and chronic health issues such as diabetes and heart or kidney disease.
While there is no cure for gout, certain lifestyle changes can help prevent future flare-ups, including staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, eating less meat and maintaining a healthy weight.
In addition to these lifestyle changes, there are several natural remedies that could help relieve gout pain.
Vitamin C
A number of studies have explored the effectiveness of vitamin C on reducing uric acid levels.
This 2005 study, for one, found that subjects who were randomized to the vitamin C arm of the study and supplemented with 500 milligrams per day had significantly reduced serum uric acid levels after two months when compared to the group who took a placebo.
What’s more, a review article reported on 13 randomized, controlled clinical trials to assess the effect of vitamin C on uric acid levels. The analysis found that supplementing with C significantly lowers uric acid levels. However, more studies are needed to determine to prevent gout or reduce gout pain.
Try: Nature Made Chewable C Tablets
Cherry Extract
Cherries have been reported to reduce uric acid levels in the body and are a popular home remedy for gout pain.
It is believed that antioxidants in cherries called anthocyanins are able to reduce inflammation. A 2012 article published in the Journal of Arthritis looked at three studies using cherry juice to prevent gout flare-ups and found that consuming cherry juice for four months or longer was effective in reduced gout-related inflammation.
Try: Futurebiotics Tart Cherry Maximum Strength Vegetarian Capsules
If you have gout, make sure to drink plenty of water on a daily basis to help reduce swelling, and limit soda and other sugary drinks.
Celery Seed Extract
Celery seed has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years to treat ailments such as arthritis, indigestion and colds. Gout is a form of arthritis. If celery seed helps to improve gout pain, it may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Celery seeds are rich in omega-6 fatty acids and 3-n-Butylpthalide, a diuretic oil that gives celery its distinctive smell and taste and also assists in cleansing the system and stimulating the kidneys to flush out uric acid and the crystals that causes gout in the first place.
A 2018 study on mice demonstrated lowered uric acid levels in the animals that consumed celery (Apium graveolens).
Try: Go-Out Plex Plus