Many sufferers of this painful and unpleasant condition wonder what the best natural foods and homeopathic cures for gout are.
What Is Gout?
When investigating the natural cures for gout, understanding a little about the condition and what the symptoms are will help determine the best course of action. Gout is a condition that is most commonly found in older men; however it can also be found in younger men and women. The condition is often thought of as a side effect of 'good living' and when thinking about gout, images of large, corpulent men enjoying a few glasses of port with some fine cheese spring to mind, like characters out of a Charles Dickens novel. King Henry VIII was a famous sufferer from gout, as were several other famous names such as Laurence Olivier, Christopher Columbus and Thomas Jefferson.
The symptoms of gout are most commonly found in the feet, however it can be found in other parts of the body. Gout causes tremendous pain between the joints of the feet and this is often accompanied by swelling. Sufferers report the pain as being excruciating and like standing on tiny nails. The cause is a build up of uric acid that forms crystals between the bones and this contributes to the acute pain. Uric acid comes from purines which are found in the blood. In addition to the pain caused by the crystals, further pain can come from the swelling of the joints which adds to the extreme discomfort.
Diagnosing and Treating Gout
It is important to get the condition of gout diagnosed by a doctor. Even if the sufferer plans to use alternative medicine or homeopathic cures, it is important for a doctor to check and make sure that there are no other causes for the pain. When the condition has been diagnosed, a treatment plan can be discussed. There are many chemical treatments for gout and the types of treatment given often depend on the nature of the condition. In addition to chemical medicines, diet and other natural remedies can help alleviate the symptoms.
What are the Best Natural Foods and Homeopathic Cures for Gout?
Gout is a condition that can be helped by herbal and natural remedies. When wondering what are the best natural foods and homeopathic cures for gout, it is important to seek specialist advice from a qualified practitioner. They will be able to put their expertise and experience to good use by advising a suitable treatment plan.
There are many other natural ways that sufferers from gout can also help alleviate symptoms including:
Diet
A good healthy diet is important for gout sufferers. Reducing the amount of purines can help to reduce the levels of uric acid in the body. A low fat diet which is high in fresh vegetables and fruit is often recommended. Many gout sufferers like to eat the best natural foods and these often include fresh organic foods and organic herbs.
Water
Drinking lots of purified water can help to reduce the amount of uric acid by flushing it through the system. Drinking water steadily throughout the day helps increase hydration.
Alcohol
Most gout sufferers are recommended to steer clear of alcohol of all descriptions, particularly red wine and port. Even white spirits and beer should be avoided.
Weight
A good healthy lifestyle should ensure that a gout sufferer's weight is at the right levels. It is important that the weight is neither too far over or too far under the optimum. When dieting, it is also important not to crash diet as this can upset the sensitive balance of the body.
Natural Foods to Help Gout Sufferers
Most people who suffer from gout are recommended diets that eliminate certain foodstuffs, however there are some foods that are reported to help alleviate some of the symptoms. These include:
- Fruit such as cherries, grapes and strawberries are all reported to bring relief to sufferers. These are best eaten fresh and with minimal cooking or processing. More information about a survey looking at the use of cherries as a remedy for gout can be found at the Arthritis Treatment and Relief website.
- Garlic eaten raw is said to help neutralize uric acid.
- Vegetables play an important part in a healthy diet and gout sufferers should ensure that they eat plenty of raw or fresh vegetables daily.
- Complex carbohydrates such as pasta, bread and rice can help the kidneys perform better and eliminate uric acid.
A dietitian will be able to work with a gout sufferer and help to create a diet plan that will best meet their needs. It is important to eat all foods in moderation unless recommended by a trained practitioner. As gout is caused by high uric acid levels it is vital that the situation is not compounded by eating too much of a single food.
Homeopathic Remedies
When seeking homeopathic remedies, a qualified practitioner or Doctor of Naturopathy will be able to recommend a plan. The types of homeopathic remedies will depend on the nature of the gout attack. More information including a short introduction to homeopathy for gout can be found at these websites:
Fortunately finding the best natural foods and homeopathic cures for gout can start in the kitchen and with diet without the need of complicated or hard to find remedies. It is important to note that medical advice should be taken for any illness or complaint such as gout and ensure that natural remedies are taken under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
