07 Jul Top Natural Ways to Kick Gout

What is gout, and what causes it? Gout is actually a type of arthritis, caused when the body has a surplus of uric acid; instead of dissolving in the blood and passing out through the kidneys, this acid starts to crystallise. Uric acid crystals typically build up in the joints, causing pain and swelling in your toes, ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows.

Needless to say, a gout flare-up is pretty unpleasant and can put your whole body out of action. Luckily, there are many natural ways to relieve and prevent gout, and Faithful to Nature has come to the rescue with a great range of healing gout remedies.

Natural Remedies for Gout

Here are five all-natural ways to give gout the boot!

• An apple a day: We’re talking about apple cider vinegar of course. This tangy golden vinegar isn’t just a fantastic condiment; it’s also one of the best-known natural remedies for gout. Apple cider vinegar purifies the blood and stimulates circulation, breaking up the uric acid crystals that cause gout. It relieves stiff, painful joints and improves mobility. Take 2-3Tbsp of pure apple cider vinegar daily, diluted in a glass of water, with a little honey added to taste.
• Omega magic: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids both have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. They help to ease the painful swelling of conditions like gout and arthritis – without the side effects if anti-inflammatory drugs. Whether you prefer fish oil, seed blends or our exciting new vegan omega supplement, we’ve got a beneficial omega oil product just for you.
• Cherry on top: Tart cherries, also known as sour cherries or pie cherries, are a fruity treat and wonderfully healthy too. Tart cherry juice has an alkalising effect, helping to significantly reduce the uric acid levels in your blood. Snacking on sour cherries helps to combat gout and other conditions caused by excess acidity.
• The need for nettle: They might be known for their stinging properties, but did you know nettles can take the sting out of gout? The nettle plant is full of anti-inflammatory compounds; they combat swelling and pain in the joints. Plus, nettle tea helps to prevent gout, because it promotes healthy kidney function and neutralises excess uric acid. Natural nettle tea is the perfect prevention and cure remedy all in one – and because nobody likes the idea of harvesting those prickly plants, you can find the perfect pre-packaged nettle teas online.
• Buchu brew: Buchu is a proudly South African plant known as a “sweeper” or detoxing agent. Buchu tea prevents water retention and inflammation, and makes a great remedy for bladder infections and gout.

Preventing Gout Flare-Ups

As always, prevention is better than cure – and there are several things you can do to prevent gout.

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit your alcohol consumption
• Drink plenty of water & herbal teas to flush your system & keep your kidneys healthy
• Take a vitamin C supplement to combat high uric acid levels
• Avoid or limit foods high in purines, which break down into uric acid; red meat, shellfish, liver, kidneys, sardines
• Eat more alkalising fruits & veggies (see our post about the Alkaline Diet)
• Enjoy more potassium-rich foods; banana, coconut water, dried apricots & peaches, leafy greens
• Avoid pharmaceutical diuretics, which can deplete your potassium levels

Be kind to your body and tough on gout – it’s so easy with the help of these healthy snacks, supplements and remedies.