Many people are turning towards natural remedies for treating gout. These are much safer, with little or no side effects.

There are certain foods which are thought to lessen the occurrence of gout attacks. These include foods high in potassium, cherry juice, blueberries and dairy foods. You should aim to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and drink plenty of water each day (six to eight glasses) to help your body excrete uric acids. Foods containing a high level of purines should be avoided- these include alcohol, kidney, liver, creamy sauces and shellfish.

Lemon juice is very good at preventing gout attacks as it stimulates to body’s ability to form calcium carbonate, which neutralizes acids in the body. Drink lemon juice in hot or warm water.

Apple Cider Vinegar helps the body to break down uric acid deposits. Drink two teaspoons per day. This can be rather bitter so it may be more palatable mixed with honey or water, or used as a salad dressing.

Baking soda helps to alkalize the body and prevent gout attacks. Try taking ½ teaspoon with your meals.

Try bathing the affected leg or foot in Epsom salts added to hot water. This will help break down uric acid deposits.

In addition to diet, there are several supplements you can try;
Fish oil can be beneficial- take supplements or aim to include oily fish regularly in your diet.

Glucosamine or Shark Cartilage can promote regeneration of cartilage affected by arthritis.

Vitamin B Complex will enable the body to eliminate uric acids.

Vitamin C will help to lower uric acid levels in the body.

Vitamin E may be useful as a deficiency can contribute to the formation of uric acid.

Bromelain is a useful anti-inflammatory supplement.

L-glutamine, L-glycine and L-glutathione are antacids and will help the body eliminate deposits of uric acid.

Black Cohosh and Ginkgo Biloba have proved beneficial in treating arthritis and lessening symptoms.

See this article for other herbal remedies which can help arthritis.

Some people find relief in other natural remedies such as acupuncture or acupressure. You should also make sure you keep the affected leg elevated as much as possible.

Many arthritis patients also suffer from vitamin and or mineral deficiencies and sufferers should have a regular blood check to test for this. In particular, calcium, magnesium and folic acid are critical micronutrients which should be incorporated into the arthritis diet, preferably through natural sources, or failing that using a supplement.

If you need to lose weight you should restrict your calorie intake appropriately while still maintaining a nutritional balance; ensure you are eating plenty of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains (whole meal bread, pasta and rice etc) and vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes etc.

In some patients, arthritis can be related to certain food allergies. Some sufferers benefit from eliminating one or more problematic foods from their diet so that they can gain relief from their arthritis. Common foods that are associated with exacerbating arthritis symptoms include dairy foods (milk, cheese, butter etc), red meat, certain vegetables, some citrus fruits, and preservatives or food additives.

If you think a food allergy may be making your symptoms worse, try an exclusion diet for a fortnight and see if it makes a difference. Many people find they are able to pinpoint the problem through this method.

Speak to a nutritionist for a more detailed analysis of your diet and for a recommendation of your own personal diet plan.

Symptoms can be reduced by drinking raw juices; celery, red beetroot and carrot are particularly good. Raw juices are alkaline, which helps to dissolve the deposits accumulated around the joints and joint tissues. Pineapple juice can also benefit, as the juice contains bromelain, which is an enzyme proven to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Some foods are thought to help alleviate arthritis symptoms. Bananas are a source of Vitamin B6, which can reduce pain and inflammation. Lime can also be beneficial, as it contains citric acid, which can dissolve the uric acids responsible for some forms of arthritis. The juice is best drunk diluted in water to avoid the bitter taste! Coconut milk is also thought to be beneficial for arthritis sufferers. Avoid excess caffeine and overly spicy foods, although Cinnamon is thought to have arthritis relieving properties.

Honey has also been proven to reduce symptoms of inflammation and stiffness, and Cider Vinegar is very effective at breaking down the joint deposits caused by uric acids.

A small daily amount of cod liver oil can slow the degeneration of joint cartilage and tissue; try consuming 1 or 2 teaspoons of olive oil a day. Garlic can also be effective, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. Cooked or raw garlic is equally effective.

Castor Oil has also shown some benefits in reducing the symptoms of arthritis; ideally it should be boiled over a stove burner and taken with fresh orange juice each day.

Epsom salts also help break down uric acids in the body, and are also a source of magnesium, which aids bone growth. If the body becomes deficient in Magnesium, it is less able to use and absorb calcium. Try adding 3 cups of Epsom salts to a hot bath, and soak in it. Have the water as hot as you can stand it, and keep topping it up as required. Whilst you are in the water, gently exercise your joints.

Many people have found some relief by bathing in sea water. The natural iodine found in sea water can alleviate the pain of arthritis. Iodine can help repair tissues and regenerate the skeletal frame. It also regulates the acid- alkaline balance in the blood. If you are not able to access the sea, relaxing in a warm bath in which a cup or two of salt has been dissolved.

Arthritis is caused by the degeneration and deterioration of the cartilage layer surrounding the joints. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing discomfort, pain and deformity of the bones. Glucosamine works by stimulating the body’s natural production of the proteins which rebuild and replenish the damaged cartilage. This means that the Glucosamine is treating the cause of arthritis rather than just the symptoms.

Glucosamine is classed as a nutritional supplement rather than a herbal medication. It can be obtained from a variety of sources, including health food shops and online stores. As it is a natural product, any side effects from taking Glucosamine are much milder than those caused by other medications. It is generally not recommended for diabetics, as it is a carbohydrate and can cause fluctuations in insulin levels. Individuals with shellfish allergies should be aware that most Glucosamine on the market is derived from shellfish, although some companies now offer corn derived Glucosamine. It is also recommended that pregnant or breast feeding women do not take Glucosamine; there is no evidence to suggest that it would be harmful, but there is not yet sufficient evidence to guarantee 100% safety.

Generally the benefits of taking this supplement can far outweigh any side effects and it has generally be proven t be safe and effective. It is often marketed as Glucosamine Sulphate, and daily recommended doses vary with each manufacturer. As it can take some time to be absorbed into the system you may need to take it for 1- 3 months before you start seeing the benefits.

Taking Glucosamine supplements, when taken early enough, can also help to prevent joint conditions such as arthritis by enabling the body to repair cartilage on an ongoing basis and maintain joint strength and function.

If you would like to try the benefits of Glucosamine for yourself, click Here.

Joint Advance is a natural product containing Glucosamine and has been proven to be effective at strengthening joints and preventing the symptoms of arthritis. Read more about Joint Advance here.

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