Gout Relief

Gout remedies can be in the form of medications or all-natural remedies. Some people who suffer from this painful form of arthritis utilize both types of treatment. Gout is a medical condition that results when high levels of uric acid build up in the body. Gout symptoms might include inflammation around joints and intense pain and swelling in the lower extremities of the body, such as the feet and toes.

High does of NSAIDS are one of the most popular gout remedies recommended by physicians. These take away the pain associated with gout. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce the painful inflammation around the joints. Physicians also prescribe gout medications that are designed to inhibit uric acid from forming in the body. At times, cortisone is administered to gout patients for temporary relief from an intense gout attack. Several gout sufferers have reported severe side effects from using certain medications, so it's wise to talk to your doctor at length before taking any medications.

Gout sufferers need to be aware of which foods and beverages contain high amounts of uric acid and adjust their diet accordingly. A healthy diet for gout sufferers contains foods that are high in complex carbohydrates, low in fat, and low in protein. Some acceptable foods would include vegetables and fruits (get specifics from your physician), breads, cereals that are low in fiber, peanut butter, and nuts. Cream soups, vegetable soups, fruit juices, coffee and tea are all foods and beverages that are low in purines and are considered safe for someone suffering from gout.

Foods that should not be included in a gout diet are anchovies, sweetbreads, sardines, asparagus, mushrooms, dried peas, kidneys, liver, brains, shellfish, smoked meat, gravies, meat extracts, and mincemeat that contains real meat.

Other gout remedies and options for gout sufferers include:
· Eliminate excess weight. If you are overweight, you are more likely to have higher levels of uric acid in your body. One critical note: lose the weight gradually. Quick weight loss can actually increase the uric acid levels in the body and may cause the attacks of gout to be more frequent and painful.
· Completely eliminate alcohol from your lifestyle. Alcohol will not only increase uric acid levels in the body, but it will inhibit the excretion of uric acid as well.
· Drink plenty of liquid on a consistent basis. Three quarts daily is often recommended.
· High doses of Vitamin A have been linked to gout attacks. Be sure not to take more than 5,000 I.U. of Vitamin A daily.
· Niacin has also been said to exacerbate gout symptoms. Limit your intake to 100 mg daily.

Gout remedies vary in their success rate from person to person. Some gout sufferers have said that by eating one-half pound of cherries each day, they don't suffer from the pain caused by the build up of uric acid around the joints. Cherries can be eaten from the can, frozen, or fresh. Still others have found that eating strawberries helps reduce inflammation as well. Other foods that gout sufferers have reported to be helpful in reducing inflammation are salmon (an oily fish), flax seed, olive oil and nuts.

Exercise is also one of the most important gout remedies that should be adopted into your lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight is ideal for fighting all sorts of diseases, and gout is no different.

People who have incorporated these gout remedies have lowered the number of attacks they experience on a regular basis. Give these gout remedies a try so you too can effectively manage your gout symptoms.