Gout |
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Symptoms of Gout
Gout
causes acute and shooting pain in the
afflicted joint, and it is often experienced
at night. The joint of the big toe is
affected by gout in most cases, but
in some cases it is also observed in
the joints of feet, ankles, knees, hands,
and wrists. The movement in the affected
joint is usually very limited. The pain
typically lasts between five to ten
days before it stops. The discomfort
gradually subsides during a one to two
week period, and afterwards the joint
appears to be normal and pain free.
The area around the afflicted joint
may also seem red and itchy and may
become so tender that even the slightest
touch results in excruciating pain.
The symptoms of gout (including warmth,
pain, swelling, and extreme tenderness
in joints) may be related to other medical
conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis, or bacterial infection
in the joints. Hence, it is crucial
to correctly diagnose the condition
and begin appropriate treatment.
Natural Cures
Gout cannot be completely
cured, but some natural cures can be
used to alleviate the symptoms that
are associated with this painful condition.
Cherries
Several
studies have indicated that there are
some natural compounds in plump, juicy
Bing cherries that may reduce painful
arthritic inflammation. These naturally
occurring compounds in cherries prevent
the destruction of collagen, which is
used by the body to form connective
tissue. Connective tissues may be damaged
because of gout and this damage may
be restored by consuming cherries. Cherries
have an enzyme that neutralizes uric
acid and they are high in anthocyanins,
which are reputed to contain high antioxidant
properties as well as anti-inflammatory
action. Use cherries to treat gout by
consuming either 10-30 fresh or frozen
cherries each day, one tablespoon of
cherry juice concentrate each day or
six ounces of cherry juice once or twice
each day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar is a popular home remedy that
is used to treat several ailments. Scientists
have foundthat apple cider vinegar contains
cholesterol-reducing pectin and the
perfect balance of 19 minerals, including
potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium,
magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, fluorine,
and silicon. Here are a few suggestions
for using apple cider vinegar to treat
gout:
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Mix together two tablespoons
of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon
of honey in a cup. Add approximately
eight ounces of warm water. Stir
well and drink this beverage three
times each day. |
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Apple cider vinegar
can also be used externally. Mix
one cup of apple cider vinegar with
three cups of water. Soak the foot
(because the toe is usually affected
by gout) in this mixture two times
each day. |
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Mix one cup of
apple cider vinegar, one cup of
water, and one tablespoon of cayenne
pepper powder. Heat this mixture,
allow it to cool, and then apply
it three or four times each day
onto the gout-afflicted area.
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| Lifestyle
changes for gout
Slight
lifestyle modifications can cure
gout in addition to alleviate
the symptoms and provide relief
from the pain.
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Maintain a healthy
weight. Losing weight will
help to alleviate pressure
on the affected weight-bearing
joints and decrease the levels
of uric acid. However, be
sure to follow a sensible
weight loss plan with regular
physical exercises. Rapid
weight loss resulting from
crash dieting or other such
techniques may in fact increase
the levels of uric acid in
the body. |
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Restrict
the intake of animal protein
in your diet. Avoid consuming
organ meats and certain fish
such as anchovies, herring,
and mackerel. |
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Limit the
intake of alcohol because
alcohol consumption inhibits
the excretion of uric acid.
Men who are suffering from
gout should not consume more
than two alcoholic drinks
each day, and women who are
suffering from gout should
not consume more than one
alcoholic drink each day.
Avoid alcohol completely if
you are suffering from a gout
attack. |
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Drink plenty
of fluids such as water, fresh
fruit and vegetable juices,
clear broths, soups, and other
such nourishing fluids. Minimize
the intake of sugary drinks,
tea, and coffee. |
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