A gout is a severe form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It falls under a broad range of joint diseases and joint pain and is caused due to the formation of uric acid crystals that cause swelling and pain, called gout attacks. Although it usually affects the big toe, it can also be found in other joints like the knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist, or elbow. It is treatable with conventional treatments and changes in lifestyle.

What are the symptoms of gout?
During a gout attack, symptoms in the affected joints may include:
Intense Pain
Redness
Swelling
Tenderness (even to light touch)
Constant warmth around the joint

What are the common causes of gout?
Research shows that genetic and environmental factors determine the build-up of urate in blood. Certain factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing gout include:
Having a family history of gout
Increasing age
Eating foods that are high in purines (found in animal sources)
Drinking beverages that contain high amounts of fructose corn syrup like soda

Some people are at a greater risk of developing gout due to other complications and ailments. The conditions that are more likely to put one at risk of gout include:
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Chronic Kidney Disease
Obesity
Diabetes
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney stones)
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Congestive heart failure

What should one eat to prevent gout?
To prevent gout, it is best to opt for low-purine food options like low-fat and non-dairy products like yogurt and skim milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, nut butter, and grains, eggs, healthy fats and oils, and meats like fish and chicken in moderation (around 4 to 6 ounces per day). It is advisable to have lots of fluid (especially water), although orange juice (rich in Vitamin C) and coffee in moderation can help.

What foods should one avoid to prevent gout?
To control/avoid gout, limiting foods and beverages high in purine (a substance that breaks down into a urate) is best. These include red meat, lamb, pork, organ meats like liver, kidneys, thymus, or pancreas (also known as sweetbreads), seafood like shrimp, lobster, mussels, anchovies, and sardines, gravy. Drinks and foods high in fructose (or corn syrup) like soda, juices, cereal, ice cream, candy, fast food, and protein from animal sources can lead to elevated uric acid levels.

How is gout treated?
Healthcare providers may offer different treatment plans to treat gout. Depending on the patient’s history, patients may be provided treatment orally or using an injection to reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms during a gout attack. Doctors may also prescribe regular treatments to reduce the occurrence of uric acid in the body to prevent gout attacks in the future.

Certain lifestyle changes may also help prevent gout. These include drinking plenty of water to help the kidneys function better and avoid dehydration and exercising regularly to reduce uric acid in the body, which may put more stress on the joints.

What are some natural remedies for treating gout?
Some natural remedies may help with gout attacks, but it is best to run these by a healthcare provider before implementing them. Some popular home remedies include:

Cherries (or tart cherry juice): Cherries are a popular and potentially successful home remedy for gout. According to a survey, three servings of any form of cherry over two days is considered the most effective when dealing with gout.

Ginger : Ginger is a known anti-inflammatory addition in many traditional medicines. A study has found that the application of ginger topically has reduced pain related to uric acid in gout. To apply ginger topically, make a paste with 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger root in boiling water. Soak a washcloth in the mixture, and apply when cool. Ginger can also be ingested in the form of ginger tea to reduce inflammation.

Celery : Celery has been used to treat urinary issues traditionally. For gout, the extracts and seeds of celery have become a popular home remedy.

Other popular home remedies for gout include apples, bananas, hibiscus, milk thistle seeds, and Epsom salt baths.