Holistic remedies for gout have become increasingly popular due to the greater awareness among sufferers of the negative side effects caused by medications traditionally used to treat this disease. For example, Allopurinol, which is used to manage the disease and prevent gout attacks, can cause diarrhea, hair loss, nausea, stomach upset and indigestion. Indomethacin, which is used to break up excess uric acid crystals in the blood that can trigger an attack, damages the stomach linings over time, requiring people who take this medication to also take a stomach medication to fight the damage. Steroids such as Prednisone which are used to treat severe gout attacks can cause anxiety and depression, as well as vomiting and headaches.
Non-Drug Treatments For Gout
One of the best holistic remedies for gout is to take preventive measures by modifying your diet. For example, since gout attacks are connected to high uric acid content in the blood, you should reduce your consumption of foods with high protein content such as red meat and organs such as liver, heart and kidney. You should also cut back on alcoholic beverages, including beer, since these are made from yeast and hinder your body from removing excess uric acid. Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables as these foods will help prevent uric acid buildup, as well as drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day to help your kidneys eliminate uric acid.
Another of the most highly recommended holistic remedies for gout is a regular low-impact aerobic exercise routine that works out the joints without putting undue stress on them. One of the best exercises for those who suffer from gout is swimming, as this puts no pressure on your joints. Brisk walking is also a good exercise for gout sufferers. Just make sure that the exercises are performed consistently and that you do not overdo it to ensure that you do not worsen your condition.
Finally, here are some simple holistic remedies for gout that you can try at home to help alleviate the pain.
Soak your feet in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes every night before you go to bed, this can help to improve the blood flow around the feet and prevent the formation of new urate crystals. Do NOT apply crushed ice pack on the affected area! This is because lower temperature increases the probability of uric acid crystallization.Avoid stress as this can trigger gout attacks. Practice mediation and other de-stressing techniques to help you cope with stress.Baths with Epsom salts can help reduce joint swelling associated with gout. Soak your feet in hot water with dissolved Epsom salts (the water should be as hot as you can tolerate) twice a day and take full-body Epsom salt baths thrice a week when suffering from a gout attack and twice a week once the attack has passed.
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