Gout is a type of arthritis which leads to inflamed joints, and is often manifested by severe pain, stiffness, and swellings.
Its root cause is the excessive amounts of uric acid in the body, which accumulates and forms hard crystals in the joints.
It is created by decomposing purines, chemicals which naturally occur within the body and are also included in certain foods. Therefore, the intake of high-purine foods may increase the uric acid levels in the body and cause the development of gout.
Therefore, in order to treat gout, you should reduce the levels of uric acid in the body, and the best way to achieve it is to make some changes in your lifestyle and diet.
Initially, you need to reduce the intake of seafood and meat, as they are high in purines, and their excessive consumption may cause gout.
On the other hand, you should consume more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, lentils, beans, and asparagus are very low in purines.
It is also very important to limit the intake of processed sugars like high- fructose corn syrup, foods rich in saturated fats, and alcohol.
Since being overweight greatly contributes to the development of gout, make sure you regularly exercise and follow a healthy and balanced diet. Water is also of crucial importance, as it hydrates the body and helps the removal of uric acid from the body. Therefore, drink plenty of water, as well as herbal teas, natural and freshly squeezed juices, and fruit infused water.
Yet in the case of gout, you can also benefit a lot from the use of some effective natural remedies.
Apple cider vinegar effectively alkalizes the body, and it includes malic acid, which successfully disintegrates uric acid. You should regularly drink a glass of 8 ounces of water and a tablespoon of vinegar, twice a day, before the lunch and dinner.
Researchers have found that baking soda is efficient in lowering the amounts of uric acid in the body and thus preventing gout. Hence, you should drink a glass of water and half a teaspoon of baking soda every morning to prevent it, and add a whole teaspoon in the water- in case you are suffering from gout.
Lemon water is one of the most effective weapons against gout. It alkalizes the body, and thus prevents various health conditions, including gout. If you add some lemon juice to your glass of water, you will raise the alkalinity of your body and inhibit the formation of acid crystals.
Hence, all you need to do is to squeeze half of a lemon into 8 ounces of warm water and drink it as soon as you wake up, on an empty stomach, on a daily basis.
