Natural Cures For Gout – Dietary And Herbal Advice To Give You Relief

Gout is a painful type of arthritis which generally affects the joint of the big toe. The vast majority of sufferers, ninety-five percent, are male.

The pain of gout is caused by the build up of sharp, hard, uric acid crystals building up in the joint. Redness and swelling are common.

What causes gout?

There may be a hereditary link as it tends to runs in families. Gout used to be called a “rich man’s disease” as it was and still is most common in people who are overweight and eat diets rich in fat and protein. In years past, only affluent people could afford to eat excessive amounts of meat in many locales. Fat laden, rich diets including plenty of organ meats were considered to be out of reach of the general public. Eating rich diets high in animal based compounds called purines resulted in acute flare-ups of gout.

What can be done to cure gout?

Conventional medical practitioners have used a medication called colchicine to treat gout for many years. Colchicine is actually made from an insect! Conventional medication does not cure gout but it can reduce the symptoms greatly.

Dietitians and natural health practitioners attempt to cure gout by eliminating the cause of the illness. It is essential to change the diet. Fortunately, dietary changes prevent the buildup of the crystals which cause the symptoms of gout. They may need to be used in conjunction with standard medical treatment if flare ups are severe; however, by following a healthy diet, flare-ups can become less debilitating and even non-existent.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fat and protein is essential. Kidneys, liver, heart, and other organ meats must be eliminated entirely as they contain very high levels of purines. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines must be avoided as well.

Alcohol must not be consumed. It is best to eliminate tea and coffee too. Yeast-containing foods such as breads need to be eliminated or restricted. Packaged foods, white sugar, and white flour consumption should be very limited or avoided. While dried peas and beans are nutritious foods for most people, they need to be eliminated by people who have suffered from gout.

Eat Berries to Cure Gout

Cherries are the best food that a person with gout can consume. Cherries are a very alkaline food. The alkaline nature of cherries helps to prevent crystal formation and actually aids in their dissolution. In addition, they provide health benefits to the entire body.

Concentrated unsweetened cherry juice may be purchased at health food stores. Fresh cherries are outstanding; however, unsweetened frozen cherries may be employed as well. Cherries and/or cherry juice should be liberally consumed several times daily. Dark colored cherries are best.

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