Home Remedies For Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis which causes inflammation and swelling of the joints. Most sufferers are middle-age males, though women after menopause are sometimes afflicted with this ailment. Gout causes intense pain and often affects the big toe, knees or wrists.
The main cause of gout is uric acid which has crystallized and deposited in the joints, skin or kidney. Other contributing factors to gout are heredity, rich food, alcohol, lack of exercise and stress. A gout attack can last as long as a week, and is sometimes accompanied by a slight fever.
Fortunately there are many natural remedies for gout. Sources of home remedies for gout are found in cherries, apples, bananas and lime. Raw vegetable juices are excellent home remedies for gout; especially a mixture of carrot, beet and cucumber juices. The juices of French and string beans are also effectual in treating gout.
A fast remedy for an acute attack of gout is a fast of orange juice and water. After the attack has subsided, the patient should follow an all fruit diet for the next few days, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. It is best to avoid purine and acidic food, such as flour, coffee, tea, all meat and canned, processed or fried food.
Home remedies for gout which can be applied externally to provide relief include salt baths which are to be taken twice daily. Cold packs can be applied to the affected areas. Another home remedy for gout is a charcoal bath, in which charcoal powder is mixed with water. The affected area is placed in the charcoal bath for thirty to sixty minutes.
Embarking on an exercise program and a healthy lifestyle will help in treating gout. It is advisable to adopt a diet which is mostly made up of natural food while reducing carbohydrates and fatty foods, which will help towards reducing the severity of the ailment. Flaxseed and fish oils are also excellent sources of gout remedies at home.
