All age groups are affected by the common health condition known as gout. It is actually a metabolic disorder that manifests as arthritis and joint pain when uric acid begins to build up and crystallize in the joints. The foot's smaller bones are especially prone to this condition. Gout is typically accompanied by episodes of intense pain and is characterized by swelling, redness, and stiffness.
Excessive secretion or insufficient waste removal are to blame for the buildup and crystallization of uric acid in the joints that results in the onset of gout. The breakdown of purines, which are organic compounds present in all of the body's cells and almost all foods, results in uric acid. Hyperuricemia, also referred to as gout, is characterized by elevated uric acid levels in the blood, though this is not always the case.
The most common causes of gout or accumulated uric acid include:
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease
- Leukemia
- Psoriasis
- Anemia
- Family history
- Alcohol consumption
However, there are a number of things you can do to encourage the body to eliminate uric acid and enhance your general health. Of course, changing your diet to include more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat and seafood, and whole grains is the first step you should take. On the other hand, you should limit alcohol, saturated fats, and processed sugars like high-fructose corn syrup.
A vital component of your daily routine should be drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and to facilitate the removal of toxins and uric acid buildup. Natural unsweetened juices, fruit-infused water, and herbal teas are other options for staying hydrated besides water. However, honey can be used as a sweetener.
Last, but not least, reducing your exposure to stress as much as possible and being physically active is also important.
When it comes to the natural treatment of uric acid, a common cause of arthritis, there are several folk remedies that can do wonders for this condition. Consider the following natural products and herbs for treating arthritis in a natural way.
1# Lemon Juice
Contrary to popular belief, lemon juice actually creates an alkaline environment and neutralizes uric acid rather than making the body more acidic. Lemons are especially rich in vitamin C, which is essential for lowering uric acid levels. Lemons are also a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and protein in addition to vitamin C. Lemons also contain flavonoids, a class of compounds with antioxidant and cancer-preventive properties. It enhances the skin, hair, and teeth while preventing diabetes, constipation, high blood pressure, fever, indigestion, and many other issues.
According to the American Urological Association, lemonade or lemon juice can prevent the occurrence of kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which prevents the formation of crystals.
This citrus fruit is also a potent diuretic, which effectively eliminates bacteria and toxins from the body.
Squeeze some lemon juice and add it to a glass of warm water. Drink this in the morning on an empty stomach. For best results, consume this drink for several weeks.
Optionally, you can take vitamin C supplements, but first consult your doctor for proper dosage.
2# Drink Plenty of Water
Normal level of uric acid is best maintained with sufficient water intake. For one thing, water stimulates the kidneys into disposing of toxic buildups and excess uric acid from the body.
Apart from drinking 3l water a day, eating fruits and vegetables with high content of water is also recommended.
3# Ginger
Just like lemon, ginger is another super food with potent anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study conducted by the University of Miami, ginger extract could be a natural substitute to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The study compared the effects of a highly concentrated ginger extract to placebo in 247 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The ginger extract reduced pain and stiffness in knee joints by 40% as opposed to the placebo.
In the words of the study author, Roy Altman, MD, now at the University of California, Los Angeles, “Research shows that ginger affects certain inflammatory processes at a cellular level.”
What makes ginger so helpful?
According to Roberta Lee, MD, vice chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, “Ginger has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities, as well as a small amount of analgesic property.”
Researchers at the University of Georgia in Athens and Georgia State College & University in Milledgeville reported in the Journal of Pain that a few tablespoons of raw grated ginger can significantly reduce muscle pain caused by exercise.
Adding a couple of tablespoons of grated ginger to your meals, such as salads or stir-fries, is enough to help you take full advantage of ginger health benefits.
4# Celery
Celery is an ample source of a number of nutrients including vitamin K and molybdenum. It also packs high amounts of folate, potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, and pantothenic acid. Moreover, this vegetable provides sufficient amounts of vitamin B2, copper, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids). You can use it both in cooking and juicing.
5# Tart cherry juice
Many medical professionals advise drinking tart cherry juice to prevent uric acid crystallization in the joints. Pure cherry juice is preferable to mixes that contain other ingredients for the best results. There is no doubt that the natural juice stimulates the development of bone cartilage, making it the fastest and healthiest method to remove uric acid crystallization. In turn, this lessens joint friction, which contributes to pain and other physical discomforts.
6# Cucumber juice
One of the most beneficial vegetables for treatment of gout and joint pain is cucumber. In fact, eating raw cucumber can effectively remove uric crystallization from your system. For optimal results, you can try the recipe we recommend below.
Raw Cucumber Juice Recipe
Ingredients:
- fresh ginger root
- a medium-sized cucumber
- a slice of lemon
- 2 stalks of celery
Directions:
Start by washing the ingredients well.
Slice the cucumber nicely then add the celery.
Slice the ginger root and lemon.
Blend all together in a food processor.
Drink the juice twice a day. You’ll feel instant pain relief.
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