What is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It is caused when the uric acid within the body crystallizes within the joints. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2007 through 2008, over eight million adults living in the United States suffer from gout. A gout attack is very painful and is characterized by pain in a single joint. The affected joint becomes red, hot, and swollen during a gout attack. The area that is most commonly affected by gout is the big toe, but it can also occur in the ankles, elbows or knees. A person having a gout attack can also suffer from a fever as high as 102 degrees. These symptoms can last as long as ten days.
Health Risks Associated With Gout
The risks of gout do not stop at pain. Those who suffer from gout also have an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Those with gout also have an increased risk of prostate cancer and heart attack. If you have gout, it is important to regularly consult with your doctor.
Do I Have Options to Treat My Gout Naturally?
In addition to seeking treatment from a healthcare professional, you can use a powerful natural remedy. A simple drink made from turmeric, cherries, pineapple and ginger has the potential to stop your gout symptoms.
Ginger
A 2011 study found that ginger extract reduced the symptoms of gout in mice, and a 2013 study published in National Journal of Preventative Medicine proved that ginger extract reduced inflammatory arthritis symptoms. Many doctors suggest that patients ingest ginger as a natural aid against the painful symptoms of gout.
Cherries
Cherries lower the amount of uric acid in the blood. Like ginger, cherries also act as powerful anti-inflammatory. A study out of Boston University proved that eating cherries lowered risk of gout attacks by thirty-five percent. During the study, over six hundred gout patients were studied for one year. Participants were asked to eat a serving of cherries for two days after a gout attack and report their results.
Pineapple
Consuming pineapple is a great way to heal injuries and fight illness. It is the only natural source of a group of enzymes known as bromelain. Bromelain thins the blood, improves circulation, and lowers arthritis pain. A 2001 study published in “Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology” proved that the bromelain found in pineapple blocks the production of pain-causing compounds.
Tumeric
Turmeric has been used as medicine for thousands of years. Curcumin is a component of turmeric and gives it its yellow color. It is also proven to reduce pain and swelling. A 2009 study found that the curcumin in turmeric lessens the symptoms of gout. The study also stated that the ingredients in turmeric provide relief from symptoms associated with diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease.
A Drink to Relieve the Symptoms of Gout
You can make a simple drink at home to relive your painful symptoms of gout. You will need the following ingredients:
- One cup of tart cherry juice
- One to two teaspoons of turmeric powder
- Two to three spoonfuls of powdered ginger or one inch of ginger root, grated
- One pineapple
- One to two tablespoons of honey for taste
Remove the skin of the pineapple and cut the pineapple into pieces. The stem of the pineapple contains the most bromelain, so you may want to use the stem as well. Blend the pineapple and stem, then strain the juice. Blend the pineapple juice with the rest of the ingredients and store the juice in a glass container. Drinking this juice will help stave off gout attacks and/or lessen the painful symptoms caused by gout.
Warnings
If you are taking a blood-thinning medication such as asprin or warfarin, please consult a physician before ingesting turmeric. Turmeric increases the blood-thinning effects of some medications.
Conclusion
If this drink is right for you, you may see significant results. You may be able to increase the length of time between gout flare-ups. You may also decrease symptoms or shorten the length of a gout attack. Consult with a physician before starting any alternative remedies.