What Are Remedies for Gout?

Gout is a painful condition caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood. When levels get too high in some people, the uric acid forms crystals in the blood that deposit in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Gout is more common in men than women, and more common in people who are underweight, drink a lot of alcohol and take certain medications, including diuretics. Gout can be treated medically, but over the years many people have come to rely on effective home remedies.

Drink Fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids, at least six to eight glasses a day, can help minimize gout symptoms.

Ginger Bath

For gout in the feet or lower legs, add one third of a cup of ground ginger to bath water and soak the afflicted areas for about 30 minutes. This makes you sweat, which will help get the uric acid out of your body.

Vitamin C Foods

Foods rich in Vitamin C are good for gout, including lemons and cherries. Drink the juice from cherries or eat 10 to 15 cherries a day. You can also squeeze the juice from a lemon into your drinking water a couple of times a day. Other citrus fruits and berries are also high in Vitamin C.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

Some people get relief from gout symptoms by drinking two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and two teaspoons of honey two times daily.

Exercise

Regularly stretching and exercising your joints affected by gout can provide some relief from gout attacks. It's important to keep a regular routine of exercise to keep the muscles healthy.

Ice

Cold packs or ice packs applied to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day can minimize pain from gout.