Self-Help Measures for Gout

The most effective self-help measure for gout is not to get it in the first place. There are several things you can do to reduce your chances of suffering from this painful disorder.

Preventative Strategies:

• Modify your diet. Reduce your consumption of fish and meat products and high purine vegetables like spinach. See a dietitian or nutritionist if you’re unsure.
• Cut out alcohol or reduce it. If you think you have an alcohol problem, seek advice from your doctor or professional counselor

• Drink plenty of water
• Reduce your tea and coffee consumption
• Always have a balanced, healthy diet that includes fresh foods
• If you do vigorous exercise, consider a less intensive regime
• If you have a sprained or injured joint, do not attempt to exercise. Rest the joint
• Ensure you are receiving treatment for any existing kidney disease or high blood pressure.

Natural Treatment for Gout:

According to a 20-year-long study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, supplementation with vitamin C can prevent gout. Over 47,000 men were studied over this period and of those, 1317 developed gout. All of the affected men were health professionals.

Men who took 1,000 mgs of Vitamin C a day had 34 percent less chance of developing gout and those who took 1,500 mgs daily had 45 percent less chance of developing gout. This reduction in risk was apparent regardless of the person’s lifestyle or diet.

The study authors wrote, "We prospectively examined, from 1986 through 2006, the relation between Vitamin C intake and risk of incident gout in 46,994 male participants with no history of gout at baseline. We used a supplementary questionnaire to ascertain the American College of Rheumatology criteria for gout. Vitamin C intake was assessed every four years through validated questionnaires.
Higher vitamin C intake is independently associated with a lower risk of gout. Supplemental vitamin C intake may be beneficial in the prevention of gout."

Cherry Juice:

Cherry juice has also been used as a preventative and treatment of gout. A study carried out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that volunteers blood/urate levels decreased for five hours after a meal of cherries. The results of the study suggested that cherries may reduce gout, other painful inflammatory conditions and even cardiovascular disease. "Our test is among the first to track anti-inflammatory effects of fresh Bing cherries in a controlled experiment with healthy volunteers," says chemist Robert Jacob, who led the investigation.

Levels of C reactive proteins, which are produced by the liver and are a sign of inflammation, were also significantly reduced by cherries. Low levels of C reactive proteins indicate a healthy immune system and lessen the risk of heart disease. So have a bowl of cherries every day and see if that helps!

Other Pain Relieving Measures:

Natural pain relief also includes using an ice pack on the affected area. You can make your own by wrapping a bag of frozen peas in a towel. Resting the affected joints is also important.

Arnica (homeopathy made from flowers) can also reduce inflammation and pain caused by gout. It is available in tablet form or as a cream you can rub into the joints.

Sources:
Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(5):502-507, http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may04/cherry0504.htm

Joanna is a freelance health writer for The Mother magazine and Suite 101 with a column on infertility, http://infertility.suite101.com/. She is author of the book, 'Breast Milk: A Natural Immunisation,' and co-author of an educational resource on disabled parenting, in addition to running a charity for people damaged by vaccines or medical mistakes.

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