subject: Gout Cures: How to Cure Gout Naturally [print this page] Gout Cures: How to Cure Gout Naturally Gout Cures: How to Cure Gout Naturally
Gout is an extremely painful condition that affects the joints. It is characterized by severe inflammation and pain. Though many people are not aware of the fact, gout is actually a form of arthritis, with single joints mostly affected. The big toe is one of the most common places the condition attacks. Because gout causes so much pain and discomfort, most people are interested in gout cures. Though there is no "cure" per se, there are ways to treat gout and to speed up the elimination of the condition. We'll discuss what some of those are below. But before we do that, let's take a look at what gout is.
The accumulation of urate crystals causes gout. These come from uric acid, which is a type of waste, typically eliminated from the body after it makes its way through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to eliminate the uric acid, urate crystals can accumulate and get stuck in the joints, causing a tremendous amount of pain and inflammation. Both men and women develop gout, but men tend to develop it more often. However, women do suffer increased incidences once they reach the menopausal stage.
Doctors may prescribe medication for a bout of gout. While this works well for some people it doesn't work well for everyone. Some people prefer natural gout remedies. For these people, there are a number of good options. Below, we will discuss a few natural gout cures (remedies that help alleviate pain and speed up the healing process).
Though there are no actual gout cures, there are ways to treat the condition so that the pain subsides more quickly then it would otherwise. One of the best things a person can do is limit the amount of uric acid in the body. Reducing those foods which contain high levels of uric acid is one of the easiest ways to do so. Organ meat, gravy, seafood, alcohol and red meats should either be cut out completely or at least minimized when a person is having a gout attack. Consuming at least eight hours of water a day (minimum) can be helpful as well.
Maintaining a healthy weight is another natural "gout cure." This may require that a person lose weight. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can both go a long way. Medication may be necessary for some people but that's for ones doctor to decide. Some physicians will prescribe medications that help limit the amount of uric acid produced in the body or which will help flush it out more quickly and efficiently. Joint care is also important. This might involve using cold compresses on the swollen joints and the performance of certain exercises.
