As you can imagine, indulgent, sedentary lifestyles and the consumption of these incredibly rich foods had then lead to many illnesses and health conditions.
The result of this is an increasing number of people getting the diseases that were once thought to be the domain of solely the rich.
Among these health conditions include gout, an illness that is related to arthritis.
This is because it is a disease that causes painful joint movements, due to the development of crystals in the joints when the uric acid levels in the blood are too high.
This high level of uric acid is caused by a combination of a sedentary lifestyle that sees to little exercise and an unhealthy diet.
Such a diet usually involves lots of alcohol, protein, and foods that are high in purine.
Here are some natural remedies that will help you alleviate your gout symptoms:
1. Cherries
While gout is normally treated by medication, changing your diet and lifestyle can yield a great deal of benefit.
For example, eating cherries is believed to help reduce inflammation and uric acid alike.
To be precise 20 cherries – or, alternatively, two servings or one cup – has been proven by researchers to be the perfect amount.
2. Bananas
Bananas are another good fruit to consume as it also helps reduce swelling and uric acid levels.
It also has potassium, which can help raise pH levels to more alkaline states. This can help manage gout as a result.
However, it best to be careful with this fruit – its nutrition content rises with its ripeness, and you should not consume more than two per day due to its high sugar content.
3. Ginger Root
Incorporating ginger root in any form into your diet is also considered highly beneficial for gout patients.
Many countries believe ginger to be a must for all households due to its incredible medicinal properties.
Apart from boiling ginger and drinking the lukewarm liquid, it can even be incorporated into your cooking.
If you’d like you can even apply ginger root paste on the affected area for 30 minutes every day.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Other alternatives include apple cider vinegar, which is touted to be effective at managing gout (among other health conditions).
It also helps with inflammation and the pain that associated with flare-ups.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another type of liquid that can help with gout, via bringing relief during a gout attack.
It does this by alkalizing and reducing the amount of uric acid in the body.
6. Apple Juice
More liquids you can consume include apple juice in any form. Apple juice contains high levels of malic acid, which can neutralize uric acid.
Attention, however, should be paid to the juice’s sugar content.
7. Stinging Nettle
This can provide inflammation and pain relief. It also has antioxidant, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties which can help with the management of gout.
Aside from that, it contains plenty of calcium, magnesium, and potassium that is beneficial for gout sufferers.
8. Epsom Salts
You can also manage your gout with Epsom salts!
This is because the magnesium and sulfate found in the salt are easily absorbed by the skin, and may help with managing pain and inflammation.
9. Activated Charcoal
Meanwhile, activated charcoal can be used to reduce excess uric acid in the body as well.
The activated charcoal can be used in the form of a paste that can absorb uric acid before crystallization.
10. Baking Soda
Like activated charcoal, baking soda can also be used to reduce excess uric acid in the body.
Take half a teaspoon of baking soda and mix it in a glass of water.
You can drink this four times a day for at least 2 weeks because drinking baking soda and water can rid the body of uric acid directly!