Gout can be a painful condition, especially for older adults. It occurs when there is a buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to arthritis, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. If left untreated, gout can cause severe pain and discomfort.

The main cause of gout is an overload of uric acid. This can happen when the body is unable to eliminate uric acid efficiently or when there is an excessive production of it. Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down purines, which are found in many foods. People with gout often have high levels of uric acid in their blood, but not everyone with high uric acid levels will develop gout.

When the kidneys are unable to eliminate uric acid properly, it can crystalize and deposit around the joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Luckily, there are steps you can take to remove uric acid from your body and improve your overall health.

Lifestyle and Diet Changes

The first and most important step is to make changes to your lifestyle and diet. It is crucial to adopt a healthy and balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, seafood, and whole unprocessed grains. Cut back on processed sugars, foods high in saturated fats, and alcohol.

Drinking plenty of water is also essential. Staying hydrated helps to flush out toxins and excess uric acid from the body. Opt for water, natural juices without added sugar, fruit-infused water, and herbal teas. You can use honey as a natural sweetener. Additionally, try to reduce stress through gentle physical activities or relaxation techniques.

Natural Tonics for Gout

In addition to lifestyle and diet changes, there are some natural tonics that can help alleviate gout symptoms:

• Baking soda: Adding half a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water daily can help reduce uric acid levels. Increase the dosage to a whole teaspoon during a gout attack.

• Lemon water: Drinking lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach can increase the alkalinity of the body and prevent the formation of uric acid crystals. Squeeze half a lemon into 200 ml of warm water and enjoy.

• Apple cider vinegar: Similar to lemon water, apple cider vinegar helps increase body alkalinity. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 200 ml of water and drink it before lunch and dinner.

Best Foods to Prevent or Treat Gout

Certain foods can also help prevent or alleviate gout symptoms. Consider incorporating these foods into your diet:

• Curcumin: Found in turmeric, curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and can protect the kidneys.

• Bromelain: Pineapples contain bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

• Flaxseed: Flaxseed has been shown to reduce serum uric acid levels in some subjects, thanks to its beneficial properties.

By making these lifestyle and dietary changes, and incorporating natural tonics and beneficial foods, you can effectively reduce uric acid crystallization and prevent gout flare-ups. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any drastic changes to your diet or if you have any specific health concerns.