People who suffer from gout know the shattering pain that comes during a flare-up. The disease is caused by an overproduction or under-excretion of uric acid in the body. When this happens, uric acid crystals form in the body's tissues and fluids, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A major risk factor for developing gout is obesity. This is why it is so important people who suffer from gout maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
Other risk factors for gout include hypertension, alcohol, poor kidney function, and diets rich in meat and seafood. So what should people with gout eat? According to Mayo Clinic, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a limited amount of lean meats (4 to 6 ounces or 113 to 170 grams) should be the star ingredients on your plate. Foods to be avoided include white bread, sugary sweets, red meat, and high-fat dairy products. In addition to a "gout diet," you may want to try some of these home remedies to prevent and treat flare-ups.
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1. Cherries.
Researchers from Boston University and University of Sydney found that eating cherries can actually decrease a person's risk of gout attacks. The study found that after just two days of consuming 10- 12 cherries per day, a person is 35% less likely to have a gout attack.
2. Apple cider vinegar.
People with gout should eat foods that will help balance the levels of uric acid in their blood. Go an extra step further by consuming 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This will help make the body more alkaline, as opposed to acidic. Natural Society recommends drinking 1- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water during a flare up.
3. Pineapple.
This tasty tropical fruit contains a compound called bromelain. According to Natural Society, bromelain can be helpful to people suffering from gout. It has the added benefit of being anti-cancer.
4. Beet juice.
Natural Society reports beet juice can actually stimulate the liver to clean its bile ducts. This is a crucial process for people suffering from gout. It also prevents against the overproduction of acid.
5. Oranges.
Vitamin C can help reduce uric acid in the blood, says Natural Society. Eat plenty of citrus fruit or try taking a vitamin C-rich supplement like rose hips.
6. Strawberries.
This summer fruit does wonders for eliminating uric acid, says Dr. Mercola. Buy strawberries fresh for a healthy snack or use them frozen in a smoothie.
7. Ginger.
Gout is an arthritic disease, which is why studies have shown that ginger, which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, can relieve pain and decrease the frequency of attacks.
8. Banana.
Purines are compounds in the body that metabolize to become uric acid. Therefore, eating foods high in purine can increase your risk of a gout attack. Bananas, on the other hand, are very low in purine. They are also high in vitamin C. Livestrong says that consuming 2 to 4 servings of bananas or other fruit daily is effective against gout.
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Gout can be debilitating and painful. But those who suffer from the disease can treat symptoms and prevent flare-ups with diet. So why not try some of these home remedies today?
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