When the food we consume and the body’s cells break down, uric acid is formed within the body. Most of it is cleansed by the kidneys and eliminated through the urine. Nevertheless, if the body produces a lot of uric acid and if the kidneys cannot eliminate it thoroughly, the levels of uric acid in the body increase.

Increased levels of uric acid in the body can create small uric acid crystals in the joints, a common health condition known as gout or gouty arthritis. In addition, increased uric acid in the body can lead to kidney failure or kidney stones.

Common causes of gout include:

• A diet rich in hydrogenated fats
• Alcohol abuse
• Refined carbohydrates
• Conventional meat

Health conditions that can increase the risk of developing gout are:

• Insulin resistance
• Kidney disease
• Obesity
• Stress
• An acidic system
• High blood pressure

NATURAL TREATMENTS OF GOUT

Even though there are plenty of medications, which are used to excrete uric acid through the urine or stimulate the body to produce less acid, there are also countless natural remedies to cure this health condition. In this article, we are going to show you some of them:

1. Reduce the intake of purines

Purine-high diet contributes to high levels of uric acid and an increased risk of gout. In addition, purines represent chemicals compounds, which are converted into uric acid. Beer, red fish and oily fish are loaded with purines and should be cut down from your diet.

2. Include more dairy products in your diet

Consuming dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, increases the excretion of uric acid from the body. Therefore, include more dairy products in your diet, especially low-fat dairy products.

3. Avoid consuming fructose

Fructose-sweetened beverages, such as soda and fruit juice, increase the production of uric acid in the body. A study found out that people, who consume fructose-sweetened beverages, have an increased risk of experiencing gout.

4. Drink a lot of water

Consuming a lot of water will help you to regulate the levels of uric acid in the body and promote the kidneys to increase the excretion of uric acid through the urine.

5. Avoid consuming wine

It is known that beer consumption increases the production of uric acid in the body. However, consuming wine increases the risk of gut, too. Studies found out that consuming a serving of beer increases the risk of experiencing gout by 36 %, whereas consuming a serving of wine doubles the risk.

6. Reduce inflammation

We should include more berries, strawberries and blueberries in your diet, because dark berries and cherries reduce the levels of uric acid in the body, whereas blueberries and purple-colored berries are rich in anthocyanides, flavonoids that reduce levels of uric acid in the body and fight inflammation and stiffness. In addition, celery and pineapple also contain anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Increase the intake of vitamin C

It is considered that vitamin C enables the body to excrete uric acid easily. You can take vitamin C through the diet or take food supplements. Broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries lemons and oranges are high in vitamin C.

8. Use olive oil for cooking

Vegetables oils convert into rancid fats when processed or heated. The rancid fats eliminate vitamin D from the body, which is crucial for regulating the levels of uric acid in the body. On the other hand, olive oil contains unsaturated fats that remain stable at high temperatures. Not only does olive oil have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but it also rich in vitamin D.

9. Regulate your weight

Obesity increases the risk of experiencing gout, because overweight people produce more uric acid and their kidneys cannot excrete it quickly. In addition, obesity increases the risk of gout by 50 %.

10. Celery seed extract

Celery juice and celery seed extract help reduce the buildup of uric acid in the body. Celery is loaded with antioxidants, including phenolic acid and flavaols, which make celery beneficial for treating countless health conditions, such as joint pain, liver and kidney infections, gout, skin conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, etc.

11. Nettles

Nettles are mighty anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which are effective in treating and preventing gout. You can buy them as tea or as a supplement.

12. Magnesium

Magnesium is another beneficial remedy for treating gout. It is an alkaline mineral, which reduces the levels of uric acid in the body and effectively treats gout, particularly acute gout.

13. Cut down grains

Grains turn into sugars, which cause inflammation in the body. Therefore, limit or avoid consuming grains.

Numerous factors can contribute to high levels of uric acid within the body. However, some lifestyle and dietary changes can help you to reduce it. Natural treatments that include lifestyle and dietary changes should take first place before you choose medicines or other methods.