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What are Some Gout Remedies?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid, causing crystals to grow in the cartilage around joints and tendons and resulting in inflammation and pain. While there is no cure for gout, there are many gout remedies that can reduce the frequency and duration of attacks and manage pain. Gout remedies generally fall into two categories: medication and diet.

To deal with the pain of an acute gout attack, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, diuretics, or glucocorticoids may be prescribed. Glucocorticoids may be taken orally or injected into the affected joint. If one is unable to access prescription drugs at the time of an attack, Preparation H applied to the joint and over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can be helpful gout remedies. Aspirin is not effective against gout and may aggravate the condition.

Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.
Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.

Prescription drugs including xanthine-oxidase inhibitors, urate oxidases, and uricosurics are often used to manage gout and prevent attacks. Diet is also important in the fight against gout. A low-fat, low-protein diet with foods low in purine is recommended.

Animal sources of purine, such as red meat and shellfish, are the most important foods to avoid. Sugary soft drinks and other sources of fructose, as well as beer, can also contribute to gout, while dairy products can help combat gout, provided they are not high in fat. Some gout remedies that can help lower purine intake include tart cherries, celery extract, and cheese. Dietary supplements quercetin and pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) are also helpful.

Many types of meat, especially those high in fat can contribute to gout.
Many types of meat, especially those high in fat can contribute to gout.

There are many alternative gout remedies as well, though the medical community is in disagreement regarding their effectiveness. Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is a traditional remedy, though the increased sodium may be contraindicated for some gout sufferers. Coffee, tea, and other sources of caffeine may help reduce the risk of developing gout. Potassium supplements, chondroitin sulfate, and Siberian ginseng are some other alternative gout remedies.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

spasiba

It depends on the cause of the elevated uric acid in the blood that appropriate medication is given.

If the body produces too much uric acid, one form of medication will be prescribed.

If on the other hand kidneys do not eliminate uric acid properly, a different kind of medicine will be required.

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    • Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.
      Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.
    • Many types of meat, especially those high in fat can contribute to gout.
      Many types of meat, especially those high in fat can contribute to gout.
    • Cherries contain flavonoids, which may help relieve the inflammation of gout.
      By: Harris Shiffman
      Cherries contain flavonoids, which may help relieve the inflammation of gout.
    • Aspirin may aggravate gout symptoms.
      By: blueskies9
      Aspirin may aggravate gout symptoms.
    • Those with gout should avoid eating sardines, because they are rich in purine.
      By: Picture Partners
      Those with gout should avoid eating sardines, because they are rich in purine.