Anyone who has experienced gout can attest to the pain associated with the condition. Gout is often referred to as gouty arthritis, and it is a condition that involves inflammation in the joints. Typically, patients with gout experience the physical symptoms associated with the condition in the feet, but the inflammation can be found throughout the body. The big toe of the foot chiefly shows physical symptoms. While there are medications individuals can take to treat gout, there are some natural remedies that can lessen the inflammation. These include the following superfoods as a part of a gout diet:
1. Ginger
This herb is a great natural anti-inflammatory food. Not only does it reduce inflammation, but it also lowers the amount of uric acid in the blood. Those with gout can steep one inch of the herb in water for between five and ten minutes, then drink the resulting concoction on a regular basis to get joint relief from the symptoms of gout.
2. Celery
Celery (and its seeds) provide iron, calcium, and manganese that are all known to lessen the symptoms of gout. This vegetable also reduces the amount of uric acid in the blood as well as lower the production of nitric oxide, which is known to aggravate the symptoms of gout. One can prepare this vegetable in a number of ways to harness its benefits, including eating it raw or drinking the juice.
3. Cherries
Cherries contain anthocyanin and ascorbate, which are both powerful antioxidants and known anti-inflammatory agents. Regular intake of this fruit can help to prevent a gout attack. According to a study conducted by Boston University, an individual who consumes this fruit over a two day period lowered the risk of experiencing an attack by 35 percent. One serving of the fruit is about ten to twelve pieces.
4. Apples
In moderation, eating apples can help to alleviate the symptoms of gout. Most physicians recommend consuming up to eight glasses of water each day along with fruit consumption to alleviate gout symptoms.
5. Hibiscus
Hibiscus may be utilized as a tea, a supplement or an extract. This flowering plant has been shown in animal tests to lower the levels of uric acid in the body, which is great news for gout patients.
9. Dandelion
Dandelion in the form of tea, extracts and supplements have been shown to improve the health of the liver and kidneys. In fact, several studies have shown that this superfood can help naturally lower uric acid levels in the body.
10. Banana
The potassium in bananas helps individuals to experience optimum tissue and organ function, and individuals with gout are recommended to eat one per day in order to provide a benefit when in the midst of a gout attack.
