Gout is a type of arthritis that causes painful swelling and stiffness in a joint. Usually, it affects the big toe, but it can also affect the knees, fingers, and wrists. The main cause of this disease is the presence of excess uric acid in the blood. When the acid is not passed out via urine, it forms crystals under the skin around the joints.

There is no exact cure for gout, but it can be relieved with a combination of medications and some physical therapy. Additionally, one can also opt for natural remedies to keep the symptoms of this disorder in check.

Natural ways to relieve gout

• Drinking plenty of water
  Water is the best liquid to maintain hydration in the body. and unlike common perception, soda or coffee does not have the same effects. One should drink more water if they are suffering from gout as it will lead to the kidneys releasing excess fluid. This, in turn, will reduce the swelling and pain, leading to the uric acid being flushed out.
• Following an appropriate diet
  An individual must change their eating habits and should consume good quality food items in the form of a nutritious and balanced diet. Fenugreek seeds, garlic, carom seeds, ginger, castor oil, coriander, and cherries should be a regular part of meals. One should also eat anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric to decrease the intensity of gout symptoms. A proper diet is one of the best natural ways to relieve gout. These food items break down the toxic deposits, relieve redness, reduce pain and stabilize uric acid levels in the body. It is best to avoid meats that are high in purine like red meat and seafood. One should limit the intake of alcohol.
• Getting adequate rest
  It is advised by doctors to take proper rest as one of the natural ways to relieve gout. One must make sure there is less movement of the affected area and try to not exert pressure on the painful joint. Taking proper rest will help to cure the gout disease earlier.
• Exercising regularly and maintain healthy body weight
  One should avoid gaining extra weight and try to do moderate exercise regularly to maintain body weight. Rigorous workouts need to be avoided as they will worsen the condition. It is wise to consult a doctor and ask for their advice on a particular regimen.
• Increasing intake of healthy fluids
  Drinking lemon water can be beneficial in reducing uric acid. Add a few drops of lemon juice whenever you drink water and do this daily for better results. One can try drinking apple cider vinegar in lukewarm water as this can be very good to deal with the disease. Fresh juice of fruits or vegetables are the best option, if taken regularly.
• Applying ice to affected joints
  A person should apply ice over the affected area to reduce the gout-related inflammation. One can wrap ice cubes in a thin towel and place it for 10-15 minutes at a time to relieve pain. It is one of the natural ways to relieve gout.

Changing your lifestyle can not cure the disease but can surely help to control the level of uric acid in the blood. These methods can also help better manage the symptoms of gout during a flare-up.