Gout is a condition that causes mild to severe inflammation of the joints. Sufferers experience sudden attacks of pain and swelling in areas such as their ankles, knees and fingers, but most commonly in their big toes.
Once upon a time, gout was known as a rich man’s disease. This was due to the misconception that only the wealthy and well-to-do could afford to eat red meat, leading to an accumulation of uric acid in the joints.
Uric acid is a waste product from ingredients that are high in purines, a natural chemical compound. It is usually filtered through the kidneys and expelled through urine, but when the body is unable to do so effectively, it leads to gout.
Examples of purine-rich foods include red meat, internal organs, and certain types of seafood such as anchovy, prawn and crab. Drinking too much alcohol can also trigger a gout attack.
Luckily, gout can be controlled with medication, lifestyle changes, and avoiding foods with high purine levels. A gout-friendly diet includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and grains, dairy products, eggs, breads and pasta.
Simple home remedies
There are home remedies you could try if you feel an impending gout flare-up. Note that these are just suggestions and should by no means replace the recommendations of a medical professional.
Take these with a grain of salt (not literally!), and remember that the effectiveness of each will vary from person to person.
1. Apple cider vinegar
ACV has been known to relieve the initial symptoms of gout by neutralising uric acid in the body. Mix one teaspoon with a little honey in a glass of water and drink.
2. Cucumber
Drinking cucumber juice reportedly reduces uric acid, while placing thin slices of cucumber onto the affected area has been said to provide relief.
3. Ginger and turmeric
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Boil several slices of ginger with some turmeric powder in water, and drink a glassful two to three times a day.
4. Lemon juice and baking powder
Lemon juice has been known to neutralise uric acid. Mix the juice of one lemon with half a teaspoon of baking powder, then wait for it to bubble and dissipate before pouring in a little water. Stir and drink.
Alternatively, add half a teaspoon of baking powder on its own to a glass of water, and drink twice a day.
Baking powder is said to be an effective ingredient for relieving the early symptoms of gout, but should only be consumed if you do not have high blood pressure or are below the age of 60.
5. Cherries
Studies suggest that drinking black cherry juice could reduce inflammation and relieve the symptoms of gout.
Black cherry juice can be found at selected supermarkets or health food stores. Make sure it is pure, undiluted juice with no added sugar.
6. Celery
Celery is rich with antioxidants and polysaccharides, which can help relieve pain and inflammation. Drinking celery juice is said to help reduce a gout flare-up.
You could also try celery pills, which contain a concentrated amount of celery extract, available from the pharmacy.
This article first appeared in butterkicap.com.
Butterkicap is a food and culture platform and community that enables anyone to experience Malaysia through stories of its people, food and places.