What is Gout?
Gout is a disease created by a buildup of uric acid. In this condition, uric acid crystals are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues due to elevated concentrations of uric acid in the bloodstream. This provokes an inflammatory reaction of these tissues.
Gout is characterized by excruciating, sudden, unexpected, burning pain, as well as swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness in the affected joint.
Gout symptoms
Skin becomes swollen, tender and sore if it is even slightly touched.
The big toe is the most commonly attacked (usually in 75% of the cases).
Crystals of Uric acid may get deposited in the helix of the ear.
Picture of Gout
Gout Remedies
The home remedies would include:
1. Apply ice. If the affected joint is not too tender to touch, try applying a crushed-ice pack. Place the pack on the painful joint and leave it for about 10 minutes. Cushion it with a towel or sponge. Reapply as needed.
2. Drink lots of water. Large amounts of fluid can help flush excess uric acid from your system before it can do any harm.
3. Avoid high-purine foods. Check below for the list of high purine foods
4. Avoid alcohol
5. Consider herbal teas. Another good way to take in sufficient liquid is with herb teas. They're free of both caffeine and calories, so large amounts won't make you jittery or pile on unwanted pounds.
6. Make a mixture of one tablespoon of pepper, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 glass of water. Boil it and apply it on the affected area.
Gout diet
Food to Avoid
Avoid high purine food. Foods very high in purines include:
hearts
herring
mussels
yeast
smelt
sardines
sweetbreads
Anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes, herring.
Yeast.
Organ meat (liver, kidneys, sweetbreads)
Legumes (dried beans, peas)
Meat extracts, consomme, gravies.
Mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower.
Avoid alcohol or drink alcohol in moderation
Recommended Foods To Eat
Fresh cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and other red-blue berries
Bananas
Celery
Tomatoes
Vegetables including kale, cabbage, parsley, green-leafy vegetables
Foods high in bromelain (pineapple)
Foods high in vitamin C (red cabbage, red bell peppers, tangerines, mandarins, oranges, potatoes)
Drink fruit juices and purified water (8 glasses of water per day)
Low-fat dairy products
Complex carbohydrates (breads, cereals, pasta, rice, as well as aforementioned vegetables and fruits)
Chocolate, cocoa
Coffee, tea
Carbonated beverages
Essential fatty acids (tuna and salmon, flaxseed, nuts, seeds)
Tofu, although a legume and made from soybeans, may be a better choice than meat
