A type of inflammatory arthritis, gout, develops following abnormal high levels of blood uric acid. If you are suffering from gout, it’s a sure sign of a flare-up on the way. Uric acid crystals settle in the joints and cause pain accompanied by swelling in the feet and big toes. Medication is often required in case of severe gout but, diet and lifestyle changes are more important.

While medication can contain the condition temporarily, the right diet and lifestyle modifications decrease the possibility of a relapse. Try these natural ways to relieve gout at home and experience the difference:

Drink plenty of water
Gout can cause severe swelling and inflammation and, excess fluid intake, particularly water, can combat this severity. Increasing fluid intake stimulates the kidneys to release excess fluid via increased urination. Excess uric acid is flushed out through urine and can relieve swelling to a considerable extent. You can also consume herbal teas and anything without alcohol and artificial ingredients. However, if you’ve had kidney disease, consult your doctor before increasing the fluid intake.

Apply ice to affected joints
Placing an ice pack over the swelling or the affected area greatly reduces gout-related inflammation. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and leave it for 15 minutes to relieve from gout pain. A pack of frozen vegetables can also be used over the area.

Elevate the affected joints
The feet, ankles, knees, and hands can swell and develop pain due to gout. Raising the affected area for a significant amount of time moves away blood and fluid from the area. This can be combined by wrapping an ice pack over the affected area to experience significant relief.

Consume more fish
With ample doses of antioxidants, the consumption of fish is the proven and natural way to relieve gout. Certain fishes help in reducing uric acid levels significantly and reduce inflammation and swelling.

Consume more coffee
Drinking coffee up to 3 cups per day can reduce uric acid levels by at least 22%. Those who drink 4 cups of coffee per day will have a 57% decrease in the risk of developing gout or its symptoms.

Avoid consuming high-purine meat
Purine is a crystalline compound that produces uric acid by oxidation. And, high levels of uric acid is the main culprit of developing gout. Hence, it’s advisable to avoid consuming meat and fish with high levels of purine. These include:

• Anchovies
• Herring
• Trout
• Turkey
• Bacon
• Scallops
• Cod
• Organ meats and liver
• Veal
• Mussels
• Sardines
• Venison
• Drink lemon water

Lemon water takes a top spot in the natural ways to relieve gout by neutralizing uric acid in the body. Squeeze two fresh lemons to two liters of water and consume it daily to see a remarkable improvement.

While gout flare-up can be deteriorating and exhausting, incorporating homemade and natural ways to relieve gout can reduce symptoms and prevent a relapse. Combined with these remedies, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active can also help manage the condition.