Gout is a common type of arthritis, which is characterized by sudden, severe pain and swelling in the joints due to the build-up of uric acid. Uric acid is formed when purines (found in the body and certain foods) break down into crystals, which remain in the joints and lead to pain. While there is no fixed cure for gout, a good balance of medications and home remedies can help manage its symptoms. Let’s take a look at a few dietary changes and natural remedies that can assist in alleviating gout symptoms:

1. Cherries
Anthocyanins are found in large amounts in cherries. They are anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce the symptoms of gout. Studies say that a regular intake of cherries in fruit or juice form, in combination with medicines, can reduce the risk of gout attacks by 75 percent.

2. Lemon water
While drinking plenty of water benefits gout patients, adding freshly squeezed lemon to it doubles those benefits. Studies say that lemon neutralizes the levels of uric acid in the body, which helps in curbing the symptoms of gout.

3. Ginger
Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. If you enjoy a cup of warm tea before bed, then it’s a good excuse to have ginger tea. You can also use it topically, by applying non-diluted ginger juice on the affected area. The easiest way to extract ginger root juice is to grate it and extract the juice by squeezing the grated ginger in a thin washcloth.

4. Turmeric
Turmeric is highly recommended to patients with gout. It contains curcumin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties. You can add it to meals or mix it with some lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and warm water.

5. Garlic
Garlic is another herb that is helpful in managing symptoms of gout, as it rids the body of excess amounts of uric acid. One of the best ways to use garlic to manage gout symptoms is to consume it with food.

6. Coffee
Nearly everyone enjoys a hot cup of coffee. Some studies conclude that coffee helps lower the levels of uric acid in the body. However, this may not be the best option for those with pre-existing health conditions. So, it’s best to discuss this with a health expert.

Apart from the dietary changes, here are a few other tips that can help you manage gout naturally:

• Eliminating foods that are high in purine is highly recommended to gout patients. Meats that are high in purine include turkey, bacon, veal, venison, mussels, trout, and organ meats like liver, among others.
• Gout commonly affects the joints of the legs, such as those of the ankles, knees, and big toe. To reduce swelling and pain, it’s advisable to elevate your legs while sleeping.
• Stress can heighten the problems posed by gout, and it can even lead to a gout attack. There are myriad ways to relax and de-stress with exercising, meditating, and making a conscious effort to engage in activities of your choice—dancing, walking, and listening to music being just some of them.