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Try These Natural Remedies For Gout Attacks


Date: 07/02/06
 
Keywords: Nutrition, Gout
I recently received an email asking 'What is good for Gout?'. In previous e-Alerts I've shared messages from HSI members who have found natural remedies to treat gout plus the foods to avoid that could trigger attacks...

US Vice President Cheney recently visited the hospital when he experienced shortness of breath. This was apparently a minor crisis, but it demonstrates the dilemma of treating pain with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Representatives for Mr. Cheney told the New York Times that the VP's shallow breathing was the result of fluid buildup in his lungs, caused by an anti-inflammatory drug. He'd been using the drug to address pain from chronic foot problems that include tendonitis and possibly gout.

As most people are aware, Mr. Cheney's health is complicated by a serious heart condition that's being treated with a host of drugs, according to the Times. But if his foot pain is mostly gout related, maybe someone from his medical team will have the wisdom to add a simple home remedy to his drug regimen.

Cherries may cut the duration of a gout attack in half

An HSI member named Max apparently has something in common with the Vice President. Max recently sent an e-mail with this simple request: 'What is good for Gout?'

To answer that question I'll start with the culprit: uric acid.

Most gout patients have inherited a genetic condition that inhibits the excretion of uric acid. Kidney failure and a high intake of diuretic drugs or diuretic foods (such as liver) can also cause this problem. The other precursor of gout - the excessive production of uric acid - is triggered by hereditary factors too, as well as excessive alcohol consumption and obesity.

In the e-Alert 'Effective relief from gout pain' (6/2/04),I told you about a colleague of mine here at HSI named Ramsey who has coped with gout for several years. When Ramsey was first diagnosed he did some research and came across what was described as an old wives tale: Cherries relieve gout. The source he found said to eat two pounds of cherries at the onset of an attack. That's a lot of cherries, but when he tried it, the duration of his gout attacks was cut in half.

Ramsey also found helpful advice from a book, titled 'Getting Rid of Gout: A Guide to Management and Prevention' by Bryan Emerson (Oxford University Press, 1996), which has information about foods that can trigger gout attacks (such as fish, broccoli, asparagus, coffee and orange juice), and tips for lessening the effects of an attack (such as drinking cherry juice, in addition to eating cherries). Drinking lots of water also helps flush uric acid from the system.

Organ meat is another trigger that Ramsey has to steer clear of. In fact, high protein diets in general can increase uric acid production and aggravate gout symptoms.

Other remedies for gout include celery and yoga

In previous e-Alerts I've shared messages from HSI members who have found natural ways to treat gout.

A member named Ernie wrote: 'Celery seed will stop gout attacks, and it has many other benefits.' Several other members wrote to suggest using celery seed, which can be taken in extract form. In addition to gout relief, celery seed is also reputed to reduce inflammation, calm muscle spasms and fight bacteria.

Another botanical used to reduce gout pain is extract of juniper, rich in antioxidant flavonoids. A member named Lee writes: 'A friend who also has gout suggested Juniper. It works well for me and relief is usually within a few hours! I take 2,500 mg capsules 2 or 3 times the first day. I then take 1 cap. 3x/day until the pain is gone completely, rarely more that 3 days.'

A visit to the chiropractor was so effective for a member named Kris that she categorizes it as a cure. And practicing yoga might lead to relief, according to a member named CL who says, 'I teach the Bikram Style of Hatha Yoga and I have seen many students heal their gout pain thru Yoga.'

The next time you feel a gout attack coming on; make a grab for the cherries and not the medications that may have side-effects like the Vice President experienced.
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Comments

madeleine Posted 23/07/2008

My husband sufers from gout, he is taking cherries extract in form of liquid ( bought in usa ) probably there is the same version in uk, his attacks are minor and fewer, the pain is not as great. Is now a minor pain.... bless the cherries!

Chris Posted 19/11/2008

I was diagnosed with acute gout and a second opinion agreed. I was told to learn to live with it and to take alapurinol regularly and colchicine for attacks (I can't tolerate anti-inflamatories). I then found a web bulletin which advised a daily dose of bicarbonate of soda and this has suppressed my symptoms completely. If I stop for more than a week, the symptoms re-appear.

Val Posted 16/01/2009

Can anyone tell me how long an average gout attack lasts? I have remained gout free for just over a year by drinking concentrated cherry juice but have recently had a very painful attack which so far, has lasted 10 days, in spite of following nutritional advice!

shaun taylor Posted 30/01/2009

ive just had a three week attack of gout. i took iboprofen which kept the pain bearable, this was my first attack for two years. my other attacks were 3-7 days at yearly intervals. hope this helps

Maryanne Posted 10/02/2009

My boyfriend has gout in his chest - he is now suffering from dizzy spells as a result of the medication the doctor has put him on. Can anyone offer any remedies that I can try him on?

ESSEXMARK Posted 12/02/2009

I've had attacks for almost ten years...normally last between five/ten days...the latest one since last friday appears to have no end...I'm in agony and even changed from nsaids to etoricoxib - it is not helping....I sympathise with all who suffer!

RobP Posted 17/02/2009

I'm 33 and just had my first attack. I thought I had broken my toe it was that painful. I have taken this as a sign to really change my lifestyle. The wife is out looking for cherries as I write...

Andy Posted 17/03/2009

I've found that keeping Mon-Fri alcohol free is useful and avoiding regular intake of 'bad'foods. The onset of an attack is often unpredictable but Colchicine with Indometacin works wonders in a few hours.

lesley Posted 21/03/2009

My husband has suffered from gout for over 10 years. It starts in his toes or ankle. He hasn't had a bad flare for the last couple of years. However he has now been bedridden for a week and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. The dr has prescribed etoricoxib. He is still in pain! Any advice?

poker player Posted 27/03/2009

Just been diagnosed with gout......man its painful. doc has put me on anti inflammatories.Will try the cherries, Many thanks to all Poker Player

Terrigar Posted 28/03/2009

Dear God! this is so unbelievably painful, I thought I had broken my toe in my sleep. I can't take anti-inflammatories so I'm looking for cherries though. Where I'll find them in March in England is any body's guess.

Heinz Posted 30/03/2009

Colchicine worked within 1 day for me and I've had gout flare ups for 14 years...

marky mark Posted 02/04/2009

How many pints of water would I have to drink daily to flush the uric acid from my system ?

mick sta Posted 05/04/2009

Just posting a response to terrigar. I buy my black cherry juice from holland and barrat health food shop its £9.99 but concentrated. I have 6 teaspoons in a little water in the morning and 3 tea spoons in the evening it seems to work for me so good luck..

Casper Posted 08/04/2009

My husband has had severe gout in his foot for the last 2 days and can't walk. What can I give him for immediate relief. We tried the gout cocktail that the chemist gave him and that never worked.

JoeConn Posted 10/04/2009

Thanks to all for sharing - it's 6pm on Good Friday but I will try to hunt for the cherries. Agree with several comments above - I have had attacks previously, and always controlled with Naproxen. Initially very effective, but less so each time I have an attack. Swapped to Indometacin, and pain yet to subside. Aaargghh - Nights are worst!

Jim  Posted 11/04/2009

I have had a bad foot and it was diagnosed by the Dr as a bruised tendon! I knew he wasn't right and am treating it the same as gout. My father-in-law suffers from the same so I am well aware of all symptoms. I have just had some bicarb. of soda and will see how I am in a few days.

Angela Posted 18/04/2009

VERY USEFUL

william Posted 24/04/2009

This is my third attack, in about 4 years, and by far the worse. I made the mistake of going to the shops on foot, my foot was swollen and, I was in severe pain when I returned, frozen peas from the freezer has helped a lot. I hate this.

Graham Posted 28/04/2009

I'v been suffering from gout for 9 years. I have had a kidney transplant and gout is a big problem for tranplant pasents. Over my time with gout I have tried to find out what causes my gout. One of the things that surprised me was drinking fizzy drinks. I read a report that fizz can cause gout, so I tried it out. If I drink coke the next day I had gout. After 3 or 4 times of trying this I new coke wasn't for me. Orange juice also has the same efect. Good luck to all as I feel for anyone with gout...

Bob WXM Posted 26/05/2009

Have had gout twice in the last 6 weeks. I was given Naproxen the first time which took away the pain but did not actually cure it. This next episode which was worse,I was prescribed Colchicine.I took the course of twelve tablets but boy was I ill after!!!! To be fair it has worked for me. Has anyone else sufferd after this medication,I would love to know.

Mike Posted 02/06/2009

Heating pad on and off the affected area every 15 minutes can bring some relief. I've taken colchisine and endocin and in smaller attacks they can help quickly but normally give loose stool. I try to drink at least 1.5 gallons of water per day during severe attack. Ibuprofen, NOT aspirin or tylenol. Recently heard about baking soda 1/4 teaspoon in the morning and 1/2 at night with 1/4 doses with water during the day. That has helped my swelling greatly on my most recent attack (11 days in hand) it can get your knees, spine, ankle, elbow etc. heating pad or soaking in hot water is most immediate relief without seeing Dr. for cortisone or injection or an NSAID

Pat Posted 05/06/2009

Got it pretty bad today.Left foot.Gonna try no beers mon to fri(except golf night/weds).Just took ibuprofen and bic/soda.Going shopping for cherries,celery and juniper.Let you know!

M Posted 05/06/2009

Oh my goodness the pain along with a sting is killing me! Will try the cherry juice and pry.. Thanks all

Gerald Posted 05/06/2009

Is there enough cherries in the whole world for us gout sufferers!

nev Posted 08/06/2009

Hope something works the pain is unbearable... just took some bicarb hope this works.

Craig Posted 18/06/2009

Suffering an attack at the moment so will be dispatching the wife off to Holland and Barratt in the morning looking for the cherry juice.

paul boffey Posted 30/06/2009

AF Posted 13/07/2009

I feel like this will never go away! Been good ...and lucky for a year. It's like saying, "You have gout, don't have anymore fun." I guess I hate the pain, but would hate the lifestyle more. Speedy recovers and long remissions to you all.

AF Posted 14/07/2009

Anyone know any cures besides cherry juice when you are "under attack"?

silkworm Posted 20/07/2009

I've been alcohol free for 4 months, but I still had intermittent attacks. I usually take Diclofenac sodium, with varying degrees of relief. I'm currently suffering, and I'm supplementing this with paracetamol, and cold compresses. Any advice very welcome. Carl.

 Posted 28/07/2009

Layla Posted 29/07/2009

I'm pregnant and am having my first gout attack. Due to pregnancy am not able to take any of the medications usually given for this, and am in absolute agony! Off in search of cherries today - any other suggestions?

Sue Posted 31/07/2009

I've been suffering for the last year with painful feet, now diagnosed with a high level of uric acid in my blood so have been taking Colchicine with little effect, saw this page yesterday went out and got black cherry juice and celery seed tabs, lets hope this works!

Gerome Jacobs Posted 04/08/2009

A month ago I had the most amazing gout experience. In the middle of an attack I let out a really loud and wild scream because of the pain and frustration.

Amazing result! While I was screaming I couldn't feel the pain in my great toe.

When I stopped screaming the pain slowly (~1 minute) returned.

Since then I have found this has worked again on gout, and also on other pain.

What is necessary is to yell so loudly that the yell is louder than, and swamps out, the pain. It is as if the brain can handle only one "pain" signal at a time.

PLEASE, LET ME KNOIW IF THIS HELPED ANYONE.

Jamie Posted 12/08/2009

I'm in the middle of an attack now second one in 2 weeks but that was the first in about a year. I'm takin Celery seed pills (1 3 times a day) Eating cherries, Quercetin (1400mg) withVit C (500mg) ,Apple cider vinegar shots, Pineapple( Full of bromeline) and Brewers yeast.......Make it stop!

Pav Posted 13/08/2009

I can only describe the pain of Gout as "excruciating" No warning, it just appears, usually early morning time. It feels like someone is driving a rusty 6" nail through a bruised foot. I am in the middle of an attack now, and just putting my shoes on is agony (trying to drive to work is horrendous).

Having read the above comments, I notice that I too have recently had Liver, and also quite a few fizzy drinks (Cola). One thing I know starts it off is Oxo cubes dissolved in hot water as a nice beefy drink---lethal combination for me! Do black cherries really work??? Any suggestions / remedies welcome.

Moo Posted 29/08/2009

Declofenic isn't bad, but I keep hearing alot about cherries. For years I have been looking, with no success, to buy cherry juice from a regular shop. But you can buy it now from supermarkets (Got mine from Tesco). I suggest you stock up though, it never lasts for long. I have about 8 ready! It's called "Cherrygood" and is reasonably priced

LR Posted 09/09/2009

2-3 table spoons of organic apple cider vinegar with a bit of honey, mixed with cordial is the best natural pain relief there is for gout.

TC Posted 18/09/2009

First attack at 43 yrs old 7 weeks ago. Suffering another one now and not sure what set it off again. Thanks for the remedy advice, didn't get any of this from the doctor, just big pain killers!

KL Posted 24/09/2009

Start an Alkaline diet...Advacado/water cherries celery... anything that is Alkaline ... I have tried cherry extract daily for 2 years and it helps keep uric acid levels down but its not a cure,, The best thing to do is take a Lemon, cut in half, squash juice and segments into MSM powder with water and drink this twice a day....Brilliant ......but remember all the time you are on acid making foods/drinks/drugs (or injury) you will get it .....

JL Posted 05/10/2009

Now on day 3 of my third attack in 3 years - left toe again. Does anyone who's not had a gout attack really know just how bad the pain is? I think not. Anyway, Indometacin has not really worked, but will be trying truckloads of cherries tonight :-)

|Ian Posted 03/11/2009

One of the worst triggers for me that brings on an attack is generally not drinking enough water during the day, I always take a bottle of normal tap water to work with me , which is alway by my side. I got into this habit after my last attack and have managed a six year absence. Going on long haul flights also seems to start a few twinges off. I have also had two vicious attacks that were preceded by drinking a glass of wine that had come from one of those satchets/wine boxes with the plastic tap on the front, yet I have never had an attack from wine out of a glass bottle.I have also found that eating Leeks can relieve the simptoms as well.But the best cure is definately celery seed , cherries ,plenty of water and try to keep your circulation pumping in your legs by lifting your legs up and doing cycling motions for a few minutes .



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