Showing posts with label Epsom Salt Baths. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Epsom Salt Baths. Show all posts

22.7.16

Home remedies for gout, arthritis


Gout is a type of arthritis that is especially painful and often the onset of an attack is sudden. Fortunately, home treatments for gout are quite effective and often fast acting. Natural remedies for gout include apple cider vinegar, baking soda, cherries, dietary changes, foot baths, and herbs. Treatments for gout include internal remedies as well as external remedies. While often one remedy is effective enough to bring relief, sometimes two or three remedies are used at once.

The underlying cause of arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia is an imbalance in the system causing acidosis, which is the basis of most physical disease. In simple terms, this means your pH is out of balance and your body is trying to get back into balance in any way it can. Even in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, imbalance is at the root of its cause. The body’s attempt to regain stasis is what causes arthritis, high uric acid, muscle spasms and a host of other problems. The solution is to help the body’s pH return to normal by consuming alkalizing foods.
Gout is more common in men than women, and most often felt in the feet (specifically, the big toe). But, it can also be felt in other joints like the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. The joints can swell and look bruised. The pain is often excruciating and sudden


The exact cause is unknown, but a high amount of uric acid in the body is one of the reasons. Some other possible causes are genetics, excessive consumption of alcohol, lack of physical exercise, excessive protein intake and too much stress.

Gout is linked to other types of health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, and uric acid kidney stones, so it is important to get proper medical treatment. In addition, some easy-to-follow home treatments can promote healing and provide symptom relief.

Warning Signs of a Gout Flare-Up

Some people with gout, also known as gouty arthritis, say a gout attack begins with a burning, itching, or tingling feeling in a joint maybe an hour or two before their gout flare-up starts. The joint may feel a little stiff or a little bit sore. Not long after these warning signals, the telltale signs of gout begin. If you get repeated gout attacks, you'll learn your body's signals that a gout flare-up is about to begin.

When the gout flare starts, most people have redness, swelling, and severe pain, usually in one joint. The most common place for gout is the base of the big toe, but it can occur in other joints such as the elbow,knee, wrist, ankle, and instep.
home remedies for Gout

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is commonly used for arthritis pain and it works for gout as well. Apple cider vinegar helps to alkalize the body, which then helps the body to work more effectively and expel the uric acid crystals.

Hydrate – Drink plenty of water. This will help flush out the excess uric acid.

Baking Soda – Among other home remedies for gout is the use of baking soda. Mixing baking soda in water can effectively relieve pain almost instantly, though it may take 1-2 days. Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 8 oz. of water and drink it in one sitting. You may need to repeat this a few times a day, taking as much as 3 teaspoons total. Reduce the dose as the pain goes away. Note: The maximum recommended dose is 4 teaspoons throughout the day. Lastly, use caution if you suffer from hypertension, as baking soda may raise blood pressure when taken in larger amounts.
Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths can be taken to bring relief to gout. Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to a tub of warm water and soak for 20 minutes. If this is not convenient, you can use a footbath for gout in the foot or toe with Epsom salt added. Add 1/3 cup Epsom salt to a basin of warm water and soak for 30 minutes several times daily.

Herbs and Vitamins for Gout

Alfalfa, Celery Seed, Cat's Claw are some herbs that have been used successfully for gout. These herbs are usually taken in capsules.
Garlic, a strong ant-inflammatory herb that is best taken raw. Adding it liberally to food is the easiest way to take it.
Vitamin C is an important vitamin for those with gout. Sodium ascorbate is the best form of vitamin C to take. It is less acidic than ascorbic acid and easier on the stomach. 500 - 1000 mg of vitamin C can be taken morning and evening.

Ginger Root

The anti-inflammatory properties present in ginger root can be very helpful in relieving pain and inflammation. There are many ways to use ginger root in the treatment of gout.
Mix equal amounts of fenugreek powder, turmeric powder and dried ginger root powder (sonth). Have one teaspoon of this mixture along with warm water. Take it twice daily.
You can simply add ginger root in cooking recipes, or eat a small, raw piece of ginger root daily.
You can also add one-half teaspoon of ginger root to one cup of boiling water and mix it well. Drink this solution at least once daily.

Another option is to make a paste of ginger root with a little water and apply this paste on the affected area. Leave it on for about half an hour. Do this once daily.

Lemon juice and baking soda

Another alkalizing drink that works miracles for some people is a lemon juice and baking soda cocktail. Mixing the highly acidic lemon juice with the highly alkaline baking soda creates a perfectly balanced pH that matches the body's natural healthy pH, which helps to restore balance almost instantaneously. Pour the juice of one lemon - about 2 oz. - into a tall glass. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and allow it to fizz and bubble until it is completely flat -- about two minutes. It can also be stirred. Add 8 oz. of water and drink immediately. It should taste like flat water.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a free remedy that helps with pain and swelling. Warm and cool applications are alternated on the affected area. The warm applications bring blood flow for healing. The cool applications reduce inflammation and swelling. For a foot or toe you can use two basins of water, one warm and one cool and alternate. For an elbow or knee you can alternate cool and warm cloths. Use each application for 30-60 seconds at a time before switching. Begin with cool and end with cool and change you applications 7 times.

Eliminate sugar and soda – Whether it’s caffeinated or not, drinking two sodas each day can increase your risk of gout by a whopping 85%! Why? Sugar! Reduce sugar intake dramatically and risk of experiencing gout will dramatically drop.
Use cold. If the pain isn't too bad, try cold packs or cold compresses on the joint to lessen the inflammation and help the pain. Ice the joint for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day.
External Treatments for Gout
Rest the joint. It's a good idea to rest until the pain lessens. Most people having an acute attack of gouty arthritis probably won't want to move the joint much anyway. Raise the joint if you can on a pillow or other soft object.
  • Reduce alcohol consumption  Alcohol dehydrates the body and could raise uric acid levels in the bloo
Up your vitamin C intake – Evidence exists showing that increased vitamin C can reduce uric acid. Get it from food or from rose hips if you choose a supplement.
Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil is a wonderfully healing, albeit humble seeming oil. Soak a cloth in castor oil and carefully wrap the gouty area. Cover with plastic wrap and an ace bandage. If you can tolerate the pressure, use a heating pad or hot water bottle on the castor oil pack. This works well overnight. Do be careful to use old pajamas and keep a towel or two under the castor oil application because castor oil is greasy and can stain clothing.

dietary Changes for Gout

Certain diets are linked to gout. Red meat, shell fish, foods high in purines, processed foods, sugar and alcohol should be limited or avoided if you suffer with gout. If you have been on a high protein/low carb diet for a while, you may be at increased risk for gout.

Choose foods that are not processed. Fresh fruits and vegetables, chicken, and whole grains are good choices. Cherries are especially wonderful for gout sufferers. Other types of berries are excellent choices as well, including strawberries and blueberries.

However, even vegetarians, vegans and people with seemingly amazing diets can get gout as well. You may have to do some detective work to figure out what food or drink may be triggering gout!
Don't forget about water. Water is critical to life and health. Modern diets full of soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks etc. keep people from drinking enough water. Water keeps you hydrated. Even mild dehydration can make pain feel worse. Make an effort to drink plenty of water daily. Herbal teas and water with apple cider vinegar count towards your water intake.


Exercise – In the case of gout, exercise naturally helps reduce urica cid levels by normalizing insulin. In general, exercise is a ‘prevent-all’ when it comes to any health issues.

Though gout is said to partly genetic and may not be completely preventable, you can absolutely reduce the occurrence and severity of flare-ups with these natural treatments. Don’t forget to share these home remedies for gout with others

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