How to Incorporate Home Remedies into Your Overall Gout Management Plan

This article is a comprehensive compilation of guidelines for a gout management plan which includes the recommendations for home remedies for gout and lifestyle changes by the American college of rheumatology for beneficial treatment outcomes.

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. The causes & symptoms of it are well established. Still, the challenge lies in the fact that despite the availability of adequate and reasonably priced medications, the quality of medicine-related care still needs to be improved. The 2012 guidelines by ACR and other professional bodies recommend a treat-to-target strategy through urate-lowering therapy (ULT). Despite the recommendations, there is a massive gap in implementation or considering guidance, further to this need for more evidence to support these guidelines on treat-to-target therapy.

The guidelines are reinforced through updated literature, GRADE methodology, the cost of medicines, and patient consideration. A total of forty-two recommendations, from which sixteen are strong recommendations. Strong recommendations recommend beginning urate-lowering therapy for all patients who suffer from tophaceous gout. Radiographic damage-related gout, frequent flares of gout. As a first line of treatment, allopurinol is recommended. It is also indicated in moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (stage >=3), use of <=100 mg/day of allopurinol/febuxostat <=40 mg/day and treatment to target management therapy by ULT Dose titration by measuring the serial serum urate (SU) with a target of <=6 mg/dl. Anti-inflammatory prophylaxis therapy for 3-6 months is highly recommended when initiating ULT.

Home Remedies for Gout – lifestyle changes & choice of food 

1. Lifestyle Changes 

a) Limit Alcohol consumption 

Limiting alcohol consumption is recommended along with the conditions that must be reviewed before being recommended in gout patients, where the level or activity of the disease does not matter. A small study indicated that despite ULT, heavy alcohol drinkers were at risk of more significant gout flares than those who didn’t. There was a 1.6mg/dl less SU in patients who did not consume alcohol.

b) Limit Purine consumption

There are some conditions in gout patients where it is recommended to limit purine consumption, regardless of disease activity. The same study, when cross covered for purine consumption, showed a direct relationship. An increase in purine consumption showed an increased risk of a gout flare.

c) Limit high fructose corn syrup

A limitation on consuming high fructose corn syrup is recommended. It is only done for gout patients while recommending monitoring the disease’s activity remains unaffected. The consumption of 1 gm of fructose / per kg body weight increases serum urate concentration by 1-2 mg/dl within 2 hours of consumption. A popular survey shows that artificial carbonated sweetened drinks have increased SU concentrations.

d) Controlling gout with weight loss

A weight loss programme is advised on a conditional basis for obese patients, regardless of disease activity. There were limitations when the effect of weight loss and gout disease was studied, so a clear relationship could not be established. A small cohort study observed that a 5kg body weight loss resulted in a lower SU concentration of 1.1mg/dl. A large cohort study showed that obesity is associated with a greater risk of gout flares and incidence of gout. A small study on patients who had to undergo bariatric surgery showed a reduction of 2.0mg/dl in SU(serum urate level) 

Home Remedies for gout management

a) Celery or celery seeds 

Celery and celery seeds are indicated in gout due to flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds and essential oils. These ingredients prevent excess production of uric acid, act as an antioxidant, and have radical scavenging properties.

Celery leaves and stalks can be used in the form of salads, juice, soups and stew. Celery seeds can be used in soup and salads to enhance flavour. This is one of the best home remedies for gout.

b) Epsom salt  

Epsom salt (Sendha Namak) is high in magnesium. Magnesium is good for reducing the pain & inflammation due to gout and preventing recurrent attacks. Just soak the affected area in the water with Epsom salt to relieve gout symptoms. 

c) Ginger 

Ginger has shown to be a helpful agent in gout management. It is the best and easiest home remedy for gout. It has shown promising effects on gout management plans. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and potent antioxidant activity. The best way to incorporate it into daily life is through its use in everyday cooking and a daily glass of ginger water.

d) Cherries or tart cherry juice 

Cherries are packed with antioxidant properties, which find a place in treating patients with gout. High amounts of anthocyanin pigment inside cherries will help reduce gout flare-ups and inflammation symptoms. It works best in both acute and chronic conditions of gout. Consuming 15-20 cherries per day is recommended. 

e) Apple

Apples are rich in malic acid, which is vital in reducing the uric acid level of gout patients. Malic acid has medicinal effects like anti-inflammation. It can reduce the swelling and pain of gout. Eating one apple daily will keep the gout disease and symptoms away.

f) Magnesium

The green-coloured vegetables contain magnesium which is good for preventing and managing gout. Consuming a glass of green vegetable juice for one month is helpful for gout patients.

g) Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is recommended for patients with gout. It is shown to have excellent use in reducing gout pain and swelling. The acidic nature of vinegar helps in reducing inflammation and pain. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water and drink it twice daily. This particular remedy works in a few people and does not in others; further research is recommended for the same.

h) Warm water with lemon juice

Gout patients with or without disease activity may benefit from adding vitamin C supplementation to their regimen. Lemon juice gives an alkaline environment, helping balance the uric acid level. A glass of lemon juice every day is one of the best home remedies for gout pain and inflammation in gout patients. Just cut one lemon into two halves, squeeze the first half into a glass of water, and add little sugar & salt as per taste. Mix it well and have it anytime during the day, morning, evening, and noon. 

i) Nettle tea

It is effective in regulating uric acid levels. It regulates oedema too. It is the best option as a herbal remedy for normalising inflammatory arthritis pain.

j) Dandelion

Dandelion teas, extracts and supplements are used for liver and kidney diseases. It lowers the uric acid levels who are at risk of kidney damage.  

k) Milk thistle seeds

Milk thistle seeds can lower uric acid levels, hence their use in gout management. When using the milk thistle seed supplement, follow the doctor’s advice or the label instructions properly.

l) Hibiscus

It is a flower used in tea as a food and herbal remedy. When used as a supplement, follow the label instructions properly. It has a uric acid-lowering property therefore used as home remedies for gout.

m) Topical cold or hot application

Applying hot and cold topical therapies alternately is recommended. Cold topical therapy is more effective than hot topical therapy. Cold therapy is best only when inflammation is not severe. They are also considered easy and cheap home remedies for gout.

n) Bananas

Eating one banana per day is good. It helps in the overall gout management plan. 

Conclusion 

The management of gout disease can be achieved by following the guidelines from ARC about treatment to target therapy. The comprehensive recommendations contain useful drugs, lifestyle tips and specific use of foods, all combined to show results & management of gout disease; the evidence for certain foods showing a positive effect on gout disease needs further research. But, some other foods have shown proven beneficial effects for gout. A complete approach with the right mix of medications and natural remedies is best for overall good being during gout. Avail teleconsultation from our expert doctors on our online pharmacy when you place an order for medicines, or you can also download our Truemeds app to do the same. Get branded as well as generic medicines by uploading your prescription on Truemeds. When placing an order for medicines online, you may save more money by selecting alternative or generic medicine advised by Truemed’s expert doctors. And also, save up to 72% on your purchase and get free home delivery pan India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer – Truemeds’ sole intention is to ensure that customers have access to information that is accurate & trustworthy. However, the information here should not be used directly and it cannot act as a substitute for the advice of a doctor. The information provided is only to stay informed. The information on side effects, drug interactions or warnings, and alerts are not exhaustive. Please consult your doctor for the right advice on diseases & medication information

References

• https://www.rheumatology.org/Portals/0/Files/Gout-Guideline-Early-View-2020.pdf