Also known as metabolic arthritis, gout is caused due to a higher amount of uric acid production in the body that results in the formation of needle-like crystals of uric acid and accumulation in joint spaces. This reaction causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the affected area, especially the toes. It can affect anyone, from young to old, from male to female. Arthritic gout can occur at any time after puberty until the mid-70s. The intensity of pain can vary and it can last from a few minutes to a few days.

A curable disease, gout’s symptoms can be controlled and prevented by taking proper medication, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly and practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Natural Ways to Relieve Gout
The following steps must be taken to naturally relieve gout.

• Stop Consuming Alcohol
  One of the natural ways to relieve gout is completely avoiding the consumption of alcohol. Regular intake of alcohol tends to trigger uric acid levels as the kidneys start excreting alcohol instead of uric acids. This results in increased levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to a sudden flare-up of gout attacks and causing inflammation, pain, and swelling in the big toes.
• Limiting the Intake of Purine-rich Foods
  Shrimps, pork, lamb, yogurt, chia seeds, chickpeas, canned juices, and fizzy drinks are some examples of purine foods. Purine found in these foods tends to release uric acid on breaking down and causes gout symptoms. Although one cannot completely avoid the intake of certain foods, limiting them would help in reducing uric acid levels. Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, consuming low-fat dairy products, and replacing a low-calorie diet with foods containing refined carbohydrates will help in reducing gout symptoms.
• Increase the Intake of Water
  Natural ways to relieve gout symptoms include increasing the consumption of water. Water helps in diluting and excreting uric acids from the kidneys and prevents crystal formations. Dehydration can also increase inflammation and pain in the affected area, so it is very important to keep the body well hydrated and prevent the production of excess uric acid in the body.
• Exercising and Maintaining Healthy Body Weight
  To maintain a healthy lifestyle it is very important to keep the body physically active and fit. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important as obesity can increase the risk of developing gouts. Regular exercise like brisk walking not only helps in strengthening the bones and muscles but is also an effective way to lose weight. Although exercising won’t help in breaking down the uric acid crystals formation, it will help in reducing the symptoms caused due to gout.
• Stress
  Natural ways to relieve gout include reducing stress. Emotional or physical stress intensifies the dysfunction of uric acid levels, leading to gout attacks. Lack of sleep, depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, etc. are also some symptoms of stress which can engender gout symptoms.

Including the above-mentioned lifestyle changes can help in suppressing the inflammation and pain caused due to gout attacks and also lower the chances of developing frequent gout attacks.