KONTAN.CO.ID – JAKARTA. People with gout must be very tormented when this disease attacks. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines. Purines are substances that can be found naturally in the body and in food.
Some foods that contain high purines, namely:
- Innards
- Sardine
- Ikan makarrel
- scallop
- Crab
- Preserved food
- Certain vegetables like asparagus
- Foods that contain alcohol
In addition, certain health disorders can also cause high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia), such as kidney disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, certain types of cancer, and psoriasis.
Reported from WebMD, at normal levels, uric acid in the blood should not be a problem. Normal uric acid levels in men are generally below 7 mg/dL. While normal uric acid levels in women are below 6 mg/dL.
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If the level of uric acid in the blood exceeds the normal threshold, it can cause gout or gout. Gout can cause joint pain due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals.
How to treat gout Handling gout does not always require drugs. There are several ways to deal with gout naturally that can be done at home. But before trying it, anyone would be better off if they could consult a doctor first.
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The following are some ways to treat gout naturally that can be considered:
1. Consume foods rich in vitamin C
Reported from Verywell HealthSome evidence has shown that vitamin C can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood.
In a well-designed study, 184 people were asked to take either a 500-milligram dose of vitamin C supplement or a placebo drug per day.
After two months, uric acid levels were found to be significantly reduced in participants taking vitamin C, not in people taking placebo drugs.
Although this research suggests that vitamin C may help prevent or treat gout, more research is still needed before we can conclude this.
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Some people with certain conditions should not carelessly take vitamin C supplements.
For example, people with kidney disease should consult a doctor before taking vitamin C supplements for safety.
In addition, vitamin C can also increase the absorption of certain types of iron from food, so people with hemochromatosis should not take vitamin C supplements.
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As a safe solution to get vitamin C, instead of taking supplements, gout sufferers can eat foods rich in this vitamin.
2. Drink more water
Launch Medical News TodayWhen a person has gout, they can experience significant swelling and inflammation. One way to reduce swelling is to drink more water.
Increasing fluid consumption can trigger a person’s kidneys to release excess fluid, which can reduce swelling in people with gout. Water is best, but other clear liquids, such as broths and herbal teas can also be chosen.
On the other hand, gout sufferers should avoid alcohol and sodas that are high in purines. But keep in mind also that people with congestive heart failure or kidney disease should talk to their doctor first before increasing their fluid intake.
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3. Cold compress to the affected joint
Applying an ice pack covered with a cloth to the joint can help reduce gout-related inflammation. Try applying an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel for 10-15 minutes at a time to help relieve pain.
4. Reduce stress
Increased stress can worsen a person’s gout symptoms. While it’s not always possible to eliminate all sources of stress, the following tips may help:
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Exercising, such as taking a short walk, if the pain doesn’t restrict movement
- Ask for work leave
- Keep a diary or read your favorite book
- Listening to music
- meditate
- Adequate rest can also help a person feel less stressed.
5. Lifting the affected joint sendi
Gout can cause pain and swelling, especially in the feet, hands, knees, and ankles. One way to reduce swelling is to elevate the affected joint.
This action will push blood and fluids away from the joints and back into the heart. People with gout can also use ice packs in combination with elevation to reduce gout symptoms.
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6. Drink coffee
Some people think that drinking coffee can lower the risk of developing gout. A 2016 review and meta-analysis showed that people who drink more coffee are less likely to develop gout. This may be because coffee can lower uric acid levels.
However, just because studies show a correlation between higher coffee consumption and a lower risk of gout, this doesn’t mean that coffee causes a lower risk.
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7. Eat more cherries
A study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology found increasing intake of cherries for 2 days can reduce the risk of gout attacks by 35 percent in participants who were previously diagnosed with gout.
Cherries contain high levels of anthocyanins as anti-inflammatory compounds. The researchers found there was a symptom reduction benefit for participants who ate whole cherries or cherry juice, as well as people who took cherry extract supplements.
Experts also found a 75 percent reduction in risk for gout attacks when a person consumed cherries in addition to taking gout medications.
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8. Drink lemon water
The authors of a 2015 study found that adding the juice of two fresh lemons to 2 liters of water daily can reduce uric acid levels in people with gout. The researchers concluded that sarilemon could help neutralize uric acid in the body, thereby helping to lower its levels.
9. Limiting alcohol intake
According to the Arthritis Foundation, drinking alcohol or any food that contains alcohol can increase a person’s risk for gout. Because alcohol is high in purines. So avoiding it can be beneficial for gout sufferers.
10. Avoid high-purine meat
Some meats also contain high amounts of purines. Avoiding meats that contain high levels of purines can help reduce a person’s gout symptoms.
Meats and fish that are high in purines include: Smoked pork, beef, veal, venison, offal such as beef liver, Sardines, Shellfish, Herring, Cod, Mussels
11. Eat apples
Reported from Health LineRegular consumption of apples can be a way to treat gout naturally. The theory is that apples contain malic acid which can lower uric acid.
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But indeed, there is no research that supports this for gout. In addition, apples also contain fructose which can trigger hyperuricemia and cause gout.
Eating one apple per day is good for overall health. This may be of little benefit for gout, but only if one does not increase the daily consumption of excessive sugar.
12. Consumption of bananas
Bananas are considered a great fruit for gout. The reason, bananas are rich in potassium which can help tissues and organs in the body function properly.
However, bananas also contain sugar, including fructose, which can trigger gout. So people with gout should not eat bananas in excess.
Alternatively, there are many foods that are higher in potassium and lower in sugar than bananas, such as dark leafy vegetables and avocados.
If the various ways to treat gout naturally above after trying it do not show any improvement effect, gout sufferers are highly recommended to be able to talk to a doctor immediately.
This article has been published on Kompas.com with the title “12 Ways to Treat Gout Naturally“
Author : Irawan Sapto Adhi
Editor : Irawan Sapto Adhi