Gout is a painful condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can crystallize in the joints and cause inflammation.
The symptoms of gout include severe pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint. While there are medications available to treat gout, there are also many natural remedies that can help manage the condition. One of the most effective natural remedies for gout is to drink certain beverages.
In this article, we discuss how you can drink your way to a gout-free life with ten drinks that can help manage your gout symptoms.
1. Water
The first drink on our list is arguably the most important – water. Drinking water is essential for overall health, but it is particularly important for people with gout.
When you are dehydrated, your body produces more uric acid, which can trigger a gout attack. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out excess uric acid from your body, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Experts recommend drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
You can also add lemon juice to your water, which can help alkalinize your body and reduce the buildup of uric acid.
2. Cherry Juice
Cherries are one of the most popular natural remedies for gout, and cherry juice is a convenient way to consume this powerful fruit. Cherries contain compounds called anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have shown that consuming cherries or cherry juice can help reduce gout symptoms by reducing inflammation and lowering uric acid levels. Experts recommend drinking 8-16 ounces of cherry juice per day to help manage gout symptoms.
3. Coffee
For years, coffee has been considered a beverage to avoid if you suffer from gout. However, recent studies have shown that coffee may actually have benefits for people with gout.
Coffee contains compounds called polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking coffee may help reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels. Some studies have shown that drinking 4-5 cups of coffee per day may be associated with a lower risk of gout attacks.
However, it is important to note that too much caffeine can have negative effects on your health, so it is important to consume coffee in moderation.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is another beverage that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea contains compounds called catechins, which help reduce inflammation and may help lower uric acid levels.
Drinking green tea on a regular basis may help prevent gout attacks and reduce the frequency and severity of gout symptoms. Experts recommend drinking 2-3 cups of green tea per day for best results.
5. Low-Fat Milk
Although dairy products are often thought to be a trigger for gout attacks, low-fat milk may actually have benefits for people with gout. Low-fat milk is a good source of vitamin D, which has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body.
Studies have also shown that people who drink low-fat milk on a regular basis have lower uric acid levels and a lower risk of gout attacks. Experts recommend drinking 1-2 cups of low-fat milk per day to help manage gout symptoms.
6. Pineapple Juice
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking pineapple juice on a regular basis may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower uric acid levels.
Pineapple juice also contains high levels of vitamin C, which is important for overall health. Experts recommend drinking 8-16 ounces of pineapple juice per day to help manage gout symptoms.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking apple cider vinegar may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower uric acid levels.
Experts recommend mixing 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water and drinking it once per day to help manage gout symptoms. It is important to always dilute apple cider vinegar before consuming it, as it can be harmful to consume in large amounts.
8. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric is a spice that is often used in Indian cuisine and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking turmeric tea on a regular basis may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower uric acid levels.
Turmeric tea is easy to make – simply boil water and add turmeric powder or fresh turmeric root. You can also add honey or lemon for flavor.
9. Ginger Tea
Ginger is another spice that has anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking ginger tea may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower uric acid levels. Ginger tea is easy to make – simply boil water and add fresh ginger root or powdered ginger.
You can also add honey or lemon for flavor.
10. Watermelon Juice
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that also has benefits for people with gout. Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline, which helps the body excrete excess uric acid.
Drinking watermelon juice on a regular basis may help reduce uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks. Experts recommend drinking 8-16 ounces of watermelon juice per day to help manage gout symptoms.
Conclusion
Gout is a painful and debilitating condition, but there are many natural remedies that can help manage the symptoms. Drinking certain beverages can be an effective way to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels in the body.
Water is perhaps the most important beverage for people with gout, but cherry juice, coffee, green tea, low-fat milk, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, turmeric tea, ginger tea, and watermelon juice can also be beneficial. Incorporating these drinks into your daily routine may help you drink your way to a gout-free life.