Natural Gout Treatment

In a previous hub I answered the question of what is gout and explain how it's possibly the most painful form of arthritis you can get. In fact, if I remember correctly, I compared gout to a swift kick in the nuts.

What I want to cover today is some of the different gout treatment options available if you suddenly find yourself with and an acute gout attack or you've been diagnosed with chronic gouty arthritis.

When it comes to gout there are really two things that need to be addressed.

1. Acute attacks.
2. Uric Acid reduction.

I know a lot of people that don't give to much importance to treating gout until they get an attack. Suddenly, they can't even get out of bed without mind numbing pain to a big toe or ankle. It's at these times that any and all medications available just don't work fast enough. But when you do find yourself in this position, here's what's available:

1. Indomethacin (NSAIDS): This ubiquitous gout medication is usually first to be prescribed. It reduces arthritis pain and inflammation, usually starts working in about 6-8 hours and should be taken for the duration of the attack.
2. Colchicine: This is the pill you normally get if indomethacin is not doing the trick. Usually, if after about a week of treating gout with indomethacin the inflammation has not reduced noticeably, your doctor might prescribe this tiny pill. It's about .5 - .6mg tablet which will work lightning fast but will play havoc with your stomach.
3. Prednisone: If for some reason you can't take Indomethacin or Colchicine your doctor use this alternative. Usually, you'll receive daily doses of 20 - 40mg for 3 to 4 days, and then it is tapered gradually over one to two weeks.

Once you've got the acute attack under control and no longer feel like punching everyone that even looks at the affected area, much less comes in contact with it, you're going to want to look into reducing the uric acid in your body. In fact, if your uric acid levels are high one way of treating gout before you get an acute attack is by taking one of the following medications:

1. Allopurinol/Zyloprim: This medication helps to reduce the uric acid in your body and is a preventive measure. Usually not taken during an acute attack.
2. Probenecid/Benemid/Probalan: Used for chronic gout patients to prevent gout attacks. Probenecid is a uricosuric agent that acts on the kidneys to help your body eliminate uric acid. Usually not taken during an acute attack.
3. ColBenemid/ColProbencid/Proben-C: This is a medication that I have personally never tried but I plan on asking my doctor about it during my next visit. ColBenemid is blend of Probenecid and Colchicine that helps reduce pain and swelling while also keeping your uric acid levels in check.

Now you're probably wondering what are the affects of taking all of these medications. It can't be good. Pumping your body full of some of this stuff for years on end will take its toll on your body. Of course if you get an attack, screw it, take the medication and take it fast. But when it comes to long term reduction of uric acid in your body I've found an alternative to medications like Allopurinol and Probenecid.

1. Water - Yes, good old H2O. It's the best of all natural remedies. It's cheap, effective with and has no side effects. Plus, water also helps other gout treatments work better.
2. Cherries and cherry juice: Cherries were first discovered to have a beneficial effect on gout back in the 1950s. Since then, many people have used this gout treatment successfully to reduce inflammation during an acute gout attack.
3. Celery seeds: Probably the best gout treatment in the bunch. Research has shown that celery seeds contain 25 anti-inflammatory agents and may reduce uric acid as effectively as Allopurinol. However, it should not be taken when pregnant or with kidney disease.

How to Prepare: Simmer 1 tablespoon of celery seeds in 2 cups of water until soft. Drink half a cup four times a day.

Faster Option: Celery seeds are also available in capsule. As you can see there is long list of treatment option to your gout. However, one of the best alternatives to all these treatments is taking a preventive measure by eating foods that won't raise your uric acid and trigger a gout attack in the fist place. In a later hub I'll put together a gout diet and discuss some the foods to stay away from if you're at risk of getting this painful diseases.

_{*The Pudgy Wrestler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.}