Gout is an arthritis-related health disorder caused by excess uric acid in the blood. The uric acid in the blood forms crystals in the joints and tendons. This causes inflammation and sudden bouts of pain, which can sometimes be excruciating. Modern medicine offers medications like corticosteroids that reduce uric acid in the blood. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to fight inflammation. Sometimes, these medications can cause side effects.

Thankfully, natural remedies exist. Here are a few natural substances that help with gout relief:

Apple cider vinegar
This liquid is an alkaline substance that balances the body’s pH balance. The root cause of gout is the pH imbalance in the body when the body becomes acidic (acidosis) due to an improper diet and other causes. Sipping a mixture of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water or by itself in one go daily, will help reduce the pain.

Baking soda
Drinking half a teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces (235 ml) of water a day relieves gout pain almost instantly. The quantity of baking soda may be increased to 3 teaspoons a day. However, people with high blood pressure should be careful, as baking soda may cause hypertension.

Beet juice
An excellent beverage to prevent acidosis, beet juice stimulates the liver and cleanses the bile ducts.

Cherries
Cherries reduce uric acid. Consuming cherries have significantly reduced the risk of subsequent pain attacks caused by gout. A daily dose of 10-12 cherries (1/2 cup) daily is recommended.

Pineapple
Pineapple contains a substance called bromelain that is frequently prescribed for people with gout.

Vitamin C
Adding or increasing vitamin C in the diet reduces uric acid in the blood. Amla (Indian gooseberry), broccoli, guavas, kiwi fruit, oranges, papaya, red peppers, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C.

Water
Staying adequately hydrated will help the kidneys flush out the uric acid from the blood.

Exercise

A regular exercise regime is a must for all. Getting the body to move by walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling for about 30 minutes a day helps reduce uric acid in the blood. However, these exertions should be light to increase the risk of pain attacks. Having diabetes increases the chances of gout. Exercise helps to neutralize insulin and reduces the chances and painful effects of gout.

Avoid these substances:

• Cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco
  Smoking and chewing tobacco increase the risk of uric acid in the blood. Smoking will aggravate the painful conditions caused by gout.
• Anchovies, organ meat, and sardines
  These substances are rich in uric acid and increase the inflammation and episodes of pain.
• Alcohol
  Alcohol dehydrates the body, reducing the water content. This leads to higher concentrations of uric acid in the blood.
• Caffeine
  Coffee is known to trigger gout attacks. Surprisingly, coffee may reduce the risk of contracting gout, as caffeine has properties of a certain gout medication.