6 Foods to Prevent Gout or Relieve a Gout Attack

Here are 6 substances that will help you avoid gout or relieve a gout attack quickly. But first, learn more here: What Is Gout?

Life Is a Bowl of Cherries

If you’re having an attack of gout, grab yourself a bowl of cherries. They contain an anti-inflammatory called anthocyanin, which reduces gout pain. Eat a few handfuls of cherries every day during an attack. If you can’t find fresh cherries, drink a cup of cherry juice or eat dried cherries.

A Cup of Joe

Attention coffee lovers: high coffee intake can help prevent gout. Drinking four, five, and even six or more cups of coffee a day is associated with a 40 to 60 percent reduction in the risk for gout for men. While there may be other reasons you might not want to drink so much coffee (jittery, anyone?), if you’re at risk for gout, ask your doctor if upping your coffee intake could work for you.

Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is thought to help gout pain and to prevent attacks. Try taking a tablespoon in the morning and evening. If you don’t like the taste of it straight, simply dilute it by mixing it into a glass of water. You can even add a little honey to sweeten it up.

See Also: How to Diagnose and Treat Gout

Drink to Your Health

Stay hydrated. By drinking plenty of water and other liquids (cranberry juice, cherry juices, and herbal teas are good options), you can flush excess uric acid from your system, so that you have less pain.

Eat Turmeric

Add more turmeric into your diet. It can help reduce inflammation associated with gout. Turmeric will add a beautiful color to your favorite dishes as well as a subtle flavor boost. If you’re lucky enough to find fresh turmeric (it’s a root that looks similar to ginger), you can add it to stir-fries and curries and even freshly pressed juices. To boost your intake even further, try turmeric in capsule form. Note: if you have gallstones or take blood thinners, you’ll want to avoid turmeric. Anyway, it’s always best to check with your doctor first!

Avoid Aspirin

At the first sign of a gout attack, you might want to reach for an aspirin or two to help with the agonizing pain. Unfortunately, aspiring can make gout worse, not better, because it increases the amount of uric acid in the blood (exactly what you’re trying to eliminate!). Instead stick with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve. If you’re taking a daily aspirin for another reason, check with your doctor before discontinuing it.

For everyday tips and lifehacks, tune in to the Who Knew podcast on Apple Podcasts  and Stitcher! And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.