Gout is a complex form of arthritis, and although it’s shrouded in mystery and often overlooked by those who don’t suffer it, it can be excruciating and debilitating to those who do.
It is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which is the product of the breakdown of waste substances that usually dissolve in the blood and get processed by the kidneys.
For people that suffer gout attacks, their kidneys don’t get rid of the uric acid fast enough and it crystallises and collects in the joint. Symptoms include sudden pain, tenderness, heat, and redness in joints. In many cases it is at the base of the big toe, and the pain can be so unbearable that even a feather light touch will be too much to bear.
Gout is chronic, and there are a good number of people out there who don’t want to be on aspirin for the rest of their lives.
By making a blend of these ingredients and tapping into their natural healing properties, you can help relieve/prevent your symptoms, similar to how a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory would.
You will need:
- 1 pineapple
- 1-2 teaspoons of powdered turmeric
- 2-3 teaspoons of powdered ginger, or 1 inch off of a fresh ginger root
- 1 cup of tart cherry juice
- Honey (optional)
- Blender, food processor, or lots of elbow grease
- A glass container with a tightly fitting lid
- A strainer
Directions:
- Cut the skin and stem off of the pineapple and slice it into chunks. Toss them in your food processor or blender. Whirl them around until they are pretty evenly mashed up.
- Pour in 1 cup of tart cherry juice, and then sprinkle in 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric and 2-3 teaspoons of ginger.
- Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to a week and a half.
- You can add honey to taste if you’d like, and also choose to use the greater or lesser amount of turmeric and ginger depending on how you like it.
A good read: Detox your lungs with natural ingredients
Why pineapple:
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to be useful in reducing inflammation. Bromelain is also an enzyme that digests proteins (hence why pineapple is so popular for tenderising meat) and gout has been linked to diets high in protein, which can cause an excess of uric acid to build up in the blood.
Why turmeric:
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has seen great success with pain relief. Curcumin blocks the production of the protein that tells blood vessels to enlarge.
Read also: Improve your health with turmeric
Why ginger root:
Ginger root contains gingerols which helps inhibit the signals sent to your brain that trigger pain. They also lessen the enzymes causing inflammation.
Read also: Why you should have ginger every day
Why tart cherry juice (optional):
Cherries have been linked to lowering levels of uric acid in studies, and although the studies were not specifically done on gout, it is very possible that it would help prevent an attack if consumed regularly.
Gout Tip: If you’re not in the mood to have a drink, turmeric, ginger, and bromein all come in supplemental form for preventative measures. Again, make sure they are safe for you to take!
Read the original article on Everyday Roots.
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