End Of GOUT Program™ By Shelly Manning The End of Gout Program is an intensive lifestyle guide and diet therapy to treat gout. It aids in minimizing and treating the uncomfortable and painful signs of gout naturally and safely. It will teach the impacted everything regarding the condition. This natural program eliminates triggers and factors that give rise to symptoms. The recommendations are honest, effective, safe, and science-based. The program treats you inside out with gout by attacking the cause. By just signing in, you get to access all the valuable information and make your life gout-free. The program has a 60-day money-back too for risk-free use. Several users have expressed their 100 percent satisfaction and results. Give it a try, and you are sure to be surprised by the fantastic results.
Can over-the-counter medications be effective for gout?
Over-the-counter drugs can control the symptoms of gout, but are generally not sufficient by themselves for the treatment of the cause of gout, high uric acid. However, they can be helpful to provide short-term relief from pain and inflammation in an acute attack of gout. The most common OTC options are as follows:
1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Examples: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve)
Effectiveness: NSAIDs are generally employed to reduce pain and inflammation with an acute gout attack. They can reduce the extreme pain and swelling of a flare.
Consideration: They are good at managing the symptoms of gout but do not lower uric acid levels or cure the cause of gout. Long-term use of NSAIDs has side effects such as stomach ulcers, kidney impairment, and hypertension, and hence they should be used cautiously, especially in patients with pre-existing diseases.
2. Colchicine (Over-the-Counter in Some Countries)
Effectiveness: Colchicine is a drug that can be used to reduce inflammation during a gout attack. It does not lower uric acid but blocks the inflammatory response triggered by the crystals of uric acid in the joints.
Consideration: In the majority of places, colchicine may be prescribed but is perhaps available OTC elsewhere. The dosage should be carefully lowered as large doses might induce significant side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Therefore, the practice of following proper dosing recommendations should be followed.
3. Topical Anti-Inflammatory Creams or Gels
Examples: Capsaicin cream, Menthol-based gels, Diclofenac gel (Voltaren)
Effectiveness: Local agents like diclofenac gel are effective in providing local relief from pain and inflammation in the involved joint. They are used over the aching joint on the skin and are less likely to cause systemic side effects of oral NSAIDs.
Consideration: While these might be helpful for pain relief in a local area, they don’t treat the underlying cause of gout and are usually only employed as an adjunct to other treatments.
4. Ice and Rest
Effectiveness: While not a medication, applying ice to the affected joint may decrease swelling and numb pain. Resting the joint is also essential during an attack of gout to avoid exacerbation of the symptoms.
Consideration: These non-pharmacologic techniques are helpful for short-term benefit and can be augmented by OTC drugs like NSAIDs or colchicine for better effects.
5. OTC Pain Relievers (Acetaminophen)
Examples: Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Effectiveness: Acetaminophen is helpful to manage pain but is not anti-inflammatory and typically less effective than NSAIDs in managing the inflammation of gout. It might be employed if NSAIDs are contraindicated or in patients who are intolerant to them.
Consideration: Acetaminophen accomplishes nothing for the cause of gout and doesn’t work for reducing swelling and inflammation resulting from attacks of gout. It is generally used as a second choice if needed.
What OTC Medications Can’t Do for Gout
Decrease Uric Acid: OTC medications do not reduce the level of uric acid or cure the underlying condition of gout. The treatment of the level of uric acid requires medications like allopurinol, febuxostat, or other agents for lowering urates, which are prescribed.
Long-Term Treatment: OTC preparations are best for the treatment of acute but not chronic gout. Long-term treatment is normally obtained by way of lifestyle change, prescribed medications, and routine monitoring of the level of uric acid.
Conclusion
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like NSAIDs, colchicine, and topical creams are beneficial for transient relief in acute flares of gout but not for chronic gout treatment or prevention. These drugs fail to address the causative factor behind gout, i.e., elevated uric acid levels, and cannot be used long-term. For control of chronic gout, uric acid-reducing prescription drugs along with lifestyle modification (such as diet modification) must be adopted. Always approach your doctor for proper treatment planning of gout.
Yes, a few natural treatments can prove useful in the control of gout and relief in the frequency or severity of an attack. These remedies are valuable as an addition to orthodox therapy but are incapable of replacing medical advice or prescribed medication. Before you try any natural remedy, consult a health care practitioner if you are currently on medication for gout.
Some of the common natural treatments employed in treating gout include:
1. Cherry Juice or Cherries
Cherries, and especially tart cherries, have been studied to determine if they will reduce uric acid and prevent gout inflammation.
Evidence indicates that cherries can reduce the frequency of gout attacks. Anthocyanins (antioxidants) in cherries are thought to reduce uric acid levels.
How to use: Drink a glass of tart cherry juice daily or eat 10–12 cherries a day.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is believed to help to alkalize the body, which may stop the formation of the uric acid crystals.
How to use: Mix 1–2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with water in a glass and take daily. Add a bit of honey to make it palatable.
3. Ginger
Ginger contains natural anti-inflammatory substances and may relieve pain and swelling during a bout of gout.
How to use: You can take ginger as a tea (by steeping fresh ginger in hot water) or combine it with food. Some people place ginger paste directly on the affected joint to reduce inflammation.
4. Turmeric
Curcumin, which is present in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the inflammation of gout.
How to use: Take turmeric supplements or mix 1–2 teaspoons of turmeric powder with warm milk or water. You can also take turmeric tea.
5. Lemon Water
Lemon has vitamin C in it, which can lower blood uric acid levels.
How to use: Drink fresh lemon juice mixed in water throughout the day. Have the juice of half a lemon in warm water in the morning.
6. Hydration and Water
Optimal hydration is crucial in patients with gout, as it helps to flush out uric acid from the body and prevent the development of uric acid crystals.
How to use: Drink lots of water throughout the day—8 glasses (2 liters) of water every day. Hydration avoids kidney stones and expels uric acid through urine.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can be useful in alkalizing the body and reducing the uric acid acidity.
Usage: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in water and consume once or twice daily, especially gout flare attacks. Consume in moderation since an excess of sodium is harmful, especially in high blood pressure.
8. Magnesium
Magnesium is also required for a variety of functions in the body, including maintaining uric acid levels. In some research, magnesium deficiency was found to maybe raise the odds of gout attacks.
What to do: Take magnesium supplement, but talk to a medical professional first. Foods rich in magnesium, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, can be incorporated into one’s diet, too.
9. Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom salt, made of magnesium sulfate, might alleviate the pain and inflammation of gout attacks if applied to the skin.
Usage: Soak 1–2 cups of Epsom salt in warm water and immerse the afflicted foot or joint for 15–20 minutes. This could bring momentary relief for pain and swelling.
10. Celery Seed Extract
Traditionally, celery seeds have been used to reduce uric acid and alleviate pain in the joints.
How to use: You can consume celery seed extract supplements or celery juice. Be careful to follow the dosage in order to avoid side effects.
11. Dietary Changes
Diet plays a significant role in managing gout. Below are some dietary tips:
Decrease Purine-Rich Foods: Purine-rich foods (like red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol—beer is worst) raise uric acid levels. Decreasing them can avoid flare-ups of gout.
Increase Low-Purine Foods: Add fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy foods to the diet since these are generally low in purines and can help maintain uric acid levels.
Avoid Alcohol: Beer and spirits are two drinks containing alcohol and which tend to increase uric acid levels, hence these should be minimized or avoided during flare-ups.
Increase Water Intake: Increased water intake helps to remove uric acid from the body via kidneys and avoids crystallization.
12. Weight Control
Overweight increases the risk of gout and makes it more challenging to manage. Weight loss with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity may reduce serum uric acid concentration and incidence of gout.
Conclusion
Natural treatments such as cherry juice, apple cider vinegar, and turmeric may offer supportive benefits in the management of gout. Hydration and dietary modification are key components of gout management. These treatments should, however, complement, not replace, conventional medical management, especially during acute gout attacks.
A healthcare provider should be consulted before trying any natural remedy, particularly if on prescription medications for gout or with underlying medical conditions.
Would you like to learn more about any of these treatments or how they work with other therapies?
End Of GOUT Program™ By Shelly Manning The End of Gout Program is an intensive lifestyle guide and diet therapy to treat gout. It aids in minimizing and treating the uncomfortable and painful signs of gout naturally and safely. It will teach the impacted everything regarding the condition. This natural program eliminates triggers and factors that give rise to symptoms. The recommendations are honest, effective, safe, and science-based. The program treats you inside out with gout by attacking the cause. By just signing in, you get to access all the valuable information and make your life gout-free. The program has a 60-day money-back too for risk-free use. Several users have expressed their 100 percent satisfaction and results. Give it a try, and you are sure to be surprised by the fantastic results.