LGR Holistic Wellness

Gout is a form of arthritis, known as ‘Gouty Arthritis’. It occurs due to the buildup of uric acid in the joints. Symptoms of this condition include redness, swelling, tenderness and severe episodes of pain. This condition usually affects the big toe.

Eliminating alcohol and foods that can increase uric acid in the body are two important steps in reducing gout symptoms. However, there is also one effective natural remedy that can be used by gout sufferers. This remedy is apple cider vinegar (ACV). ACV can bring gout sufferers relief from gout pain.

Apple Cider Vinegar Promotes Alkalinity

Acetic acid is the main substance found in ACV that makes it beneficial for those who have gout pain. Although it is considered as acidic, acetic acid becomes alkaline once inside the body.

In turn, a pH-balanced environment is formed inside the body. Maintaining an alkaline environment in the body is crucial to the process of getting rid of gout symptoms. Once the alkaline levels are maintained, gout symptoms will less likely recur.

According to Dr. Theodore Baroody, the author of “Alkalize or Die”, during the initial phase of using ACV to treat gout, the symptoms may increase. This occurs as a reaction to the uric acid. It actually causes inflammation while the acid crystals are being dissolved. However, within weeks these reactions will eventually subside.

Here are some other reasons why ACV is beneficial for people who have gout:

1. Its malic acid content works to neutralize then dissolve uric acid.
2. It contains potassium that aids in waste elimination.
3. Its amino acids have been found to result in lowered levels of toxicity.

Gout sufferers may need to take larger amounts of ACV in order to experience relief from their symptoms. It may be necessary to take two tablespoons of ACV up to three times a day.

Some people experience relief from their symptoms of gout within a couple of hours of taking ACV. Others claim to have experienced relief only after a few days of taking ACV.

If you take apple cider vinegar and experience an upset stomach then avoid taking it again, or take in a very small amount to see if you are still affected.

Taking a ‘Shot’ of Apple Cider Vinegar

Gout can bring about debilitating pain, and to ease the pain rapidly many take a ‘shot glass’ of ACV and then follow it up immediately with a glass of water.

Drinking plenty of water after taking ACV is important, as gout symptoms can also worsen with dehydration. Drinking plenty of water also helps the body get rid of toxins and uric acid crystals.

Other Ways of Using ACV for Gout

If you find it hard to take a shot glass of undiluted ACV, you may add two teaspoons to other juices. One extra special juice to add your ACV to is cherry juice. Cherry juice has been shown to help alleviate gout symptoms for some people. So if you add ACV to cherry juice, you may just have a ‘double dose’ of relief.

In conjunction to taking apple cider vinegar orally, ACV can also be applied topically. Here are a few examples on how ACV can be used topically for the gout relief.

1. To prevent gout attacks in the middle of the night, try an ACV wrap. Use an old clean cloth and soak it in apple cider vinegar. Then, wrap the cloth on the affected area. Cover the cloth with a plastic wrap and a bandage to prevent it from slipping off while you sleep.

2. Pour ACV into a spray bottle and then spray it to the affected area. You may also choose to place the spray bottle in the refrigerator. The coolness of the ACV is an added relief for gout pain. You can do this every hour until the pain subsides.

3. Pour ACV into ice cube trays and place in the freezer. Apply the cubes to the affected area.

Don’t forget, when you buy apple cider vinegar to use orally, choose the one that is unfiltered and unpasteurized.