Gout affects the joints of different body parts particularly the knees, ankles, hands, ears, and wrists.
The excess accumulation of uric acid in the blood is the main reason for gout. Uric acid then collects at the joints, forming crystals that lead to inflammation and swelling.
The risk factors for developing gout are an intake of purine-rich foods, too much stress, high alcohol intake, lack of exercise, obesity, high aspirin intake, poor diet, family history, and menopause.
Its symptoms include swelling, acute pain, inflammation, and intense tenderness in the joints.
Gout is linked to other types of health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and uric acid kidney stone.
By adding apple cider vinegar to your diet, your gout attacks can be controlled.
How Apple Cider Vinegar Is Beneficial For Gout
Acetic acid forms the main component of apple cider vinegar. It can increase the absorption of vital minerals in your diet and also contain potassium, enzymes, vitamin C, and vitamin B. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be useful for gout.
Here are some reasons why apple cider vinegar is beneficial for people with gout.
Has Anti-Inflammatory Action
Symptoms of gout are worsened by increased inflammation in the body. That is why steps to reduce the inflammation level in the body should be included in your treatment plan.
Since apple cider vinegar is an effective anti-inflammatory agent, it can fight gout symptoms.
Increases Urine pH Level
Normally, urine pH is slightly acidic in nature and under this condition, uric acid excretion from the body through urine is low. So, this means to say that by alkalizing the urine, you can increase the amount of uric acid removed from the body.
The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar makes it effective at increasing the pH level of urine.
Fights Obesity
Obesity increases your chances of developing gout and weight loss can help reduce the uric acid level.
Apple cider vinegar can help reduce body weight and body fat mass effectively.
Aids Detoxification
Apple cider vinegar helps in removing waste like uric acid from the body. The high uric acid level is the main cause of gout and can also cause oxidative stress.
Its vitamin C content is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the antioxidant enzyme and free radical imbalance.
Ways Of Using Apple Cider Vinegar To Treat Gout
When it comes to treating gout, apple cider vinegar is an effective natural treatment. You can reap its benefits by using only raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
For Internal Use:
Apple Cider Vinegar With Baking Soda
When apple cider vinegar is combined with baking soda, it helps alkalize the body by balancing the pH levels, thereby providing relief from pain and irritation caused by gout.
Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Stir well and drink it 30 minutes before your meal. Repeat once or twice daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar With Water
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of lukewarm water. Add a little honey and lemon juice and mix well. Drink it 2 or 3 times a day.
The combination of apple cider vinegar and water works as a simple step to prevent dehydration, which makes the pain worse. By drinking more fluids, the body can flush out more toxins and uric acid.
For External Use:
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
When used as a soak, the enzymes and acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can relieve the pain and swelling.
Pour 1 cup of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 4 cups of hot water into a large bowl. Stir well and soak the affected joint in this water for about 30 minutes. Do this once or twice a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar Wrap
Soak a cloth in warm apple cider vinegar and wring out the excess liquid. Wrap the cloth around the painful area and then, cover it with plastic wrap and an ACE bandage. Do this every night before going to bed.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
Fill a spray bottle with raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and then spray it onto the affected area. You can also keep the spray bottle in the refrigerator to make the treatment more effective. The cold temperature will numb the nerves of the affected area, thus helps in reducing the pain.
