Gout is a type of joint-related condition that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints. In most cases, gout attacks occur in the big toe but can impact any joint in the body. These attacks can happen suddenly, without warning, and are extremely painful, lasting for one to two weeks on average.
Gout does not affect everyone. It primarily occurs in individuals who have a buildup of a substance called uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a substance that the body produces it as it breaks down purines, which are natural compounds found in DNA cellular components. Everyday, a portion of our cells breakdown, allowing the formation of uric acid to occur. Additionally, certain foods and drinks, such as red meat, organ meats, seafood, and alcohol (especially beer) also all contain high levels of purines. When these foods are consumed in high amounts, the production of uric acid increases, resulting in high levels floating within the bloodstream. Normally, this uric acid eliminated through urine via the kidneys. However, when the body has higher than normal levels of uric acid or the kidneys are not able to efficiently eliminate it from the body, then the extra uric acid can travel within the blood stream and deposit into a joint, such as the big toe, whereby it can form sharp, needle-like crystals. This crystallization triggers the immune system to set off alarm bells, encouraging inflammation, pain, redness and swelling within the affected joint. Many individuals complain of such intense pain that they are unable to walk or move that joint, resulting in time off work and a complete halt to their day-to-day activities.
Individuals who are at higher risk of gout include the following:
- Men (especially over age 40)
- Postmenopausal women
- People with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease
- Those who eat a lot of purine-rich foods or drink excessive alcohol
- Individuals with a family member with gout, due to genetics
Making changes to your lifestyle can help reduce the recurrence of gout flare ups. Below are some recommendations to help reduce the risk of gout.
- Drinking plenty of water to help encourage uric acid elimination from the body
- Reducing the intake of high-purine foods to help prevent a build up of uric acid within the bloodstream
- Reducing alcohol intake to help prevent the build up of uric acid within the bloodstream
- Maintaining a healthy weight to support optimal healthy heart, kidney and urinary function
Treatment to manage gout pain
When gout flare ups occur doctors often recommend anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs or colchicine, which help reduce pain and inflammation. Other medications such as allopurinol may also be prescribed to help lower uric acid levels in the body which can help prevent frequent gout flare ups. Many of these medications are associated with unwanted side effects, resulting in the search for other options.
Natural supplements for gout
Herbal and natural compounds have been used for a variety of health complaints, so it’s not surprising that many people turn to natural remedies for their gout pain. Below is an overview of some natural supplements for gout symptoms.
Black and tart cherry:
Cherries are a rich source of compounds called anthocyanins, which give cherries their deep red colour. Anthocyanin compounds provide anti-inflammatory effects and can help lower uric acid levels in the body. One study showed when cherry intake was combined with the gout medication allopurinol, the risk of gout attacks was 75% lower than without either cherry or the medication use (Zhang et al, 2013). These effects can help naturally reduce gout pain and possibly prevent future gout attacks. Consuming tart cherry juice or cherry extract in capsule forms are the two common methods used for gout management.
Celery seed extract:
The seeds of celery are rich in a variety of compounds that offer multiple benefits to health. Animal studies have suggested that naturally occurring flavonoid compounds provide antioxidant effects, working to reduce cellular damage and keep cells healthy. Other compounds such as quercetin may help reduce uric acid levels in the body and improve inflammation, thereby helping to quell gout symptom and flare ups (Li et al, 2019).
Banaba leaf:
Banaba leaves are native to the Philippines, although more research is still needed, the leaves are thought to help reduce the production of uric acid in the body (Unno et al, 2004). Moreover, they also support healthy blood sugar levels by working to lower blood glucose levels, offering additional benefits to support overall health.
Yucca root:
A medicinal plant native to Mexico, yucca root has a variety naturally occurring plant compounds that benefit health. Specifically, compounds such as saponins and stilbenes provide anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects (Cheeke et al, 2006) to help reduce joint pain, including that of gout-related joint pain.
Joint pain and inflammation caused by gout can significantly impact an individual’s daily lifestyle. While medical treatments are available, many people are looking for natural supplements to help manage gout. Natural ingredients such as cherry, celery seed, banaba leaf and yucca extract are some great options that should be considered by those suffering from gout pain.
Explore Bell Lifestyle’s natural health product GOUT Relief #89 for gout management.
References:
Cheeke P.R., Piacente S., Oleszek W. (Mar 2006). Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of Yucca schidigera: a review. Journal of Inflammation; 3:6. PMID: 16571135.
Li S., Li L., Yan H., Jiang X., Hu W., Han N., Wang D. (Nov 2019). Anti-gouty arthritis and anti-hyperuricemia properties of celery seed extracts in rodent models. Molecular Medicine Reports;20(5):4623-4633. PMID: 31702020.
Unno T., Sugimoto A., Kakuda T. (2004). Xanthine oxidase inhibitors from the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers., Journal of Ethnopharmacology; 93(2–3):391-395, ISSN 0378-8741, referenced from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.04.012 on July 3, 2025.
Zhang Y., Neogi T., Chen C., Chaisson C., Hunter D.J., Choi H.K. (Dec 2012). Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks. Arthritis & Rheumatism; 64(12):4004-4011. PMID: 23023818.
Disclaimer:
Always consult your healthcare provider prior to taking medications and/or dietary supplements to ensure the products are right for you.
FAQs:
1. What is gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It leads to sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, often affecting the big toe.
2. Why does gout affect the big toe?
Gout often affects the big toe because of a combination of biological and physical factors:
- Lower temperature: The joints in the feet, especially the big toe, are cooler than the rest of the body. Uric acid prefers lower temperatures, which makes it more likely to crystallize in the big toe joint.
- Gravity and blood flow: The big toe is far from the heart and has slower circulation. This can allow uric acid to accumulate more easily in the joint.
3. Why does gout cause so much pain?
Gout causes intense pain due to the body's inflammatory response to uric acid crystals in the joint. These sharp crystals made of uric acid are needle-like crystals that deposit in the joint. These crystals physically irritate and damage the joint lining.
4. How long does a gout attack typically last?
A gout attack typically lasts between 3 to 10 days if left untreated. With anti-inflammatory treatment, a gout attack can last for just a few days in most cases.
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