Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that arises when there is an excess of uric acid in the body.
Our body naturally produces some portion of uric acid which is present in the blood. The rest may come from the breakdown of dietary sources like meat, alcohol, and seafood.
In case of excess uric acid, the kidneys excrete it to balance the levels. If the acid is not flushed out properly, it settles down and turns into crystals that lodge in our joints. The crystals give rise to gout attacks.
Gout attacks give way to many musculoskeletal symptoms like stiff joints and swelling. Severe joint pain is common and usually affects one joint at a time, the big toe being the most commonplace.
Adequate water intake, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and drinking cherry juice are some immediate treatments you can try.
A disease of inflammation, symptoms of gout may get reduced with the utilization of turmeric. Read on to understand how we can use this vibrant spice for healing gout.
Is Turmeric Beneficial For Gout?
The usage of turmeric medically is an age-old practice that is still prominent till now. It exhibits a variety of properties that can be beneficial in treating disorders.
Eases Inflammation
The most active enzyme in turmeric is curcumin. Its anti-inflammatory properties may be due to the presence of this enzyme.
Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), a protein that can accelerate inflammation, may get inhibited with curcumin, according to a study in 2019.
It was tested on rats, first inoculated with curcumin and then uric acid to trigger inflammation. The inflammation was insignificant, highlighting the ability of curcumin to combat inflammation.
Flexofytol, an extract of pure curcumin, was tested for its ability to reduce pain, with a positive outcome.
While studies point towards turmeric being beneficial in terms of inflammation and gout, there is a need for further research and solid evidence.
Relieves Pain
In a span of 3 months, ingestion of curcumin every day led to decreased pain in individuals with arthritis. The study concluded that it was because of turmeric’s ability to fight inflammation.
The participants, who are arthritic patients, experienced some betterment in terms of joint function, stiffness, pain, and swelling.
Because of the above benefits, researchers feel there will be similar benefits for gout-like arthritis. But, more research is needed to confirm this.
Reduces Oxidative Stress
Free radicals are molecules that accelerate the progression of the disease. Chemically, they are free electrons that trigger multiple reactions that are harmful to the body. Antioxidants, on the other hand, attach themselves to these free radicals and stabilize them, preventing them from creating further damage.
The presence of free radicals is associated with inflammation. Powerful antioxidants like curcumin (turmeric) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by pairing with unstable free radicals, reducing inflammation.
Ways To Use Turmeric For Gout
A versatile spice, turmeric can be used in many ways.
In Our Diet
Ideally used to flavor curries, stews, and milk, you can experiment with it in multiple ways. Add it to your tea, soups, rice, eggs, vegetables, and smoothies. To obtain its benefits, pair it with black pepper, a potent enhancer of turmeric.
External Application
Although there is no evidence to back it, a 15-minute application of turmeric paste over painful joints might assist in reducing pain. You can make a turmeric paste by mixing two tablespoons of yogurt, raw honey, or coconut oil with one teaspoon of turmeric powder.
Apart from this, you can also apply a turmeric-based cream or ointment on the affected joints.
Supplements
You can take turmeric supplements in the form of:
- Gummies
- Extracts
- Capsules
- Drinks (liquid form)
These supplements usually contain additional ingredients like pepper, ginger, etc.
Dosage of Turmeric
While there is no official recommended daily dosage for gout, for arthritis, we can take 400 to 600 mg thrice a day. For rheumatoid arthritis, the suggested dosage is 500 mg twice a day. Arthritic symptoms are present in gout and may be beneficial for gout too.
Precautions
While turmeric is safe to consume, we should be mindful of drug interactions and side effects when taking its supplement form.
Turmeric supplements interact with some medications for diabetes, hypertension, acidity, and depression. It is better to consult a physician before you begin supplementation.
Be mindful of turmeric supplements and their dosage in case you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The same is applicable if you have kidney stones, iron deficiency, bleeding disorders, gallbladder issues, and stomach issues.
Precaution and medical guidance are a must to avoid any problems. Follow recommended dosage values according to your doctor or supplement bottle.
Other Home Remedies For Gout
- Hydration
- Cherry juice
- Ginger
- Magnesium
- Oranges
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
Conclusion
Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may be beneficial to heal gout. Primary gout symptoms like joint pain and inflammation may get reduced with turmeric.
Although it is unlikely to develop any side effects, high dosages may lead to adverse effects like nausea or stomach ache.
It is better to pair turmeric and other home remedies with an appropriate treatment protocol. Consult your doctor before supplementation and take advice on how to add turmeric as a complimentary aid.
