If you're reading this, you might know the sharp, sudden pain of gout all too well. As someone who has battled with gout for years, I understand the frustration and discomfort that comes with each flare-up. It feels like a never-ending cycle of pain and limited mobility. The medication recommended by doctors for gout works but has too many side effects so I embarked on the journey to find something more natural with way less side effects. 

I just want to share what has worked for me because if you’re reading this and are experiencing gout, it may be of help to you or someone you know. This is by no means medical advice. It is just my personal experience. 

So What Exactly is Gout and What Causes it?

Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that's normally excreted by the kidneys through urine. However, if your body produces too much uric acid or your kidneys excrete too little, it can build up and form sharp, needle-like urate crystals in a joint or the surrounding tissue.

This buildup can cause intense pain and inflammation during what are known as gout attacks. Common triggers of gout attacks include consuming foods high in purines (such as red meat, seafood, and alcoholic beverages, especially beer), dehydration, certain medications, and underlying health issues like high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, and obesity.

I try to keep my gout under control with diet, but there’s always a little swelling or some big flare up. So here are my top 3 natural remedies for gout that have helped tremendously!

My Top 3 Natural Remedies For Gout

1. Chanca Piedra

Chanca what? That’s exactly what I thought the first time I heard of this. Chanca piedra, also known as "stone breaker," is a small herb traditionally used in herbal medicine, particularly in South America and parts of Asia. Chanca piedra is most commonly known for its potential ability to help dissolve kidney stones and gallstones, which is how it got its nickname. It’s basically an herb that supports the kidney and helps flush impurities. 

I tried several different formulations until I found one that really works for me. It’s the Stone Breaker by EU. Stone Breaker is formulated to help detox, flush and cleanse the impurities and acidic buildup that can impact the kidney, gallbladder and urinary system. Since gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid, I thought, maybe my kidneys just need a little love and they need help excreting the extra uric acid. 

To my pleasant surprise, after starting to use the Stone Breaker, I had not felt so good in a long time. I started with the full dose in the beginning. Now I just do a maintenance dose and increase the dose if I feel I need it. I just learned to listen to my body. Chanca Piedra is one of those supplements I always keep in our medicine cabinet. It is that good!

2. Tart Cherry Concentrate

The second supplement I take along with my chanca piedra is the Tart Cherry Concentrate. After trying various treatments with little to no relief, I stumbled upon some research suggesting the benefits of cherries for gout patients. Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which are natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This sounded promising, so I decided to give it a try.

I opted for a concentrate because eating large amounts of cherries daily isn't practical. The Tart Cherry Concentrate turned out to be a fantastic choice. It’s concentrated, which means I get the benefits of a large quantity of cherries in just a few spoonfuls of the juice. Within a few weeks of adding this to my daily routine, I noticed a reduction in swelling and the intensity of my pain during flare-ups. 

I like the Tart Cherry Concentrate from Sports Research because of their simplicity. It’s only one pill, and it doesn’t have any weird additives. There’s other brands, but you have to take 3 or 4 pills to get the same amount of concentration, so I just opted for this brand because it’s easy to take. I also noticed I started sleeping better when I added this supplement to my daily routine. It might be a nice side effect. 

3. Omega-3 Supplement

The third and final remedy that has helped me is Omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Initially, I tried to increase my intake through diet, by eating more fish like salmon and mackerel. However, needing to maintain such a diet every day proved challenging, and that's where supplements came in handy.

I started taking Omega-3 supplements, and they have been a crucial part of my daily regimen. The supplements help reduce the overall inflammation in my body, not just the inflammation caused by gout. This has led to fewer gout attacks. It's a straightforward remedy that doesn’t involve any drastic changes to my lifestyle, yet it offers significant benefits. 

Because I like the clean ingredients from my Sports Research Tart Cherry supplement, I got their Omega 3 as well. These guys make great supplements and their Omega 3 is superb. It has no gross aftertaste and doesn’t cause any unpleasant burping. You know what I mean if you’ve taken other omega 3 supplements in the past. Plus, their dose seems to work great for me, and it’s only one pill, which makes it easy to take everyday. 

My Final Thoughts 

These three remedies—chanca piedra, tart cherry concentrate, and Omega-3 supplement —have been instrumental in helping me manage my gout. However, they are just part of a broader approach to health. Managing gout effectively requires attention to diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration. It's also crucial to monitor uric acid levels regularly and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure any new supplement or diet change fits well with your overall health plan.

Living with gout can be challenging, but finding the right combination of remedies can significantly ease the pain and manage the symptoms. For anyone struggling with gout, I recommend considering these natural remedies as part of your management strategy. They have helped me regain a sense of normalcy and control over my health, and perhaps they could do the same for you. Remember, it's essential to discuss any new treatment with your healthcare provider, especially if you're taking other medications.

Gout doesn't have to control your life. With the right strategies and remedies, you can manage your symptoms and lead a happy, active life. Feel free to try these remedies I recommend, and I’m sincerely hoping this article will help someone like me out there :)