Gout is one of those conditions that really makes itself known. It’s painful, sudden, and often shows up at the worst possible time- usually just when you thought you’d got away with a few festive indulgences. While gout can affect anyone, it’s far more common in men, particularly as we get older. And every year, after the holiday season, we see a noticeable increase in people asking what they can do to treat it or better yet, stop it coming back.

So, what’s actually going on? Gout occurs when uric acid forms tiny crystals in the joints, most commonly in the big toe (although ankles, knees and fingers can also be affected). This happens when uric acid levels rise too high in the blood either because the body is making too much of it, or because the kidneys aren’t clearing it out efficiently. The result? Intense pain, swelling and inflammation that can make even the weight of a bedsheet unbearable.

Relieving the pain is obviously a priority, but preventing future flare-ups is just as important. If left untreated, gout can lead to long-term joint damage and, in some cases, kidney problems.

Now, if you’ve ever looked into natural support for gout, you’ve probably heard about cherries. Sour cherry juice contains compounds called anthocyanins, which give cherries their bright red colour and help reduce inflammation. Research suggests these compounds may also help lower uric acid levels, making cherries a popular preventative option for gout sufferers ⁽¹⁾.

There are also some supplements that combine sour cherry extract with celery seed and white willow bark, offering a more targeted approach to both pain relief and uric acid control.

Celery seed has been used for joint problems for decades. In fact, years ago it was one of the few supplements commonly recommended for arthritis. It contains compounds that may help reduce uric acid levels, calm inflammation and support antioxidant activity ⁽²⁾. Celery seed is also thought to support kidney function, helping the body flush excess uric acid before it settles in the joints.

White willow bark has an impressively long history. It’s been used for thousands of years to ease pain and fever, and in the 1800s scientists discovered its active compound, salicin eventually leading to the development of aspirin. It works as a natural anti-inflammatory and can be helpful during painful gout flare-ups ⁽³⁾.

Another popular herbal combination, formulated by a Naturopath which includes pure Australian single origin darker sweet cherry (grown and sourced in the Hilltops Region of NSW) with extracts from celery seeds, devil’s claw, dandelion and nettle. Devil’s claw is traditionally used to ease joint pain and inflammation and may help with gout-related discomfort ⁽⁴⁾. Also, dandelion has long been used to support liver and kidney function, helping the body clear excess uric acid ⁽⁵⁾. Nettle is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce swelling and pain during gout attacks ⁽⁶⁾. Together, these herbs offer gentle, traditional support for both symptoms and underlying causes of gout.

As helpful as supplements can be, the real key to managing gout is keeping uric acid levels under control in the first place. That means paying attention to diet and lifestyle especially after periods of indulgence.

It’s important to limit foods high in purines, such as red meat, bacon, organ meats and shellfish, and to go easy on alcohol. A low-fat diet rich in vegetables, staying well hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping active all play a big role in reducing gout risk.

For further information on gout or any other health issue call to see the team at Go Vita Your Health Shop at 5 North St Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. Don’t miss our weekly segment on 2EC radio, where Marianne and Go Vita’s Nutritionist Sofia talk about health and wellness with Kimmi Saker every Wednesday after 12.30pm.

References

1.       Zhang Y et al. Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks. Arthritis Rheum. 2012;64(12):4004–4011.

2.       Li X et al. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of celery seed extracts. J Med Food. 2014;17(5):507–513.

3.       Vlachojannis JE et al. Efficacy and safety of white willow bark for pain relief. Phytother Res. 2009;23(7):897–900.

4.       Brien S et al. Herbal medicines for the treatment of arthritis. Rheumatology. 2006;45(5):522–527.

5.       Clare BA et al. Effects of dandelion extract on kidney function. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(8):929–934.

6.       Randall C et al. Nettle extract and inflammatory pathways. Phytother Res. 2000;14(7):453–456.