Several health conditions can arise when there is an imbalance of nutrients in our bodies. One such condition is called gout, a form of arthritis that is caused due to excess deposition of uric acid in the joints of the body. This causes intense pain and discomfort in ankles, knees, and toes, i.e., the joints in the lower body. Once the flare-up of pain begins, it can be really difficult to tame usually intensifies as time goes by.

If caught early, this condition can be managed fairly well. Here are some early signs and symptoms to look out for when suspecting an onset of gout:

• Swelling in joints
• Stiffness in the joints
• Redness and swelling
• Burning or itching sensation

While not much can be done after a gout attack flares up, there are certain natural remedies for gout that can be taken to ease the symptoms at home itself or even prevent a flare-up if caught early enough.

• Drink water
  Yes, it may seem like water is the cure for everything these days. That’s only because it is! Drinking plenty of water is a great way to ensure contained levels of uric acid in the body. Water will also help reduce any swelling or inflammation in the body.
• Applying ice to joints
  Placing an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables can be helpful in easing the burning sensation a little bit and can hence provide some much-needed relief to the aching joints. This can also help any inflammation that accompanies the pain.
• Elevating the affected joints and resting
  Placing the concerned joint or limb at an elevated angle can help immensely in rushing the blood away from it, which can hence help ease some of the pain.
• Cherries
  Fruits like cherries are known to play a good part in being able to reduce the uric acid levels of the body. With higher levels of anthocyanin, cherries are also effective in reducing signs of inflammation in people.
• Celery
  Celery is naturally rich in water and important nutrients that are known to be helpful in the treatment of conditions concerning the urinary tract.
• Diet control
  There are also some other dietary changes that can be made to further lower the levels of uric acid in the body and help with the onset of gout. Things like certain forms of meat, sugar, and alcohol must be consumed consciously as they are known to be possible triggers causing gout flare-ups in people.

While most signs of gout can be quite obvious and detected in the early stages, there are some cases where people do not experience any early signs of a potential gout attack. Hence it is important to be conscious of our uric acid levels and the consumption of certain foods at all times, regardless of whether we experience the symptoms or not.