A Complete Guide to Juicing for Gout Relief
Gout is an extremely painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid buildup in the bloodstream. During a gout attack, crystals of uric acid deposit in the joints and cause severe swelling and tenderness. While gout is often linked to rich foods and alcohol, fresh juice recipes made with produce containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients can help provide relief.
Keep reading to learn how juicing can benefit gout, discover the best ingredients to use, find recipe ideas, and start juicing your way to less painful gout attacks.
How Juicing Helps Gout
Drinking fresh, raw juices made with fruits and vegetables can be an effective part of a gout diet. Here are some of the top ways juicing can help fight gout flare-ups:
- Increases fluid intake to encourage uric acid excretion
- Provides potent antioxidants that reduce inflammation
- Alkalizes the body to neutralize and remove uric acid
- Delivers key nutrients like vitamin C, anthocyanins, and quercetin
- Eliminates dehydration, a common gout trigger
- Flushes out toxins and waste from the kidneys
For best results, coordinate juicing with an overall diet and lifestyle program to lower uric acid levels and prevent painful gout attacks.
Best Fruits and Veggies to Juice for Gout
Certain produce choices are especially beneficial for juicing to fight gout. The top ingredients to include are:
Cherries
Cherries are packed with anthocyanins, antioxidants that help reduce gout inflammation. Cherries may also lower uric acid levels. Use fresh or frozen tart cherries.
Citrus Fruits
Oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes contain vitamin C, an essential nutrient for metabolizing uric acid. Citrus also aids kidney function and urine flow.
Blueberries
Blueberries provide antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanins, which help eliminate uric acid crystals. They reduce inflammation and may protect joints.
Celery
Celery is a natural diuretic that increases urine output. This helps flush uric acid out of the kidneys. It also contains electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
Fennel
Fennel has flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This digestive aid helps neutralize uric acid to make it more soluble in the blood.
Cabbage
Cabbage belongs to the cruciferous family and provides antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds. These help turn uric acid into allantoin, a more easily excreted compound.
Ginger
Anti-inflammatory gingerols in ginger root can help reduce pain during gout attacks. It improves circulation and may lower uric acid concentration.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are loaded with water, vitamin C, and caffeic acid, all of which prevent uric acid buildup. They support kidney function and rehydration.
Beets
Beets are rich in antioxidants called betalains which exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory effects to relieve gout pain. Nitrates in beets may also widen blood vessels.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with natural anti-inflammatory properties. It may help break down uric acid crystals and provide symptom relief.
Apples
Malic and tartaric acids in apples may help neutralize and remove uric acid from the blood more effectively. Quercetin in apples is also anti-inflammatory.
7 Juice Recipes to Try for Gout
Incorporating a variety of different fresh juices into your weekly routine can provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and alkalizing benefits to relieve gout flares. Try these tasty juice blends:
1. Cherry Beet Ginger Juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 2 medium beets, peeled and quartered
- 1 inch knob fresh ginger
- 2 large leaves kale
- 1 medium orange, peeled
2. Blueberry Citrus Juice
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 pink grapefruit, peeled
- 1 orange, peeled
- 12 lemon, peeled
- 1 inch piece fresh turmeric
3. Green Apple Cucumber Juice
- 2 medium green apples
- 1 cucumber
- 6 leaves romaine lettuce
- 1 celery stalk
- 12 lemon, peeled
4. Celery Beet Juice
- 4 celery stalks
- 2 medium beets, quartered
- 12 pineapple, peeled and cored
- 1 inch piece ginger
- 12 lime, peeled
5. Kale Carrot Apple Juice
- 4 large leaves kale
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 green apples
- 12 lemon, peeled
- 12 inch cube fresh turmeric
6. Spinach Berry Juice
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 banana
- 1 teaspoon honey
7. Pineapple Orange Juice
- 12 pineapple
- 1 orange, peeled
- 1 grapefruit, peeled
- 12 cucumber
- 12 lemon, peeled
Get creative and try blending your favorite anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables into delicious juice combinations. Drink them fresh for maximum nutrient content.
Tips for an Effective Juicing Routine
To get the most out of juicing for gout relief, keep these tips in mind:
- Drink at least 12-16 ounces of juice per day for results
- Combine produce high in vitamin C, anthocyanins, and alkalizing minerals
- Rotate different juice recipes to get a variety of nutrients
- Always consume juice immediately after making it
- Pair juices with a gout-friendly diet low in meat, seafood, alcohol and sugar
- Do not replace whole fruits and veggies entirely with juicing
- Clean equipment properly to avoid contamination
For even more benefits, consider trying a 3-5 day juicing cleanse by replacing one meal per day with a fresh juice. This temporary diet reset can help lower uric acid levels.
Potential Side Effects of Juicing for Gout
Juicing can be highly beneficial for gout symptoms when done correctly. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
Blood Sugar Spikes
Juices made entirely from fruits can cause blood sugar and
FAQs
What fruits and vegetables are best for juicing to treat gout?
Some of the top produce choices for gout relief include cherries, citrus fruits, berries, celery, cabbage, cucumber, beets, pineapple, ginger, and apples. These provide antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and compounds that neutralize uric acid.
Can juicing help reduce gout inflammation?
Yes, juicing anti-inflammatory ingredients like cherries, blueberries, celery, and ginger can help decrease swelling, redness, and pain during a gout flare. The nutrients target the underlying inflammation.
Is juicing recommended for people with gout?
Juicing is generally considered safe and beneficial for gout sufferers when done in moderation alongside a healthy gout diet. Juices provide hydration and key nutrients that fight uric acid buildup.
How much juice should you drink per day for gout?
For gout relief, aim to drink at least 12-16 ounces (1-2 cups) of fresh juice per day. Make sure to also eat plenty of whole fruits and vegetables rather than only juicing.
Should you do a juice cleanse for gout?
A temporary gout juice cleanse lasting 3-5 days can provide an intensive way to lower uric acid, fight inflammation, and reset your diet. Replace just 1-2 meals per day with juice.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Related Coverage
Take online migraine type quizzes then see a doctor to get clarity on your specific migraine diagnosis. Precision allows for better treatment of these debilitating headaches....
There is little evidence that drinking salt water effectively relieves most headaches. Excess sodium can cause side effects and worsen some health conditions....
Shoulder problems like rotator cuff tears and poor posture can cause migraines through trigger points, nerve compression and decreased circulation. Diagnosis and treatment options....
Learn how migraine significantly increases suicide risk due to factors like severe pain, depression links, stigma and disability anguish. Discover compassionate treatment approaches....
Waking up with a headache after a nap can result from sleep apnea, migraine, hunger, stress, and more. Follow these tips to nap without headaches....
Learn about the safety reasons behind the 9 pill monthly limit for Imitrex migraine medication. Discover strategies to maximize your allowed doses and alternative treatments....
Excedrin Migraine, Advil Migraine, and Aleve Migraine are proven over-the-counter medications that can provide fast acting migraine pain relief by targeting root causes....
Learn what causes tension headaches after napping and simple tips to improve sleep quality so you can wake up feeling refreshed without pain....
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can help relieve headache and migraine pain. Learn how aromatherapy eases symptoms naturally....
Discover how Cefaly compares to traditional TENS units for migraine treatment. Understand key similarities and differences between the technologies....