Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that is characterized by sudden pain, redness, and swelling in the joints. It occurs when excessive uric acid crystallizes in the joints. It is often controlled by medications; however, there are various alternative treatments that can also help tackle the condition. Listed below are some of the common ways in which you can relieve symptoms of gout:

Drink plenty of water
One of the effective ways to control the swelling caused by gout is to drink plenty of water. Increasing fluid consumption forces the kidneys to release excess fluid, which, in turn, reduces swelling. Along with water, you can also consume broths and herbal teas.

Reduce stress
A heightened amount of stress can worsen the symptoms of gout, so you must try various stress-reducing activities to control this  condition. These may include exercising, meditating, reading, listening to music, or anything that can take your mind off stressful things.

Increase fish intake
Fish contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can boost your overall health and bring down uric acid levels. However, there are various fish varieties that have high amount of purines, such as sardines, mackerels, scallops, and anchovies, and these must be avoided.

Try to go meat-free
Meats like beef and lamb and sea food including crabs, mackerel, mussels, and sardines are all high in purines. You need to follow a diet wherein only 15 percent of your daily protein intake comes from animal-based protein.

Switch between a warm and cold compress
In order to instantly control swelling caused by a severe gout attack, you need to try on a warm compress for three minutes and a cold compress for 30 seconds. In this way, you can prevent the pain from worsening.

Avoid sugary and fizzy drinks
One of the widely suggested treatments for gout is to eliminate sugary and frizzy drinks from your diet. These drinks can increase the uric acid present in your blood and negatively impact your body weight, which again puts you at a risk of developing gout.

Consume cherries
Cherries are considered a popular home remedy for controlling gout. Consuming half a cup of cherries a day can significantly decrease uric acid levels and inflammation. You can eat them as they are or juice them. Along with actual cherries, cherry extracts can also be consumed.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another suitable treatment that has the ability to treat the painful condition of gout. The surround-needling technique used in acupuncture enhances blood circulation and reduces inflammation. Also, it alleviates pain that comes with gout attacks.

Gout flareups can be extremely painful, but with various alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, dietary changes, lifestyle changes and a few natural remedies, this condition can improve. However, if you do not see any improvement, it is advisable to seek medical help.