Using natural ingredients and home remedies for treating some of the most common ailments has always been considered the best approach. Some redundant and chronic ailments can bother the normal functioning of a human body for a long period. Treating such ailments with natural remedies is beneficial in the long run as you will not end up ingesting chemicals in the form of prescription drugs. And of course, there can be nothing better than going natural. Taking this into consideration, various ingredients have been found to have great medicinal value.

Apple cider vinegar is among these wonderful ingredients that can be used to treat various conditions.

What is gout and who are at risk?
Gout is a not very common but a very painful form of arthritis. It happens when urate crystals get accumulated under the joints causing severe pain and inflammation. Urate crystals are a combination of calcium and urate, substances which are typically found in urine and these crystals are formed when the body produces elevated levels of uric acid.

The typical condition of gout is excessive production of uric acid. This can be a result of various things including faulty eating habits, other medical conditions, family history, etc. Here are some risk factors for gout.

• Obesity : People who are obese are at a higher risk typically because obese bodies produce uric acid in higher amounts and kidneys have a hard time to excrete it. Apple cider vinegar for gout is ideal for such people as it can also help in dealing with obesity.
• High blood pressure : Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney, and heart diseases can increase the risk of gout too. Also, medications that treat these conditions can increase uric acid levels in the body and thereby lead to gout.

How can apple cider vinegar help for gout?
Apple cider vinegar for gout is effective mainly because it contains acetic acid. Acetic acid is believed to turn alkaline inside the body and thereby restores the pH balance which is disrupted due to excessive uric acid that causes gout. Also, apple cider vinegar has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties along with several nutrients such as potassium, amino acids, calcium and iron, which are all responsible for reducing toxins build-up in the body as well as help the body by getting rid of excess uric acid.

It is also recommended to use apple cider vinegar for gout as it breaks down urate crystals and prevents them from accumulating in the joints. Apple cider vinegar also promotes joint flexibility by reducing swelling and inflammation.

How to use apple cider vinegar for gout and what type you should use?
You can take apple cider vinegar for gout in different ways as you find appropriate and suitable. The most common option is to drink it. To prepare a drink of apple cider vinegar, you can mix two teaspoons of it along with two tablespoons of unprocessed honey in 8 ounces of water. This mixture can be consumed three times a day after each meal. You can combine apple cider vinegar with other juices like cherry, blueberry, or strawberry.

Another option to use apple cider vinegar for gout is to soak a cloth in undiluted apple cider vinegar and wrap the cloth around the affected area. Alternatively, you can soak your feet in a bucket with four cups of hot water and a cup of apple cider vinegar for about half an hour.

Complications related to gout – when should you see a doctor?
Gout might seem to be a rather common condition, but it can lead to major issues if left untreated. Kidney stones can form which can be far more painful. The deposits of urate crystals can also accumulate under the skin leading to an advanced gout condition that can be difficult to treat in the longer run. Recurrent gout attacks can cause joint destruction. While you may want to continue to use apple cider vinegar for gout, it is best to seek professional medical consultation when the joint pain becomes unbearable, and you notice swollen tender joints with warm, red skin over them.