Benefits of Turmeric for Gout – Natural Gout Pain Relief

Turmeric is a versatile spice that can be used for many purposes, including gout management. 

Turmeric is a rich source of curcumin, a polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce the effects of gout. 

Let's explore the advantages of turmeric for gout and discover how this natural remedy helps manage uric acid-induced inflammation. 

What is gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause sharp pain, tenderness, and swelling in the joints. While it can occur in all joints, it most commonly affects the big toes, knees, and ankles. 

This inflammatory condition has historically been referred to as a "rich man's disease" because only the affluent could afford foods like meat and sugar, which are linked to elevated levels of uric acid and the development of gout. 

Research published by StatPearls indicates that gout is caused by hyperuricemia, which is characterized by excessive uric acid concentrations in the body. 

Uric acid is formed during the breakdown of dietary purines, an organic compound that’s naturally found in certain foods, such as organ meats, seafood, sugar, and yeast. 

A diet high in purine-containing foods can lead to excess uric acid in the body, which can lead to the deposition of uric acid crystals in joint tissue. However, contrary to common belief, urate crystals aren’t the direct source of the painful effects of gout. 

"White blood cells consider urate crystals as pathogens and mount an immune response," explains Dr. Berg. “This triggers inflammation in the affected joint and results in gout symptoms.”

Watch the video below to learn how to get rid of gout inflammation fast.  

3 benefits of turmeric for gout

Curcumin, turmeric’s active ingredient, has been found to possess various medicinal properties that may assist in the treatment and management of gout. 

Here are three advantages of using turmeric for gout. 

1. Aids in pain management

Gout attacks typically occur suddenly and are accompanied by swelling, tenderness, and severe pain. Taking turmeric may help alleviate and even prevent gout flares. 

A study published in Foods found that curcumin can help relieve gout-related joint pain by reducing inflammation and concluded, "Curcumin results in similar improvements in gout symptoms as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium." 

Compared to over-the-counter medications, curcumin has a lower risk of severe side effects, making it a promising natural treatment for gout sufferers. 

2. Natural anti-inflammatory

There is evidence that individuals who regularly take turmeric are at lower risk of chronic inflammation.  

A study published by Medicina evaluated turmeric nanoparticles as an anti-gout agent and confirmed that curcumin’s potent anti-inflammatory effects could reduce the development of gout and other chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.  

3. May reduce oxidative stress

Aside from its anti-inflammatory capabilities, turmeric is also known to have potent antioxidant properties that can be useful to combat gout. 

Gout attacks are associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress happens when there is an insufficient amount of antioxidants and an increase of free radicals in the body. 

According to research published by Antioxidants, curcumin increases the production and activity of various antioxidant enzymes that may alleviate gout symptoms by combating free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.

How to use turmeric for gout relief

There are several ways to incorporate turmeric into your daily routine, such as mixing it in your food, taking supplements, preparing turmeric paste, or consuming turmeric tea.  

You can add turmeric powder and extracts to a variety of curries, rice dishes, smoothies, soups, and stews. 

Curcumin is poorly absorbed, and combining it with black pepper and healthy fats such as olive or coconut oil can enhance its bioavailability and maximize turmeric’s health benefits. 

Alternatively, opt for turmeric supplements such as gummies, pills, or turmeric capsules that are pre-measured and a convenient way to manage gout symptoms.   

Drinking turmeric tea or golden milk is another excellent option to add this powerful spice to your daily routine. 

Turmeric dosage for gout

According to the Arthritis Foundation, 500 mg of curcumin extract taken twice daily can help alleviate gout symptoms.  

Clinical trials have indicated that consuming up to 8,000 mg of turmeric daily is safe for most adults.  

The potency of turmeric supplements can vary greatly, and it’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage specified on the product label. 

Potential risks of turmeric

Both turmeric and curcumin supplements are considered safe and generally well tolerated. 

However, it's important to be aware that high doses may increase the risk of side effects, such as: 

• Dizziness 

• Nausea 

• Diarrhea

• Ulcers

• Increased bleeding 

• Interaction with certain medications 

You should avoid taking turmeric supplements when you're pregnant or breastfeeding. There’s limited information on turmeric's side effects during pregnancy, so it's best to exercise caution.

Other gout remedies

Although turmeric can be an effective natural remedy to combat gout, other natural treatments, such as baking soda, celery, and a ketogenic diet, may help prevent or lessen gout symptoms. 

Baking soda may reduce high uric acid levels and prevent the formation of crystals in joints linked to painful gout attacks. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence of baking soda’s effectiveness for gout, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support its use.

Another natural solution with anti-gout properties is celery. A study published by Molecular Medicine Reports found that celery seed extract helps alleviate gout symptoms due to its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. 

Following a nutritious low-carb diet like Healthy Keto® is another way to potentially manage gout pain. This nutrient-rich diet encourages high-quality ingredients that may reduce inflammation and gout flares. 

Key takeaways

Turmeric has many benefits to help reduce gout symptoms, such as its anti-inflammatory properties, pain management capabilities, and antioxidant advantages. 

To use turmeric effectively, add it to your food, take it in supplemental forms, or enjoy it as a refreshing tea. Curcumin is poorly absorbed, and combining it with black pepper enhances its bioavailability and effectiveness.  

A few risks are linked to taking high doses of turmeric, such as interactions with certain medications, potential blood thinning effects, and the possibility of allergic reactions.   

FAQ

1. How much turmeric should I take for gout?

There are no standard guidelines on how much turmeric you should take for gout attacks. 

However, the Arthritis Foundation recommends using curcumin extract instead of turmeric and suggests 500 mg of curcumin twice daily. 

2. Can turmeric reduce gout pain?

Evidence has shown turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help manage pain associated with gout. 

3. What is uric acid?

Uric acid is a metabolic by-product created during the breakdown of substances called purines. Purines are organic compounds that can be found in many foods.

4. Does turmeric reduce levels of uric acid?

Yes, turmeric has been found to possess uric acid-lowering properties. 

5. What supplements get rid of gout?

Turmeric, vitamin C, fish oil, and cherry extract supplements can be beneficial for preventing and managing gout.

6. Can black pepper enhance the benefits of turmeric for gout?

Yes, black pepper contains a compound called piperine, which helps increase the bioavailability of curcumin. 

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459218/ 

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/ 

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6359362/ 

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694612/ 

5. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/supplement-and-herb-guide-for-arthritis-symptoms 

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6797962/