Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause sudden, severe joint pain, often striking in the middle of the night. Known for its sudden, intense joint pain, gout is caused by a build up of uric acid in the body. While flare ups can be incredibly painful, natural remedies and herbal support may help promote joint comfort and healthy uric acid levels. 

At Nature's Sunshine, we believe in supporting your wellbeing with high-quality herbal formulations grounded in traditional wisdom and modern research. If you're looking for natural ways to support uric acid balance and soothe gout-related inflammation, understanding the root causes is the best place to start. 

What is Gout? 

Gout occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or struggles to clear it effectively, thus uric acid levels become elevated and form sharp urate crystals that settle in joints. When uric acid crystallises in the joints, it triggers inflammation, leading to classic gout symptoms such as redness, swelling, stiffness, and intense pain. 

These flare-ups can last days or weeks and may become more frequent without proper support. 

Common Gout Triggers

Certain factors can increase uric acid levels and make flare-ups more likely: 

• High-purine diets (red meat, shellfish, organ meats) 
• Excess body weight 
• Dehydration 
• Alcohol consumption 
• Family history
• Certain medications 
• Reduced kidney function 

Recognising these contributors is the first step in implementing natural strategies for support. 

Common Symptoms of Gout

People experiencing a gout flare often report: 

• Sudden and severe joint pain
• Swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected joint 
• Sensitivity and tenderness to even light touch
• Stiffness and reduced movement 
• Limited mobility during a flare-up 
• Lingering discomfort after the initial pain eases

Although gout commonly affects the big toe, it can also appear in the knees, ankles, wrists, elbows, and fingers. 

Natural Ways to Support Healthy Uric Acid Levels 

From a natural health perspective, supporting the body's elimination pathways, reducing inflammation, and maintaining balanced uric acid levels are key components of long-term gout management. Here are foundational lifestyle approaches: 

1. Support Kidney Function with Hydration

Proper hydration helps your body flush excess uric acid naturally. 

2. Choose a Low-Purine, Wholefood Diet

Focusing on nutrient-dense, plant-rich foods may reduce the likelihood of flare-ups: 

• Vegetables and leafy greens 
• Whole grains 
• Berries and antioxidant-rich fruits
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes 
• Low-fat dairy options

3. Support a Healthy Weight 

A balanced body weight can support uric acid metabolism and ease pressure on the joints. 

4. Limit Alcohol Intake 

Alcohol, particularly beer, can increase uric acid production and slow down detoxification pathways. 

5. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Support 

Traditional Western herbal medicine offers botanicals that help reduce inflammation, soothe joint discomfort, and support healthy uric acid levels. 

Herbs Traditionally Used for Gout Support

In natural medicine, several botanicals have been values for their role in supporting joint health, inflammatory balance, and relief during occasional gout episodes: 

Sour Cherry 

Known for its high antioxidant content and naturally occurring anthocyanins, sour cherry is traditionally used to support healthy uric acid metabolism and relieve mild joint inflammation associated with gout. Its antioxidant activity helps soothe stressed joints during flare-ups. 

White Willow Bark 

Often referred to as "nature's aspirin" white willow contains salicin, a naturally occurring compound used traditionally to relieve mild pain and reduce inflammation. It offers gentle, herbal support for joint discomfort. 

Celery Seed

Used in Western herbal medicine to promote healthy uric acid excretion and support the body's natural detoxification processes. Celery seed also helps maintain healthy fluid balance in the body. 

Together, these herbs provide holistic support for relieving occasional symptoms of gout, including mild aches, swelling, inflammation, and joint soreness. 

Looking for a Natural Gout Supplement? 

Nature's Sunshine Gout Fighter Plus combines the power of sour cherry, white willow, and celery, traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to: 

• Relieve inflammation 
• Relieve pain 
• Relieve and reduce mild rheumatic aches and pains
• Reduce and relieve symptoms of occasional episodes of gout 
• Helps reduce the occasional occurrence of symptoms of gout 

Discover Nature's Sunshine Gout Fighter Plus for natural, targeted herbal support for managing occasional gout episodes and symptoms.