Joint pain and swelling are often signs of arthritis. Doctors have diagnosed approximately one in every five adults with an arthritic condition.

Gout is also a common form of arthritis. The main cause of the gout is an increase of uric acid concentration in fluids within the body. Through the condition (gout), substantial damage and inflammation is caused when uric acid crystals are deposited in the kidneys, tendons, joints, and other tissues. In 50% of cases, it is common for gout to affect the base of big toe, which is called podagra. Gout can also occur in the hands, knees, ankles, and feet.

Gout is the top inflammatory arthritis known to affect men; women are at greater risk after menopause.

Foods to Avoid If You Suffer from Gout

Foods rich in purines are known to dramatically increase the risk of gout attacks. High-purine foods include yeast, organ meats (liver, kidney, brain), sardines, anchovies, and herring.

Moderate-purine foods include meat, fish, poultry, shellfish, mushrooms, dried legumes, spinach, and asparagus. (I know—they are some of my favorites too.) It is also best to permanent avoid alcohol.

Foods That Fight Gout or Ease Gout Pain

Low-purine foods are highly recommended. They include fruits, nuts, and eggs. There are also other foods that improve the condition of gout. I highly recommend the following foods, which just may be gout’s toughest natural health opponents:

1. Cherries

Various studies link cherry consumption and the reduced occurrence of gouty arthritis. In a study published in Arthritis Rheumatism, Boston University researchers had 633 people with the inflammatory condition take cherries and cherry extract for a two-day period. Prior to the study, participants provided information about their gout attacks, including the onset date of the condition, symptoms, anti-gout medications, and other potential risk factors. The researchers found that cherries lowered the risk of gout attacks by 35%.

2. Parsley

There are flavonoid constituents in parsley that can lower uric acid levels, including kaempferol and quercetin. Hyperuricemia is a condition with extremely high levels of uric acid. People with the condition are considered to be at greater risk for gout, and it also may lead to cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In a two-week study, researchers found that the quercetin and kaempferol in parsley reduced uric acid levels in rats with hyperuricemia.

3. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha also known as Asian Ginseng, is an herb widely used in Arabic and Asian herbal medicine. It is a common adaptogenic herb used to relieve stress. Studies also show it is useful for the treatment of gout. In a study published in Chemico-Biological Interactions, ashwagandha root powder slowed the strength and spread of inflammation in rats with gouty arthritis. The herb also worked as a potent painkiller with an anti-fever effect.

4. Cashew Nut

Joint health problems include all kinds of arthritis joint pain. They majorly cause inflammation in the joint area that is in most cases accompanied by pain. The inflammation often causes numbness that gives an individual a lot of discomforts.  Cashew nuts’ Anti-inflammatory properties can relieve the inflammation and hence the pain.

Antioxidants are well known to get rid of the free radicals on the joints. This function makes it a perfect substance to treat arthritis. This is because it destroys all those radicals that could cause further damage to the joints. Some other antioxidants include any vitamin, Copper, Phosphorus, Magnesium and vitamin E. Research shows that people who lack enough antioxidants are at a greater risk of all types of arthritis.

Both phosphorus and magnesium are the recommended compounds for strong bones; While copper is an essential compound for the bones as well as the joints. It is the required substance by the enzyme known as superoxide dismutase. This enzyme is great for strengthening the joints and offering the antioxidant functions that are great for joint relief. Copper is essential for lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that plays a major role in linking collagen with elastin enhancing the flexibility of the joints. Lack of copper in the body can lead to risks of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart problems.

Pain and swelling in the knees after shoveling snow may be just the beginning for you, but luckily, one delicious seed could be the solution to your knee pain: sesame seeds. In fact, sesame seeds may be more effective than Tylenol.