Gout plagues over millions of people across the globe. Some people know the pain of waking up in the middle of the night or having to sit through the workday with the burning pain that stems from gouty arthritis. Knowing the importance of a gout diet is key for prevention. This disease is the buildup of uric acid in the body and causes burning joint pain, throbbing inflammation, and can even lead to immobility in severe cases. The goal within a gout diet is to help the kidneys properly filter the uric acid and lower inflammation levels.

While there isn’t a quick fix for this disease, these superfoods can prevent and speed up the healing process of a gout attack:

1. Dark chocolate to the rescue
This seems to good to be true, but it is and here’s why! Dark chocolate contains an incredibly high amount of magnesium. Magnesium is excellent for gout being an alkaline mineral. Studies have shown that low levels of magnesium are directly linked to high-inflammation levels and excess uric acid in the blood. By incorporating more magnesium into the diet it is giving the body the proper nutrition to regulate the levels of uric acid and inflammation. Dark chocolate is especially important for its antioxidants as well. The antioxidant components further benefit inflammation by lowering blood pressure levels and combating excess uric acid in the blood.

2. Munch on celery
Celery, or celery seed extract, contains high amounts of antioxidants that work to fight off the symptoms of not only gout but many other diseases. Celery’s specific phenolic acids, caffeic acid and ferulic acid, are powerhouses when it comes to reducing inflammation. Caffeic acids are specific to lowering and helping regulate the metabolism of sugar in the diet, especially in kidney function. While ferulic acids target the inflammation markers and help keep inflammation levels low and resistant to flare-ups. Celery is key for every gout diet.

3. Tart cherry juice
Black cherries or its extract are directed for the horrible gouty arthritis symptoms. This is one of the most powerful home remedies recommended by physicians for preventing and reducing the effects of gout. Studies have shown that within only two days of consuming tart cherry juice the chances of a gout attack by over 30%, just imagine the effects of daily consumption. The reason cherries are able to provide these results is due to its high content of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins act as strong antioxidants within the body and work to improve sugar regulation and metabolism and help lower cholesterol. They also provide healing capabilities for oxidative stress on the body.

4. Here fishy, fishy
Fish oil makes the list for its incredibly high content of omega 3 fatty acids. Mackerel and salmon are go-to’s when it comes to benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids goal is to reduce inflammation levels and are incredibly efficient. These fatty acids are categorized into different types but the main two are EPA and DHA. These two work at a cellular level to reduce the inflammation markers ability to flare up. Consuming high contents of omega-3 fatty acids works to reduce the inflammation symptoms of a gout attack quickly and efficiently.