Gout is one of the most common arthritic conditions. In fact, it is estimated that it affects around 1 in 40 people in the UK - that’s a lot of people living with the threat of a painful flare-up! So, it stands to reason that gout sufferers are always on the lookout for effective remedies to manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of a gout attack.
For many, this might mean seeking medications from their doctors, changing their diet and lifestyle, or buying supplements to help keep their uric acid in check. But, likely, many gout sufferers are always interested in the benefits of home remedies - such as turmeric. So, could turmeric help with gout? Let’s find out!
The Therapeutic Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is a flowering plant that is part of the ginger family. The spice as we know it comes from the bright orange-coloured root of this plant. It is used extensively in cooking, particularly in Indian cuisine as it is native to this region of the world. But turmeric has also been used as a medicinal ingredient for thousands of years.
It has long been used in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. For example, in Ayurvedic medicine, the spice is credited with not only strengthening the overall energy of the body, but also improving digestion, regulating menstruation, and relieving arthritis!
The active ingredient in turmeric that is likely behind these potential benefits is curcumin, which has been found to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This has led to turmeric being commonly touted as a home remedy for gout. But what does the science say?
Could Turmeric Help with Gout?
Turmeric has been used as a supplement in the treatment of arthritis for thousands of years. The historic use of the plant in this setting has even been supported in a number of scientific studies.
A 2019 study aimed to evaluate the potential of turmeric nanoparticles as an anti-gout agent. The animal study found that the administration of turmeric nanoparticles was associated with significant reductions in uric acid levels (the main cause of gout). Their findings led the researchers to recommend further research into turmeric therapy for gout.
Experts are quick to note that curcumin represents only about 2-6% of the plant’s components. So, eating raw turmeric or even cooking with turmeric is unlikely to have much effect on your symptoms. Thankfully, curcumin supplements are widely available at health shops.
Moreover, another study, published in 2022, found that three other ingredients found in turmeric (bisacumol, campesterol, and stigmasterol) may also play a role in the treatment of gout. However, more research is needed to confirm these results in humans.
Conclusions
Turmeric has been a staple of cooking and medicinal home remedies for thousands of years. Some evidence suggests that the natural ingredients found in this humble root could indeed be beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation - two major symptoms of gout. However, the relatively low levels of curcumin found in raw turmeric root or turmeric powder are unlikely to have a significant effect.
Adding curcumin supplements to your regular gout supplement regime, alongside eating a gout-friendly diet, could potentially help to better control your gout attacks. To conclude, turmeric may be a good place to start when looking for home remedies for gout!
