Supplements for Gout: Change Your Relationship with Gout for Good

For many people with gout, prescription medication seems like the only solution to painful symptom flare-ups. Unfortunately, these medications are known for their long list of side effects and aren’t ideal for long-term use. 

Fortunately, there are alternative methods that can be used to improve symptoms of gout naturally. Supplements for gout are being studied as a way to improve or manage gout pain, lower inflammation, and maintain healthy uric acid levels.

The benefit of using these supplements for gout is that they have virtually no side effects (unlike pharmaceutical solutions), and may add health bonuses — like improved energy levels, optimized hydration, and healthy organ function. 

Table of Contents:

• What Is Gout?
• Common Root Causes of Gout
• The Best Supplements for Gout (According to Research)
• Balancing Your Gut Microbiome is One Key Element in Breaking Down Uric Acid

What is Gout?

When the body creates too much uric acid (or can’t flush uric acid out of the body), it creates a disease called gout. A form of arthritis, gout occurs when excess uric acid settles into the joints (most often the base of the big toe) to create uncomfortable swelling, pain, and even fever. Uric acid itself is a chemical byproduct created when the body processes substances called purines, which are found naturally in the body as well as some foods and drinks including some fish and shellfish, dried beans and peas, and alcohol. 

Gout affects everyone differently and can impact any joints in the body, including fingers, toes, wrists, ankles, and more. When gout progresses significantly, it may create lumps under the skin called tophi. 

While gout may seem like a difficult disease to understand, there are many supplements and natural treatments that can help to improve symptoms and boost quality of life.

Common Root Causes of Gout

Gout is often considered hereditary but can be influenced by diet, lifestyle, and supplements. It may result from over-consumption of foods rich in uric acid or from drugs or surgery.

High Uric Acid

High uric acid in the bloodstream is one of the most common causes of gout. Typically this occurs as a side-effect from certain pharmaceutical medications. More commonly, you may produce the same levels of uric acid that you always have — but for some reason your body has more difficulty clearing it from your system. 

Lowered uric acid metabolism may be due to a kidney or microbiome issue. High levels of uric acid circulating in the body eventually settle into the joints. Once there, the acid can crystallize and create a painful lump called a tophi. 

Low Kidney Function

When kidneys are sluggish, uric acid may build up in the body instead of filtering out. Not only can this act as a root cause of gout, but it can also negatively affect the body in other ways, even causing problems downstream with the bladder. If you suspect low kidney function, it’s important to find the root cause of the dysfunction and address it to improve gout symptoms.

One of these root causes for low kidney function could actually be problems with your gut! Make sure to read our section on the microbiome below for more info on this connection.

Pharmaceutical Medications

Some medications like diuretics, immunosuppressants, and testosterone are known to affect uric acid levels, either by increasing production in the body or by blocking their exit. If gout is medically induced, it might be worth looking into a medication change with your healthcare provider. 

The Best Supplements for Gout (According to Research)

By using the right supplements for uric acid regulation, addressing additional root cause issues, and fostering a healthy diet and lifestyle, we believe gout is manageable. However, finding the best supplements for gout can be tricky — as some can cause worsening symptoms. 

Based on the latest research, here’s what we consider the best supplements for gout.

Liposomal Vitamin C for Gout

Simple vitamin C is one of the most common natural remedies recommended for gout. One study showed that vitamin C supplements given to men drastically decreased the amount of uric acid in their blood. In fact, they were 44% less likely to develop gout over time. When picking out your vitamin C supplement, just ensure you find one that’s bioavailable. This ensures you’re getting the most nutrients (and no icky fillers) from your dose.

Molybdenum for Gout

Molybdenum has anti-inflammatory properties and has shown promising effects in other forms of arthritis. However, some studies suggest that too much molybdenum can have adverse effects on gout specifically. It’s worth checking with your holistic doctor to find the best treatment for your case. If you do choose molybdenum for gout, make sure you’re regularly testing your mineral levels to ensure you don’t overdo it.

Essential Fatty Acids for Gout

Omega 3’s and omega 6’s (like the ones found in our Balance Oil) are anti-inflammatory and known to improve symptoms of arthritis-related illnesses like gout. One study showed a 33% lowered risk of gout flare-up from those who consumed fatty acid-rich seafood or fish oil. Since gout is typically reoccurring, taking a daily dose could be key to preventing relapses. 

Magnesium for Gout

Not getting enough magnesium is a common issue for most people (and becoming even more common with soil quality issues). Increasing evidence shows a correlation between magnesium deficiency and gout. Since magnesium can help improve stress management and blood circulation, we consider it an essential addition to your supplement routine when fighting or preventing gout. 

Zinc for Gout 

It’s time to balance your zinc levels! One study shows that zinc oxide can help to relieve oxidative stress, supporting a healthy inflammation response in the body and benefiting gout-affected areas.

Not only can minerals like zinc and magnesium help to reduce symptoms of gout, but they may also give you more energy, focus, and resolve unexplained symptoms elsewhere. Mineral deficiency can impact you more than you realize! 

Balancing Your Gut Microbiome is One Key Element in Relieving Gout Symptoms

We can’t say enough about the benefits of a healthy microbiome. And, it turns out that gut bacteria actually play an essential role in the breakdown of uric acid, too. 

There are strains of gut bacteria that specifically focus on the metabolism of purines (the crystals that cause gout). If these strains are diminished or missing from the gut ecosystem, the job of filtering excess uric acid falls completely on the kidneys. 

By feeding the healthy microbiome in your gut, you can reduce the pressure on the kidneys and optimize the way your body metabolizes purines, among many other benefits. 

Finally, an imbalance in the gut microbiome is a recipe for systemic inflammation — which is another factor to consider when treating gout.

Combine the Best Supplements for Gout with a Whole Body Approach to Conquer Symptoms for Good

When you first received a gout diagnosis, you might have felt overwhelmed. With intense pain, no certain cure, and other potential health complications looming in the future, gout is confusing and scary. But it absolutely isn’t a death sentence. We’re confident you can minimize symptoms and regain your life with just a few supplements and lifestyle changes. 

Learn more about our supplements like Liposomal Vitamin C and how a healthy gut ecosystem can make a difference in gout symptoms.