Gout is a type of arthritis that causes excess levels of uric acid in the body, which over time, form painful uric acid crystals in the joints (i.e., fingers, big toe, etc.). The goal of treatment for gout is to reduce uric acid levels, inflammation, and pain. Apart from medication, lifestyle changes, and home remedies, diet plays an important role in preventing gout and reducing uric acid levels. Here are a few recipes that serve as natural ways to relieve gout pain and swelling as they are low on purine and help alleviate the symptoms:

1. Cherry smoothie
You can use frozen cherries when fresh ones are not in season, and you can have this smoothie twice or thrice a week. Blend a cup of pitted cherries along with a cup of strawberries, one banana, and one and a half cup of almond milk. This is one of the most helpful gout-friendly recipes and a natural way to relieve pain and swelling due to the condition. You can have it to prevent gout or during a flare-up as well.

2. Blue cheese orange salad
In a large salad bowl, combine two cups of bite-size pieces of romaine lettuce and arugula, one finely chopped cucumber, two chopped oranges, one-fourth cup of finely chopped red onion, and two tablespoons of chopped walnuts. Also, add a teaspoon of walnut oil and some red wine vinegar. Toss the salad so that all ingredients are mixed well. Crumble two ounces of blue cheese, sprinkle it on top of the salad, and serve.

3. Carrot, ginger, and sweet potato soup
Pour two teaspoons of canola oil in a pan and fry half a cup of finely chopped shallots until tender. Add three cups of chopped carrots and one and a half cups of chopped sweet potato. Then, add a teaspoon of grated ginger and two teaspoons of curry powder. After that, add chicken or vegetable stock and let it simmer for about 25 minutes. Cool and blend it in two batches and serve warm. This is one of the most effective natural ways to relieve gout pain and swelling.

4. Catfish
Combine half a teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, one-fourth teaspoon of mustard powder, and one-fourth teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Rinse two catfish fillets, dry them, and rub both sides with the mixed powder. Heat a broiler, add one teaspoon of oil, spread one teaspoon of olive oil, and place the filleted fish. Broil for about 5 minutes, and then place the fish about 4 inches from the heat for about 3 minutes. Turn the fish to the other side and broil for about 3 minutes more until the fish is cooked.

5. Roasted chicken
Prepare a 6-pound chicken, and chop two lemons and place six lemon slices and sage under the chicken skin. Keep the remaining lemon slices inside the chicken, and bind the legs and tuck the wings. Brush the chicken all over with some oil. Then, put it in a roasting pan and roast for about 75 minutes. Once done, place the chicken on a chopping board and allow it to cool.
Wash, peel, and trim three-fourths of a pound of parsnips, turnips, and carrots. Chop them into matchstick-size pieces and cook in a baking pan along with 1 pound of halved potatoes. Add thyme and oil and roast the vegetables until tender. Remove the lemons and sage from the chicken, cut pieces of the chicken, and serve with the roasted vegetables.

6. Rice and ginger pudding
Cook a cup of brown rice in two cups of water on low heat. When the water has evaporated and the rice is cooked, add a cup of low-fat milk and cook further until the milk is absorbed by the rice. Add a cup of artificial sweetener and a cup of chopped crystallized ginger and cook until it reaches pudding consistency. Serve with whipped cream.