For Those Who Don’t Drink Alcohol
Some people are able to manage gout through diet alone because they don’t drink alcohol to begin with. However, there are also many people who still develop gout simply due to their body’s natural tendency to produce high uric acid. I personally know people who rarely drink yet still struggle with gout.
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, preventing flare-ups is absolutely crucial. If you never want to experience that pain again, lifestyle adjustments in addition to medication may be helpful. The effectiveness will vary from person to person, but below is a list of things that I personally incorporate into my routine to support gout management—alongside my regular prescribed medications.
Vinegar Onion
Onions are believed to support circulation, and vinegar may help reduce uric acid levels. This combination has even been featured on Japanese health programs, and I used to eat it regularly when I first developed gout.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion
- Black vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons honey
How to Make
- Peel and thinly slice the onion. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Place the onion in a container and pour in enough vinegar to cover it. Add honey. Store in the refrigerator.
It’s ready to eat the next day. You can enjoy it like a salad or as a side dish with meat. It’s not the most exciting flavor every day, but if you think of it as part of your routine, it’s manageable.
Vinegar Ginger
There’s no direct claim that ginger cures gout, but both ginger and vinegar are known for supporting blood health, metabolism, and general wellness. For anyone managing uric acid levels, it’s an easy addition to try.
How to Make
- Peel and finely slice or mince ginger (you can leave the skin on if preferred).
- For every 100g of ginger, add 100 ml of black vinegar and 20 ml of honey. Store in the refrigerator.
You can eat it the next day. It works as a dressing, but my recommendation is to eat it with fried foods like pork cutlets or fried chicken—it pairs surprisingly well!
Black Vinegar Miso Soup
This is something I personally do on a regular basis because it’s simple and warming.
How to Make
- Add about 5–10 ml of black vinegar to 160 ml of miso soup.
It gives the soup a slightly sour flavor, similar to hot and sour soup.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is highly recommended if you’re managing gout. You don’t have to push yourself hard—gentle exercise that raises your heart rate slightly is enough. Even walking or light jogging can make a difference. If you continue for two months, you will likely begin to feel changes in your body. Exercise is beneficial not only for uric acid control but also for weight, mood, and overall metabolic health.
These ideas are not medical treatments, but lifestyle habits that I personally found helpful while managing gout. If you’re already taking your prescribed medication and want to explore additional ways to support your health, you may find some of these worth trying.