Gout is a common but painful condition that affects many people. It’s an inflammatory response in the body – usually at the joints – which causes intense pain and discomfort. And while there are medications to reduce the symptoms, research suggests that some foods might provide pain relief.

A recent study was published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation with the hopes of finding a naturally occurring compound in food that can be used to reduce pain in gout patients. Many gout sufferers are already taking medications for other conditions such as arthritis. However, this study found the powerful potential of certain food compounds and how they can help patients manage pain without taking additional medication.

In this study, histologic methods were used to measure the swelling and presence of pain in mice. When researchers added the compounds procyanidins into the equation, the levels of inflammation and markers of pain were reduced significantly in the test mice.

The results of this simple study concluded that these powerful procyanidins, which are easily found in grape seeds, can be used to reduce pain associated with gout. They also suggested that the compound can help treat the inflammation that causes pain.

When food consumption can help treat a medical problem, it can reduce the dependence on some medications. However, more studies, including human studies, need to be conducted before they’re implemented into treatment programs. Still, these initial findings are interesting and exciting when it comes to the nutritional treatment of diseases.

When it comes to health concerns and new treatments, be sure to consult with your primary care provider before making any changes to your lifestyle.