Gout Attack- Turn to Ayurveda
What is Gout?
A gout is a form of Arthritis, an uncomfortable and painful condition that occurs due to increased uric acid in your blood. But unlike Arthritis which builds up with a slow nagging pain, the onset of gout can be sudden. It’s caused when there is an excess of harmful uric acid crystals accumulating in the bloodstream or build up in the joints usually affecting the large joint of the big toe. The other joints which can get affected are other joints in the feet, ankles, knees, elbow, wrist, fingers etc. Due to this condition, it triggers and flares up other symptoms like swelling of the affected area, tenderness, warmth and redness, stiffness etc
Causes of Gout
During the metabolic process, uric acid is formed as a normal by-product made up of salts and urates and excreted through urine. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines — substances that are found naturally in your body. As mentioned it is a painful condition and the affected joints experience extreme pain. There are different types and causes for gout. Let’s see a few of them:
- Primary gout: Sometimes they are caused without any specific reason; it is known as primary gout.
- Medical conditions: Sometimes it is caused due to some health factors or medical conditions. These include untreated high blood pressure and chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart and kidney diseases.
- Diet: Eating a diet rich in red meat and shellfish and drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) increase levels of uric acid, which increase your risk of gout.
- Hereditary: Gout can be hereditary. If other members of your family have had gout, you’re more likely to develop the disease.
- Excessive use of Alcohol: Alcohol consumption, especially beer, also increases the risk of gout.
- Obesity: If you’re overweight, your body produces more uric acid and your kidneys have a more difficult time eliminating uric acid.
- An injury in the joints: An injury or surgery can also flare up a gout attack.
Symptoms:
A typical gout flare is almost sudden and often at night. The pain becomes progressively worse and is often excruciating, particularly when the joint is moved or touched. The common symptoms include:
- Intense joint pain: Gout usually affects the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins. It can affect any joint like the wrist, finger, toe, ankle etc.
- Discomfort and lingering nagging pain: It is observed that even after the most severe pain subsides, some joints may still have discomfort and pain that may last from a few days to a few weeks. Later attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints.
- Inflammation and redness: The joint becomes inflamed—it swells and feels warm, and the skin over the joint may appear red or purplish, tight, swollen, tender and shiny.
- Movement is restricted: As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally and movements can be restricted.
How can Ayurveda help in Gout?
Fortunately, Ayurveda comes here as a big relief to treat gout. Ayurvedic medicine originated in ancient India, has developed over thousands of years, and is one of the oldest systems of healing. There are a number of holistic, authentic treatments to treat gout. Ayurveda believes that high levels of uric acid is a result of ‘Vata dosha.’ and when we balance these doshas through remedies that will help, we get relief from the pain. Let’s find out some natural & Ayurvedic remedies to help you manage gout and the related pains in other affected areas effectively:
Neem
Neem is Mother Nature’s blessing and treats various ailments. With its anti-inflammatory properties, Neem can help you get relief from the pain of a gout attack. Apply neem paste on the affected areas, swollen joints to lessen the pain and reduce swelling.
Triphala
The herbs in Triphala have anti-inflammatory properties. It is a remedy prescribed for gout.
Giloy
Giloy juice extracted from its stem daily not only treats inflammation of the joints but also brings down the levels of uric acid.
Turmeric
Call it a wonder spice. Curcumin present is an active ingredient in turmeric that possesses extensive healing benefits. Applying turmeric paste on the swollen joints can reduce inflammation, which you can add to your daily cooking as well to stabilize the levels of uric acid.
Ginger
Ginger is well-known for providing long-lasting relief from inflammatory conditions such as gout. Apply ginger paste on affected joints and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
Cherry
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) found that cherry intake was associated with a 35% lower risk of gout flare-ups over a 48-hour period.
Bitter gourd (Karela):
Bitter gourd is a powerhouse of iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C. It is normally recommended for any ailments affecting the Vata dosha because it is known for its hypoglycemic effect. A glass of bitter gourd juice can bring down the levels of uric acid naturally.
Cinnamon with honey:
Having one teaspoon of fine cinnamon powder with honey twice daily before food for 3-4 months can help you get relief from joint pain.
Simple and quick tips to treat Gout:
We all know that during a gout attack, the affected joint becomes swollen, warm to the touch, and appears very red. Even the slightest pressure on the joint can be very painful. Let’s see some quick tips to treat that can help us before the gout attack flares in.
- Stay hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water is important for improving kidney function. Maintaining good kidney health can, in turn, lower the risks of gout and gout attacks by reducing the build-up of uric acid crystals. Drinking water can help flush the uric acid crystals that cause gout out of your system.
- Regular exercise:
According to the Arthritis Foundation, being active, regular exercise, simple meditation, yoga, breathing and mindfulness can help you deal with the pain.
- Diet:
Changing your diet should be the first step to managing gout. This includes avoiding alcohol, especially beer, and integrating foods into your diet which form low amounts of oxalate and uric acid in the bloodstream. Add in moderation bananas, cinnamon, melon, green beans, low-fat yoghurt, ginger, rice and pasta in your regular routine.
- Epsom salt bath:
Epsom salt baths are highly recommended for people suffering from gout. Epsom salts can lower the risks of gout as they are rich in magnesium. Add Epsom salt in your bath and soak the affected joint areas to get relief.
- Apply Ice:
If your pain isn’t too bad, try cold packs or compresses on the joint to lower inflammation and soothe the ache. Applying ice on the affected part can give some relief.
Aryan Herbals Formulations:
Ayurvedic herbs and dietary modifications can help to correct dosha imbalances and the buildup of ama in the body, which are linked to high uric acid levels and gout. With an early diagnosis of gout, timely treatment enables most people to live a normal life. Aryan Herbals have come up with a range of herbal juice and powder that can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and other conditions. Let’s look at a few of them.
It is believed to help achieve a balanced digestive system and promote overall well being.
Turmeric plays a prominent role in herbal medicines. With more than 300 antioxidants and other nutrients in turmeric, it offers many health benefits and is believed to have a positive influence on the immune system and in flushing out toxins.
Nimbi din compound derived from the Neem tree is believed to contain anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties that may help treat arthritis and other related problems. It’s believed to encourage the development of a healthy immune system.
In Ayurveda, Giloy / Guduchi is believed to be antipyretic in nature and is believed to help build resistance. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, it is believed that it may help treat arthritis and other related problems.
Though bitter in taste, bitter gourd is believed to have a host of medicinal properties including helping with balancing and regulating blood sugar levels and promote digestion as well.
The combination of neem and Giloy together is the unique juice that acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is also believed to help in purifying blood and proper functioning of the liver and help promote a healthy immune system.
With its antibiotic properties, it is often used as a therapeutic essential oil for aromatherapy, for relaxing massage, skin treatments, Aroma Diffusers, Muscle & Joints pains as well.
Bottom line:
Gout flare-ups can be painful and exhausting. Treatments, including home remedies, can reduce symptoms and help prevent future flare-ups. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can also help a person manage their condition. Ayurvedic herbs and dietary modifications can help to correct dosha imbalances in the body, which are linked to high uric acid levels and gout. Gout symptoms may come and go, but there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent flares. Let not the pain from gout isolate you from the real world.
Also read: 5 Surprising Herbs for Natural Pain Relief
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