Gout is a painful metabolic disease resulting in inflammation and the deposition of uric acid in the cartilage of the joints. Gout first affects the big toe, causing it to swell and become very painful. In the next stages, it spreads to the ankles, knees, joints of hands and feet, the wrist and elbow.
When the human body breaks down the chemicals called purines, it produces uric acid. Purines are found naturally in our bodies as well as in food. Normally this acid gets dissolved and excreted in the urine. However, if the body creates excess uric acid or fails to excrete enough of it, uric acid will begin to build up in body tissues. This build-up results in the formation of sharp, needle-like crystals. When they get accumulated in the joints or surrounding tissues, they then cause pain, inflammation and swelling.
Ayurvedic herbal home remedies for uric acid can give you a little relief, but for long-term relief, it is important to get treatment for the underlying root cause.
Acute Gout: This sudden and acute type of gout usually occurs at night with excruciating pain in a single joint. This kind of pain generally lasts for some hours or days and can be effectively treated with ayurvedic therapies.
Chronic Gout: This refers to the condition where the uric acid remains high for prolonged periods of time and is associated with the frequent occurrence of gout. Eventually, it leads the joints into gradual joint deformation and impairment.
Tophaceous Gout: This is the advanced form of gout, where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, forming lumps called tophi, which further leads to chronic joint pain and stiffness.
Pseudogout: Although similar to gout, pseudogout is caused by the formation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals rather than uric acid. Symptoms are similar but treatment varies.
Typically affects the big toe but can occur in other joints like ankles, knees, elbows, or wrists.
The affected joint may swell, become red, and feel warm to the touch.
Due to pain and inflammation, movement in the affected joint becomes restricted.
In some cases, people may experience mild fever along with joint pain.
After an acute gout attack, mild joint discomfort may persist for days or weeks.
The reason behind gout is said to be due to the overproduction of uric acid in one’s blood. Normally, the kidneys process and eliminate uric acid. However, when they fail to do so, or the body produces too much uric acid, it crystallises and deposits in the joints.
In Ayurveda, gout is closely associated with Vata dosha aggravation and an imbalance in Kapha, along with the accumulation of Ama (toxins). When these factors combine, they prevent the body’s normal metabolic processes from taking place, bringing about the failure to metabolise purines properly, which results in an increase in the level of uric acid in the body. This leads to the formation of crystal-like substances in the joints, causing inflammation and pain.
If gout is not managed properly, it can lead to several risks, which include:
Recurrent Gout: One of the complications of frequent gout attacks is the collateral damage it does to the joints, resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility as well.
Kidney Stones: Radiological examination of such patients revealed that excess uric acid syrups can form muddy crystals in the kidneys, which, as a consequence, bring forth renal calculi.
Joint Damage: Chronic gout results in joint deformities and permanent damage to the joints.
Tophi: Lumps filled with hardened deposits of uric acid crystals may form in soft tissues of the body and can lead to pain and stiffness.
It is important to see a doctor if:
Ayurvedic treatment for gout aims to balance the doshas, eliminate toxins (Ama), and improve metabolic function. The approach includes:
Herbal Remedies: Herbs like Guggul, Giloy and turmeric are administered to soothe inflammations, decrease uric acid concentration and cleanse the body from toxins.
Dietary Changes: A Vata-pacifying diet including more of whole grains and vegetables as well as low-purine foods is encouraged. Hot, sour and oily foods should be avoided.
Panchakarma Therapies: Therapies like Virechana and Basti are carried out in order to cleanse the body and reduce the levels of uric acid in the bloodstream.
Lifestyle Adjustments: It is recommended to maintain a routine (Dinacharya) that incorporates yoga, meditation, and mild exercise to help improve joints’ mobility.
External Therapies: Abhyanga (oil massage) and Swedana (herbal steam therapy) help relieve joint stiffness, pain, and inflammation.
By addressing the root cause of gout and restoring the body’s natural balance, Ayurvedic treatment offers a holistic approach to managing gout and preventing future attacks.
Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Gout accurately.
Understanding your unique physical and psychological pattern allows us to tailor a Gout treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.
Our practitioners investigate the progression of gout by examining dietary habits, lifestyle, and mental health factors. This thorough analysis helps identify specific triggers that need to be addressed for targeted, individualised treatment.
We then, create a detailed Gout treatment plan, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha balance and enhance joint health.
Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised and Ayurvedic Treatment for gout with Jiva's ongoing support.
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Applying a cold compress and elevating the affected joint can provide immediate relief, along with hydration to flush out uric acid.
Yes, a low-purine diet can significantly reduce the risk of gout flare-ups. Avoid red meat, seafood, and alcohol.
Guggul, Giloy, and Turmeric are effective in reducing inflammation and lowering uric acid levels.
If untreated, gout can lead to chronic joint pain and permanent damage, leading to conditions like gouty arthritis.
Genetics can play a role in the development of gout, especially if there is a family history of elevated uric acid levels.
Avoid red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol as they are high in purines, which can exacerbate gout.
Yes, dehydration can increase uric acid concentration in the blood, triggering a gout attack.
Low-impact exercises like swimming and yoga can help maintain joint flexibility and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Ayurveda focuses on balancing doshas and detoxifying the body, addressing the root cause of gout rather than just managing symptoms.
While gout cannot be completely cured, Ayurvedic treatment for gout helps manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and prevent long-term joint damage effectively.