Ayurvedic View, Management and Treatment for Gout

Gout – ‘’Vata-Rakta’’

Gout is an inflammatory response to the MSUM (Mono- Sodium Urate Monohydrate) crystals formed secondary to Hyperuricaemia.

[Note- Monosodium Urate (MSU) Monohydrate (NaC5H3N4O3·H2O), in which a Urate Molecule (Uric Acid) is bonded to one Sodium and one water molecule is one of the most common forms of crystallized urate and comprises the primary deposits seen in Gouty Arthritis]

-The Uric acid is a waste product created during the normal breakdown of Purines (A type of chemical compound found in foods and drinks that are part of a normal diet), naturally occurring substances found in foods such as Liver, Mushrooms, Anchovies, Mackerel and Dried Beans. Uric acid is normally cleaned out of the blood by the kidneys, and passes out of the body along with urine.

- Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is very painful. It usually affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint). There are times when symptoms get worse, known as ‘Flares’, and times when there are no symptoms, known as ‘Remission’. Repeated bouts of gout can lead to Gouty Arthritis, a worsening form of Arthritis.

-In Gout, the basic cause is the elevated level of Uric Crystal in the bloodstream, uric acid become Crystallised and these crystals started to deposited in Joints, Tendons and surrounding tissues. Gout can affect anyone; Often Men are more likely get Gout but Women also, become susceptible to gout after menopause.

Etiology of Gout….

Like we said above, Gout is caused by a condition known as Hyperuricemia, where there is too much uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down Purines, which are found in your body and the foods you eat. When there is too much uric acid in the body, Uric Acid Crystals (Monosodium Urate) can build up in Joints, Fluids, and Tissues within the body.

[Note –Hyperuricemia does not always cause Gout, and Hyperuricemia without Gout symptoms, does not need to be treated]

-There is a certain factor which makes it more likely that you will develop Hyperuricemia may lead to Gout-

- Male.

- Obesity

- Having certain health conditions, including:

- Congestive heart failure.

- Hypertension (high blood pressure).

- Insulin resistance.

- Metabolic syndrome.

- Diabetes.

- Poor kidney function.

- Using certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills).

- Drinking alcohol. The risk of gout is greater as alcohol intake goes up.

- Eating or drinking food and drinks high in fructose (a type of sugar).

- Having a diet high in purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid.

Sign & Symptom’s ......

• Fever
• Swelling
• Pricking Pain
• Itching
• Burning Sensation
• Swollen Joint
• Change of Colour of the skin
• Pain and redness in the small joints of the body

Ayurvedic Concept with Management

In Ayurveda literature, Gout is known as ‘Vatarakta’, as the main ‘Dosha’ involved is ‘Vata’ and it affects ‘Rakta Dhatu’.

- ‘Vata’ is one of the three Bio-Regulating Principles of the body i.e ‘Vata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’

- ‘Rakta Dhatu’ is related to the Blood stream in the body.

-According to Ayurveda, the ‘Vata Dosha’ vitiation (impairment) of and ‘Rakta Dhatu’ is caused by increased intake of Spicy, Sour, Salty, Alkaline, Heavy and Penetrating Foods. The impaired ‘Doshas’ travel through the channels of the body and get accumulated at the smaller joints causing damage to the Tissues and Bones of the Joint resulting in ‘Vatarakta’.

- As per Ayurveda, ‘Vatarakta’ is classified into two categories as per location-

- ‘Uttana’ (Superficial) – Located in Skin and Muscles.

- ‘Gambhira’ (Deep) - Located in the deeper Dhatus(Tissue) and more severe in nature. Nodule formation occurs.

-Ayurveda further added Excessive anger, waking up late in the night, sleeping in the daytime, excessive traveling, trauma, overindulgence in physical exercises, excessive sexual activity and suppressing the natural urges of the body can also lead to Gout.

-At Ayur-Healthcare - Ayurveda in Sydney, Our Ayurvedic treatments emphasize Herbal preparations, Diet Plan and Routines activities that help to cleanse the blood.

- Treatment includes at Ayur Healthcare as follows-

- ‘Shodhana Chikitsa’ – Strong detoxification Panchakarma detox in Sydney procedures should be done. ‘Vamana’(Emesis), Virechana(Purgation Therapy), Rakta Mokshana(Blood Letting Therapy, in Very Severe case, For quicker and long-lasting relief) using Leeches are recommended.

- ‘Shamana Chikitsa’ – done through Oral Medications and External Applications.

- ‘Pathya’ (Diet) – Healthy diet habits & life style are equally important in maintaining joint health.

-At Ayur Healthcare, we provide very effective treatment for ‘Vatarakta’. Our doctors advise Diet Plan and Lifestyle advice, which is as follows-

- Avoid a high-protein diet and excessive salt.

- Avoid all sour, pungent, fried foods, Red Meat, Alcohol, and Tobacco.

- Take light and easily digestible food like steamed or boiled vegetables or vegetable broth.

- Use whole grain bread, cereals and increase intake of seasonal fruits (except banana).

- Increase the use of garlic, ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon.

- Avoid dairy products, especially yogurt.

- Do light and gentle exercises.

- Massage the joints gently with lukewarm sesame oil for 20-30 minutes.

- Avoid damp and cold places and keep the body warm.

- Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to cleanse toxins from the body.