Ultimate
Dr. Priya Punjabi Ayurvedic Consultant
B.A.M.S.
Ayurvedic word to Gout is Vata rakta means Vayu and blood deformity. Main site of Vayu is Bones and joints where systems blood impurities are attacked.
According to modern medicine, and ayurvedic studies, gout is a form of arthritis caused by a defect in body chemical changes. It begins with a build up of toxins/ama in the form of uric acid/ urates in the joints as a result of improper digestion, incompatible food and a weakened colon.
The symptoms:
Severe pain in muscle joints, Fever, stress, Inability to bend fingers, red and swollen toes or other small joints, Inflammation of joint tissues.
If neglected possible Complications of gout:
Rheumatoid Arthritis and/or Osteoarthritis
Disfigured and swollen joints.
Recurrent fever and localised swelling on toes.
Inflammation of the spine (Ankylosing Spondylitis) that causes the joints of the spine to grow together
Fibromyalgia (Wide spread pain of muscles and attachments to the bones that occurs most often in women)
Lupus (inflammation and damage of joints and connective tissues throughout the body)
Scleroderma (disease of the connective tissue that causes thickness of skin)
Treatment:
In Ayurveda treatment of any disease should not be a generalized one. It varies from patient to patient and depends upon the individual’s physical and psychological constitution. However, a number of single and compound formulations are used for pain removal and other disturbing features of the disease.
Bowel movements and Gout:
If the body is not eliminating efficiently, it will obviously retain waste. The body protects its most vital organs and so it dumps its waste at points that are not as important, depositing uric acid in the joints. In general terms, if you can improve elimination through the bowel, it will help the other organs of elimination.
Change of diet:
Along with choosing what to eat, it is important to remember also how to eat. When it is time to eat one should make sure to eat 4-5 smaller meals in a day rather than 2-3 larger meals in a day. This will help the body digest more foods more thoroughly, and the body will take in more of the necessary nutrients.
You are likely to be recommended to concentrate on alkaline foods to counter excess uric acid production; suitable foods include vegetables, brown rice, pulses, millet, and lots of water. “Cherries are very good for gout”, says one nutritionist. “As are aloe vera and the essential fatty acids”.
In general dietary terms, avoid any acidic foods, fat, “cooling” foods, meat and meat products, and eat plenty of fish, vegetables, and fruit.
Diet
Any food item that aids in uric acid production should be avoided.
Avoid:
Yeast
Legumes (dried beans, peas)
Beer, other alcoholic beverages
liver, kidneys
Meat extracts
Decrease in the intake of white breads and other processed foods.
Butter or margarine, Milk and high protein diet will be avoided.
Any other sour articles of food, heavy food articles and fried things are prohibited.
Freshly harvested rice and wheat should not be given to the patient.
Foods to avoid include spinach and rhubarb, and you should cut out altogether red meat, alcohol, tea, coffee, and dairy products, all of which are acidic.
Recommended foods, which may be beneficial to people with gout:
Dark berries, on account of their specific action to lower uric acid and reduce inflammation
Tofu as an alternative to meats
Certain fatty acids found in Certain fish such as salmon, and flax, olive oil or nuts may as well be beneficial on account of presence of certain fatty having anti-inflammatory benefits
Should drink 8-10 glasses of water a day
Replace meats with plant sources for protein intake, and to drink a milk made from plants rather than animals, such as rice or soy milk.
Increase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and uncooked nuts and berries.
Old rice, wheat, moong dal, garlic, onion, bitter gourd, papaya and green banana can be taken by the patient. High fibre diet is the best diet for this disease.
Exercise, social life and Gout:
A person with gout should be sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. One must do specific yoga and pranayama to balance mind, body soul.
Stretching exercises can loosen up the muscles, and help reduce stress on the body. Also, massaging of the affected joints can help as well. When possible, one should also partake in a moderate aerobic activity to help prevent further attack of gout.
In addition to regular exercise, be sure to strive to live a balanced life. A stress free life includes a time set aside activities such as work, sleep, time with friends and family, hobbies, and prayer.
Home Remedies and Gout:
Ginger: Ginger produces prostoglandins and leukrotrienes. These substances help eliminate pain and inflammation of the muscles. Studies have proven that the use of ginger has worked to relieve arthritic pain, and has done so with no side affects. People have taken ginger for arthritic pain and inflammation for up to two years.
Medicated Oil : These provide relief from pain and strengthens bone and muscular tissues.
Ashwagandha: This medicine will help in reducing muscle inflammation. When the person affected with gout follows the above diet recommendations and partakes in one or more of the ayurvedic remedies, that person is most likely to be cured.
Also, one will be able to fight against the possibility of a future attack.
Ayurveda is a Science of life
Ultimate Ayurveda Ltd
Dr. Priya Punjabi
779 New North Road
Mt Albert
Phone: (09) 829 2045 or (09) 846 3070
(Detox and rejuvenation centre:
