Managing Gout with Ayurveda
Gout is a form of arthritis which effects upwards of 70,000 Australians per year. Unlike other varieties of arthritis, which usually develop slowly, onset of gout may be sudden and is caused by an excess of harmful uric acid accumulating in the bloodstream. This uric acid makes its way into the joints, crystallising under the skin and inflaming them. While the big toe is the most frequently effected joint, all the joints in the body are at risk of developing the condition, as with other forms of arthritis. Thus, the wrist, knee, heel, ankle, spine and fingers could all be effected by gout. Fortunately, at Ayurvedic Wellness Centre, there are a number of holistic, authentic treatments we are able to suggest in order to treat gout. In this article, we will discuss the causes of gout as well as detailing Ayurveda’s role in managing it.
Causes
Usually, gout is hereditary, caused by having kidneys which excrete a lower amount of uric acid than what is normal. In some cases, the excessive consumption of diuretics may also lead to the contraction of gout. Once the condition has been developed, there are some factors which will aggravate and inflame the effected joint(s). These may include:
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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Obesity, being overweight and type 2 diabetes
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Kidney disease
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Joint injury
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Fasting
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Surgery
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Trauma
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Being dehydrated.
What can Ayurveda do?
Ayurveda places an emphasis on taking an organic approach in the treatment of disease. As such, changing your diet should be the first step to managing gout, or Vatarakta, as it is called in Ayurvedic texts. Some changes you could consider making to your diet include avoiding alcohol, especially beer, and integrating foods into your diet which form low amounts of oxolate and uric acid in the bloodstream. For this reason, bananas, cinnamon, melon, green beans, low-fat yoghurt, ginger, rice and pasta would all, in moderation, be welcome additions to your daily routine.
Ayurveda also believes that Gout is caused by a vitiation of the vata dosha, so it is important to limit your  participation in activities which aggravate vata. Therefore, avoid staying up late, exposing yourself to cold and dry weather, eating too many bitter or astringent foods, having irregular routines and partaking in excessive mental work. Ayurvedic doctors can also prescribe herbal remedies specific to your unique body type, which will help to reduce the symptoms and pain of gout. As Ayurveda is customised to each individual’s nuanced body type, however, booking a consultation with one of our practitioners is essential. In this way, you’ll be able to find out the most effective prescription for your specific needs. In addition, our consultants are be able to advise you of the most effective massage therapy with respect to both your body type and the area of your body effected by gout.
For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us on (02) 9389 2581.
