High levels of uric acid or gout encompasses a group of joint or musculo-skeletal disorders that result from the deposition of crystals in the joint and tissues and hyperuricemia due to the over-production or under excretion of uric acid with interstitial deposition of urate crystals in renal parenchyma and urolithiasis. Only when you control your uric acid levels you can minimize the associated problem of gout. Gout is rare in children and in pre-menopausal females. The peak age of onset of the condition is in between 40-50 years.
High uric acid is not a disease or a condition that not necessarily needs to be treated in the absence of other symptoms. But if an individual has an attack of gout or have a certain type of kidney stone, then a doctor may check for high levels of uric acid.
The health of an individual solely depends on his/her diet as well as lifestyle. Because of rapid industrialization, consumption of processed food prepared in industries, there is an impairment in the digestion and metabolism of protein structure leading to various kinds of life threatening problems. Among these, high uric acid or Vatarakta is a common presentation which is characterized by severe pain, tenderness, burning sensation and inflammation of the affected joints.
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What are the causes of High Uric Acid?
According to Ayurveda, Vatarakta is a disease of raktvaha srotas which includes vitiated Vata and blood. Purine is an important by-product of incomplete protein metabolism, leading to the excess production of uric acid through their metabolic pathways. Reduced renal clearance of uric acid and urate increases their level of circulation. These crystals get deposited in the joint space, triggering as an inflammatory response. This response causes a crippling disease known as Gouty Arthritis.
Other causes are:
- Overweight
- Diabetes
- Taking certain diuretics
- Drinking too much alcohol
Factors that may cause a high uric acid level in the blood include:
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Psoriasis
- Obesity
- Immune-suppressing drugs
- Intake of purine rich diet such as non-vegetarian food, mushrooms, peas etc.
- Renal insufficiency that is the inability of the kidneys to filter waste
- A rapid release of cells into the blood caused by cancers or by chemotherapy.
What are the symptoms of high uric acid?
Symptoms of acute gout
Symptoms of acute or sudden are seen in the joint of great toe. It is the site of first acute gout in majority of the cases. It can also affect ankle, knee, small joints of feet etc. Sometimes, the onset is very sudden, waking up the patient from sleep. The affected joint looks red, hot, severe pain and swollen with prominent veins.
It may happen repeatedly due to sudden rise in serum urate by the intake of alcohol, diuretic drugs etc.
Symptoms of chronic gout
Recurrent gout attacks lead to chronic gout. There are several joint deformities in the cases of chronic gout. It leads to the erosion of cartilage and bones.
Reduce uric acid naturally by Home Remedies
1. Garlic
Take 1-2 freshly peeled garlic and swallow them with water early morning on an empty stomach.
2. Turmeric powder
Mix equal quantities of turmeric powder, dried ginger powder and fenugreek seeds powder. Take 1 teaspoon of this powder with water twice a day regularly.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties. Its acidic nature helps in reducing pain due to high uric acid. Take 1 glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to relieve pain caused due to gouty arthritis.
4. Hareetaki (Terminalia chebula)
Hareetaki is used as an ingredient in many gout ayurvedic medicines. It has reno-protective activity. Hareetaki fried in ghee should be consumed with milk.
5. Rose petals
Take 10 rose petals and boil them in 4 tablespoons of vinegar until it turns into an ointment. Apply this on the affected part. It helps in relieving pain as well as inflammation.
6. Water
Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated as well as to remove excess acid from the body.
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that helps in neutralizing excess uric acid levels in individuals suffering from high uric acid. drink lemon juice daily mixed with half lemon and water to get relief from pain and swelling.
8. Ginger
Ginger is considered as an anti-inflammatory agent. It helps in reducing swelling and irritation due to high uric acid. Take 1 glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of ginger.
7. Cherries
Cherries have anti-inflammatory properties. Eat 15-20 cherries regularly or drink a glass of cherry juice to reduce inflammation due to high uric acid.
8. Grapes
Grapes are alkaline in nature therefore grapes are useful in neutralising the excess acid. Eat grapes regularly to get rid of high uric acid.
9. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
Take 25 grams coarse powder of guduchi (giloy) and 400 ml water. Mix guduchi powder into water and keep it on the fire. Heat it in a mild fire and stir continuously. Boil it slowly till the water reduces to 100 ml. Filter this water and drink it. Take 30-40 ml of this water once or twice a day before food. Since guduchi is a potent immune-modulator as well as an anti-inflammatory herb. It relieves pain as well as inflammation.
Diet and Lifestyle
Diet plays a significant role in the effective treatment and prevention of gout. A proper diet allows a longer remission of symptoms and keeps the blood uric acid under control.
Spare a thought on your food habits as this affects your health. Eat foods that are freshly prepared as well as rich in nutrients.
- Avoid high protein diet as well as excessive salt.
- Use wholegrain cereals and increase the intake of seasonal fruits.
- Avoid dairy products especially yogurt.
- Massage the joints gently with lukewarm sesame oil for 20-30 minutes before taking bath.
- Avoid all sour, pungent, fried foods, red meat, alcohol and tobacco.
- Increase the use of garlic, ginger, cumin, fennel, cinnamon and cardamom in the diet.
- Avoid rice, bitter gourd, ash gourd, elephant foot, day sleep, exposure to sunlight, black gram, radish, alcohol, curd, sugarcane.
