Gout or metabolic arthritis is a inflammation in joints caused due to accumulation of uric crystals due to metabolism disorders. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines. Uric acid is found naturally in the body as well as in foods, especially organ meats — such as liver, brains, kidney and sweetbreads, anchovies, herring, asparagus and mushrooms.

Usually, human bloodstream only carries small amounts of uric acid. However, if the concentration of uric acid in blood increases, uric acid crystals may be deposited in the cartilage and tissue surrounding joints, causing inflammatory reactions in these tissues. High levels of uric acid in blood may also cause uric kidney stones.

According to Ayurveda arthritis is primarily a VATA(air) disease which is due to accumulation of toxins in the joints and is known as amavata.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gout are almost always acute, occurring suddenly without warning. They include inflammation or tenderness of joints accompanied with intense joint pain that may effect feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrists, large joint of the big toe. Usually the pain lasts a week or even up to 10 days after which the pain usually disappears.

Gout may be triggered by consumption of alcohol, crash diets, physical injury to the joint, surgery or even illness.Gout usually affects men over 40, and women usually after they reach menopause.

Natural Herbs for Gout

• Shallaki or Boswellia serrata has shown promising results during clinical trials conducted on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, chronic colitis, Crohn’s disease. Boswellia extract was observed to have significant effect on swelling and pain. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis observed reduced morning stiffness for people.Shallaki or Boswellia, is a native Indian herb, being used from centuries by Ayurvedic physicians for treatment of gout and arthritis. Its produces anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects through the inhibition of inflammatory-causing substances, and promotes cartilage formation, and improves joint health by increasing blood supply to the joints.
• Ashwagandha or Withania Somniferum also called the “Indian Gensing” is an Asian plant of the potato family. Its roots have long been used to treat “rheumatism,” high blood pressure, immune dysfunctions, erection problems and also to ease inflammation. Being a strong antioxidant it helps improve joint health by eleminating free radicles from the body and increasing vitality and energy.
• Ginger or Zingiber officinale, has been discovered to inhibit production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in pain and inflammation. As suggested by an uncontrolled Danish study that was conducted in 1992, 40 arthritis patients and 16 patients suffering from muscular discomfort were given powdered ginger. It was observed that all patients with musculoskeletal pain and three-fourths of those with Arthritis reported varying degrees of pain relief and no side effects, Ginger is safe for long term consumption.
• Triphala is a well-known classical Ayurvedic formulation, formulated by Ayurvedic physicians thousands of years ago and used by literally billions of people since, is considered is tridoshic- i.e. equally balancing for Vata, Pitta and Kapha.nTriphala prevents aging, imparts immunity and improves mental faculties. It helps to detoxify the liver, restore digestion and purify blood.

LifeStyle

Gout and Arthritis can be controlled by making improvements to your lifestyle by changing diet and adding exercise. Animal protein being high in uric acid triggers gout and arthritis and must be substituted by vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots, seeds, and sprouts and lentils that are typically part of Vegan diets .

Tips:

• Add fresh garlic to your soup while boiling vegetables and meat.
• Raw potato juice, prepared from thin slices of potato, without peeling the skin, placed overnight in a large glass filled with cold water helps treat arthritis and gout.Consume this juice empty stomach in the morning.

Regular Exercise and physical activity help prevent and control Arthritis and Gout.Yoga asanas help to reduce pain, increases agility and range of movement, reduces fatigue and invigorate. All exercise must be performed under supervision.

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1. My father suffers from gout. He found some relief by taking Ion Detox Foot Spa treatments. He said he especially noticed the difference when he would take a Detox Treatment at the onset of a gout attack the treatment lessened the duration and severity of the attack.

   Comment by Chad — April 16, 2008 #

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