Uric acid can be defined as a product of no use that is produced by the body. It is mainly created when the body breaks down a substance, called purine. It (purine) is mainly found in the food you consume and drinks you intake.
Normal functioning involves the elimination of this waste product i.e. Uric acid through kidneys in the form of urine. But if uric acid is not eliminated from the system, it starts to accumulate inside and harm the body in several ways possible such as Gout, Kidney stones, bloody urine, joint pain, etc.
Ayurvedic management of high uric acid involves adopting certain simple dietary precautions and lifestyle changes along with herbal medications to keep uric acid under control and possible complications arising out of it, miles away.
Uric acid & Gout
Often people consider both uric acid and gout the same condition. But in reality, these 2 conditions are interlinked but not the same. Uric acid simply means a waste product prepared via the breakdown of purines. It is of no harm if dissolved in the blood or eliminated throughout the body.
But gout is a serious health condition where the amount of uric acid starts to increase significantly in the blood and harms joint health. The uric acid crystals start to pile in the joint fluid (tophi) which eventually results in joint pain, swelling, and redness.
Choosing Ayurveda for uric acid can be highly helpful as it cures the root cause of aggravated uric acid and reduces the risk of gout development.
Causes/Triggers
There could be multiple factors responsible for high uric acid in the body such as:
- Purine-rich diet:Foods such as red meat, seafood, bakery products, spinach, cauliflower, mushrooms, asparagus, etc contain huge amounts of purine. Excessive consumption of these products can increase uric acid levels in the body.
- Dehydration: When the body lacks water content, it becomes difficult for the kidneys to filter uric acid from the blood. Such kidney incapability mainly arises because there is not enough water available to dilute the uric acid.
- Existing kidney conditions:If an individual is already experiencing some kind of kidney problem such as kidney stones, or failure, or has undergone any kidney-related surgery, then there is a high possibility of them having uric acid.
- Alcohol intake:Alcohol and all other similar beverages such as wine, beer, and even carbonated cold drinks are loaded with a very high amount of purines. Drinking them in excess can highly contribute to uric acid.
- Adverse medication effects:Certain medications such as beta-blockers, diuretics, and medicines taken for high blood pressure or heart conditions may result in hyperuricemia. These medications when taken for prolonged periods increase uric acid production, reduce its secretion, and increase the reabsorption, thus making the condition much worse.
How does it affect your routine?
The normal range of uric acid in men is 2.5 to 7 mg/dL, and in women, uric acid between 1.5 to 6 mg/dL is considered normal. But if for some reason, the amount of uric acid increases these levels, then it becomes a matter of concern. Below are some major complications that can possibly arise from high uric acid which can adversely affect your routine life:
- You may experience frequent joint pain, redness, and swelling.
- You may have a big and sore toe.
- You may struggle to while walking or climbing stairs.
- Nodules can arise when the condition is highly intense.
- You may experience the problem of gout.
- The possibility of kidney stones and kidney failure highly arises.
- An overactive thyroid is also possible.
- Increases the risk of problems like erectile dysfunction and osteoarthritis.
Home remedies for uric acid
Uric acid or gout Ayurvedic treatment emphasizes the adoption of certain home remedies through which uric acid is controlled naturally and the risk of further complications is reduced.
Below are some of the major home remedies for uric acid shared by the experts at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda, a hospital from where countless patients obtain relief regularly.
- Fenugreek:Fenugreek is a wonderful choice in order to get control over aggravated uric acid in a natural way. Being loaded with healthy antioxidants, and anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory features, the consumption of these seeds will help immensely for the treatment of all types of joint problems.
- Cherries: These tiny delights- cherries have also shown effective results for the management of uric acid and gouty arthritis. Besides this, the consumption of cherries is also helpful for improving the functioning of the kidneys.
- Ginger: Ginger is a crucial component for the uric acid treatment in Ayurveda. The anti-gout nature of ginger helps a lot in reducing problems such as joint pain, swelling, redness, and stiffness.
Patients can simply chew 1-2 raw cloves of ginger orally. Else, they can be added to the routine meals or their herbal teas could be made.
- Lemonwater: Lemon contains citric acid which helps to lower uric acid levels. Furthermore, lemon is also alkaline in nature and a good source of Vitamin-c, thus becoming a wonderful option for patients with gout.
- Coffee: The studies have found an inverse relation between coffee consumption and high uric acid levels. When taken in normal quantity, it slows down the breakdown of purines into uric acid and further speeds up the rate of excretion.
- Neem: Neem is one of those powerful herbs that are used for the treatment of countless skin, joint, and digestive health problems. The anti-bacterial nature and detoxifying properties of neem purify the blood and support the smooth elimination of waste products.
One can even apply neem pastes to the affected areas in order to attain relief from joint pain, redness, rashes, and swelling.
- Apple cider vinegar: The use of apple cider vinegar can also help to reduce uric acid levels as its consumption alkalizes the body. Just simply mix 1 spoon of unfiltered ACV into a glass of water and drink it daily.
- Whole grains:Increase the intake of whole grains, especially those that have a high level of fiber content. Brown rice, pasta, quinoa, and cereals are some good options here as they are gout-friendly. However, oats, wheat germ, and bran should be avoided as they are high in purines.
- Vitamin-C diet: Experts highly advise patients to add more and more vitamin-C-rich foods to their diet. Because the consumption of vitamin-c enriched products helps to reduce serum uric acid levels to a significant extent.
Cherries, bananas, broccoli, grapefruit, kiwifruit, peppers, oranges, amla, guava, and strawberries are some great options here. Try adding them to your routine meals in order to attain uric acid and cholesterol normal range.
- Water: Lastly, make sure to drink more water in order to support your kidney functioning. If you are hydrated, then your kidneys will work properly, and eventually, all the waste materials (uric acid) will be eliminated from your body.
Avail the best treatment
Those who are looking for the most effective treatment for uric acid or gout can visit Dr. Sharda Ayurveda. Patients at a large scale worldwide attained relief after their Ayurvedic treatment from this hospital.
The Vaidyas (Ayurvedic experts) through their vast knowledge and experience had successfully treated more than 10 lakh patients all over the globe. Besides, just the medicines alone, personalized dietary charts and lifestyle precautions are also given to each patient that further add race to their healing journey from both acute and chronic health problems.
Takeaway
Progressing from mild joint pain and swelling, high uric acid can possibly result in gout, kidney stones, permanent kidney failure, or severe joint damage. To avoid all such complications, make sure to opt for a timely and effective treatment option, which eventually calls for choosing Ayurveda.