Gout is a painful auto immune, inflammatory condition which affects the joints. Clinically, presence of uric acid crystals in joints causes inflammation of the joints.

During metabolism, uric acid and its components are formed. In gout, due to higher levels

of uric acid in the blood it leads to the formation of microscopic crystals which is stored in the joints. This process slowly leads to inflammation of joints which again leads to pain, fever and stiffness.

Causes for increased uric acid level in the blood and gout

a. Heredity
b. Obesity
c. Sedentary lifestyle and a lack of walking
d. Lack of proper exercises
e. Consumption of fatty foods and animal protein
f. Eating foods that cause burning during digestion
g. Consumption of incompatible foods
h. Not having sufficient sleep
i. Exposure to cold weather
j. High alcohol intake
k. High intake of food like liver, kidneys, sweetbreads ,tongue, red meat, Shellfish, fish peas, lentils and beans. These foods contain purines.


l. A few drugs used to treat high blood pressure.

m. Some of the conditions that can lead to the disorder are
1. Surgery or injury
2. Stress
3. Reaction to alcohol and drugs including prescription medicines.
4. kidney disorders
5. Enzyme deficiencies
6. Lead poisoning
7. Psoriasis
8. Anaemia
9. A condition known as pseudo gout or false gout is similar to gout but less painful and is caused by calcium crystals in the joints. It generally afflicts people age 60 and up.

Signs and symptoms

The characteristic feature of this disease is the involvement of the big toe in the beginning which becomes acutely painful and swollen. Gradually, other joints are involved and the patient experiences difficulty in walking and sometimes even moving.

Symptoms include

a. Inflammation
b. Swelling
c. Tenderness in the affected joint
d. Touching or moving the joint is extremely painful
e. Unbearable pain (as if cutting the joint)
f. Burning sensation

Ayurveda tips to prevent gout

1. Consume wheat, green gram, raisins, ginger and milk
2. Avoid horse raiding, or other sports which involves lot of joint movements.
3. Avoid afternoon sleep, roaming in hot sun,
4. Do not consume alcohol, fish, urad dhal, horse gram, curds, radish

Source: sify.com

BDST: 1708 HRS, JUNE 29, 2015
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor