Gout (Vatrakta)

What is Gout?

Gout is sudden, severe onset of burning feet, redness in the joint (and often the joint is base) of the big toe. An attack of gout can occur suddenly at midnight while waking up. These attacks can happen over unless it’s get treated, gout can harm joints, tendons and other tissues. Gout is frequently involved lower extremities joints and classic location to occur is base of the big toe. It can also affect the foot, knee, ankle, wrist, hands, and nearly any joints. When the disease is severe multiple joints may be affected. This causes pain and joint stiffness in multiple joints.

Gout is caused by high quantity of uric acid present in the blood stream and it accumulates in the tissue of the body. Uric acid crystals deposits in the joints causing pain, redness, heat, swelling, etc. Gout is the common type of arthritis that can affect anyone. Gout can occur from combinations of diet, other health problems and genetic factors. It occurs most commonly in those who regularly consumes meat, sea food, alcohol, beer or overweight. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA has formulated specific Ayurvedic treatment protocol for this condition as Gout is indirectly related to our incompatible food combination we ate. IAFA is equipped with all kinds of curative methods for various types of joints pain including Gout.

Uric acid is a waste chemical product produced by final breakdown of purine in the body carried in the blood and excreted by the kidneys through urine. Formation of uric acid in the body is normal and is necessary for food metabolism. Uric acid prevents damage to blood vessel linings. But higher levels of uric acid is harmful for blood vessel linings. Uric acid levels raise because kidneys not working well or uric acid levels are too high to excrete or due to both the conditions.

Another sign of gout is the presence of Tophi. A tophus is a hard-uric acid nodules that deposits under the skin on the elbows, upper ear cartilage, on the surface of other joints. When tophi present then body indicates higher levels of uric acid present in the body. Higher levels of uric acid in the blood stream typically has been high for years. Longstanding untreated gout can lead to joint damage and physical deformities. Kidney stone may be sign of gout, uric acid crystals can deposit in the kidney and can cause kidney stones.

Physical fitness, healthy weight, low fat dairy products, lesser extent coffee, intake of vitamin c decreases risk of gout. Peanuts, brown bread, fruits also appear protective. Both lifestyle changes and medications can decrease uric acid and also with reducing intake purine rich foods animal meat, seafood, alcohol, fructose, losing weight.