Gout Cases Are Rising – More Patients Are Turning to Ayurveda for Gout Treatment, But Is It the Right Choice?

We have noticed a huge increase in patients coming to us due to gout problems. Some of them initially visit us for other conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, kidney stones, or metabolic syndrome, but later find that they also have a gout problem

By Dr. Keshavan Nambisan, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of UWAY Health

We have noticed a huge increase in patients coming to us due to gout problems. Some of them initially visit us for other conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, kidney stones, or metabolic syndrome, but later find that they also have a gout problem. Some of them turn up to find out if there is any permanent cure for gout. When we looked up some medical data on this in India, we did not find much. However, when we analyzed associated pharmacy data, the findings were insightful,  highlighting a growing demand for gout treatment solutions.

Gout is emerging as a major health issue in India, with the pharmaceutical market for gout therapeutics growing significantly. The India gout therapeutics market was valued at USD 53.5 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8%, reaching USD 91.7 million by 2030. An 8% growth in the pharmaceutical industry is fairly large, indicating a substantial rise in gout cases and the increasing dependency on medication. Given that a large segment of India’s population relies on alternative or traditional treatments rather than conventional medications, this growth is even more significant.

Case Study: Why Mr. Shrin Nazer Chose Ayurveda for Gout Treatment

Mr. Shrin Nazer, a successful entrepreneur, struggled with chronic gout attacks, medication side effects, and a declining quality of life. Despite following conventional treatments, his condition kept worsening. Frustrated with recurring flare-ups, he turned to gout Ayurveda treatment for a holistic solution.

Through a combination of classical Ayurveda medicines and dietary changes, he found significant relief from pain and inflammation. Today, he manages his gout naturally and enjoys a pain-free life.

Understanding Gout: A Common Yet Debilitating Condition

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood, leading to crystal formation in the joints. It often begins with sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness, most commonly in the big toe. Over time, untreated gout can cause joint damage and other health complications.

When Does Gout Typically Manifest?

Gout can occur at any age, but it most commonly starts manifesting between the ages of 30 and 50, with men being more prone to developing it than women. Postmenopausal women also experience a higher risk due to hormonal changes affecting uric acid metabolism.

Conventional Diagnosis and Gout treatment

When Do People Visit a Doctor for Gout?

Many individuals delay seeking medical help until they experience recurring, intense pain or joint stiffness. While some may attribute the pain to general fatigue or minor injuries, gout is a progressive condition that worsens over time.

Diagnostic Tests for Gout

Doctors use the following tests to confirm gout:

  • Serum Uric Acid Test: Measures uric acid levels in the blood.
  • Joint Fluid Test: Extracts fluid from the affected joint to detect uric acid crystals.
  • X-ray and Ultrasound: Helps assess joint damage and inflammation.
  • Dual-Energy CT Scan: Advanced imaging to identify uric acid deposits.

Conventional Medicines Prescribed for Gout

Modern medicine primarily focuses on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. Doctors typically prescribe:

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen.
  • Colchicine to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
  • Corticosteroids like Prednisone for severe cases.
  • Urate-Lowering Medications such as Allopurinol or Febuxostat to reduce uric acid levels.
Conventional Diagnosis and Gout treatment

Dietary Restrictions in Conventional Medicine

  • Avoiding red meat, seafood, alcohol, and sugary drinks, which elevate uric acid levels.
  • Increasing intake of low-fat dairy, vegetables, whole grains, and water to help eliminate excess uric acid.

Why Do Patients Seek Ayurvedic Treatment for Gout?

Despite conventional gout treatment, many patients experience frequent flare-ups, medication side effects, and a lack of long-term solutions. Ayurveda offers an alternative by addressing the root cause of gout and restoring balance within the body.

Can Ayurveda Provide a Permanent Cure for Gout?

Ayurveda does not merely focus on suppressing symptoms; it aims to correct metabolic imbalances and cleanse the body of toxins (Ama) responsible for uric acid buildup. With personalized treatment, dietary modifications, and detox therapies, Ayurveda provides a long-term solution for managing and potentially reversing gout.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Gout

1. Ama Pachana (Eliminating Toxins)

  • Herbs like Triphala, Ginger, Turmeric, and Neem aid in digestion and remove metabolic waste.

2. Shodhana (Purification Therapy)

  • Virechana (Purgation): Expels excess Pitta and reduces inflammation.
  • Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): Detoxifies the blood and reduces pain.

3. Panchakarma Therapy for Gout

  • Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Reduces stiffness and enhances circulation.
  • Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy): Flushes toxins through sweat.
  • Basti (Medicated Enema): Balances Vata and removes metabolic waste.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Gout

Limitations of Ayurveda in Treating Gout

While Ayurveda offers a holistic and natural approach to managing gout, there are certain limitations to be aware of:

  • Time-Intensive Treatment: Ayurvedic treatments take longer to show results compared to allopathic pain relievers.
  • Lack of Immediate Pain Relief: Ayurveda does not provide instant relief from acute gout flare-ups.
  • Variability in Treatment Efficacy: Effectiveness varies based on patient constitution and compliance with lifestyle changes.
  • Limited Clinical Research: More large-scale, peer-reviewed studies are needed to validate Ayurveda’s efficacy.
  • Dependence on Strict Lifestyle Changes: Ayurveda requires strict dietary and lifestyle modifications, which some patients may find difficult to maintain.

Despite these limitations, Ayurveda remains a viable option for long-term management and prevention of gout when integrated with personalized care and medical guidance.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Ayurveda for Long-Term Gout Relief

Ayurveda offers a holistic and sustainable approach to managing gout by addressing its root causes. With detox therapies, herbal medicines, and dietary corrections, patients can achieve long-lasting relief without relying on painkillers.

Ready to Find Relief?

To learn more about how Ayurveda can help you manage gout, reach out to us for a personalized consultation with our Ayurveda doctors.

UWAY, follows traditional Kerala ayurveda medical protocol with modern diagnostic techniques for better patient outcomes.

Please feel free to contact us at care@uwayhealth.com

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