Jayesh Nair, a bank employee from Malappuram, Kerala, remembers the time he had severe pain and inflammation in his right toe.
“It all began with discomfort and swelling in my big toe. Initially, I thought it was an allergy because of my new shoes. For the first week, I did not pay much attention to it. However, it eventually reached a point where I could not wear shoes anymore,” he recalls.
Seeking medical advice, Nair visited an ayurveda expert, who examined the toe and recommended a comprehensive blood test. The results confirmed the doctor’s suspicion: Nair had a high uric acid level of 18.8 mg/dL (whereas the normal range is from 3.5 to 7.2 mg/dl).
When uric acid increases
Uric acid is a natural component found in both blood and urine. Typically, the kidneys filter uric acid out of the body. However, if you consume foods with excessive purine (a chemical compound that turns into uric acid) or if the body cannot eliminate uric acid as much as it should, then it may accumulate in the bloodstream. This accumulation results in increased acidity in the bodily fluids.
Over time, urate crystals are formed and deposited in joints. This causes intense pain and inflammation of joints, eventually leading to the development of a condition called gout.
`Gout’ from the blue
Nair, 37, was ignorant about gout when he was diagnosed with it. “I used to think gout affects people aged over 50 years and who lead a sedentary life,” he says. It jolted him as he was physically active, maintained a healthy diet and did not take much alcohol.
Transformative behaviour
Following his doctor’s advice, Nair changed his daily routine. He started carrying a bottle of water and setting alerts to drink some water through the day. With improvements in metabolism, suitable herbs and a carefully chosen diet combined with adequate hydration, he now maintains his uric acid levels (at 9 mg/dL).
His plan included water infused with ginger, tulsi, cumin and pepper, to significantly boost metabolism. Dietary modifications involved eating more vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, green leafy veggies, and apples, while completely avoiding red meat, pork, cauliflower, green peas, mushrooms and most types of fish.
“High levels of uric acid that result in gout constitute a painful condition that warrants attention. Effective management is achievable in the early stages by balancing the metabolism,” says Dr Remya Pankajakshan, associate medical director of Rudraksha Ayurvedic Holistic Centre, Thrissur, Kerala.
Various factors contribute to high uric acid conditions including heredity, but lifestyle changes play a significant role in managing the condition.
A diet dilemma
Dietary adjustments play a major role in managing any condition, including high uric acid levels. “Eat more of whole foods, less of refined, packaged and junk foods. Avoid sugary drinks, soda and packaged juices. Drink plenty of fluids to help the kidney flush out uric acid quickly and more frequently,” says Dr Sumesh Mani, chief physician – panchakarma, SVN Ayurvedic Clinic, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Say no to purine
Consuming foods rich in purine content can lead to increased uric acid levels. To manage the condition, experts advise minimising or cutting the intake of purine-rich foods, thereby controlling the very source of uric acid.
Dr Mani advises avoiding high-purine foods such as high-protein organ meats, mussels and sardines. These foods may increase the production of uric acid during the digestive process. Also, reduce the consumption of red meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, dry peas, asparagus, dry beans, spinach, whole grain cereals, mushrooms, lentils, cauliflower and yeast.
Water relief
“Drink six or eight glasses of water a day,” advises Dr Mani. Drinking plenty of fluids helps the kidneys flush out uric acid faster. Limit alcohol intake as it can lead to dehydration. Experts say alcohol also can trigger high uric acid levels. It increases the metabolism of nucleotides, another purine source that turns into uric acid.
Herbs are good
Other than lifestyle measures, ayurveda experts believe that herbs, too, play a role in managing uric acid levels.
Dr Mani says the herb hygrophila, commonly known as marsh barbel, helps in controlling elevated uric acid levels. Referred to as koli-kannina gida in Kannada and vayalchulli in Malayalam, this medicinal plant thrives in marshy areas.
“They can be consumed as capsules, in herbal tea or herbal decoctions and are very effective in managing gout,” adds Dr Mani. Additionally, many early stage studies have indicated the importance of neem, giloy, turmeric, bitter herbs, and ginger as promising herbs, though some more research is needed for substantial evidence.
A review showed that the juice extracted from the stem of giloy demonstrated that it can neutralise elevated uric acid levels.
Exercise and yoga
Stress, poor sleeping habits and little physical activity can worsen inflammation and in turn result in high uric acid levels. According to the experts, following mindful techniques such as breathing exercises and yoga in one’s daily routine helps cope with stress.
Regular low-impact exercises can boost mental and physical health and reduce the risk of gout flare-ups. But the primary advice of experts is to follow a regime with caution.
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