Are you waking up with joint pain in the middle of the night? Or feeling tender in certain part of your body? This might not be because you’re ageing but because your Uric acids levels are higher than normal and it’s time to get them checked! High uric acid levels have become a common thing these days due to our casual eating habits. But the good news is it can be controlled using simple Ayurvedic treatment of Uric acid at home using natural herbs accompanied with some lifestyle and dietary changes.
Uric Acid and Its Impact on Health
When your body breaks down Purines, then a chemical i.e. Uric acid is formed. It usually gets dissolved in the blood and is excreted from the body in the form of Urine. But in case your kidney fails to do so or there is excess Uric acid in the body, it accumulates and form crystals which causes several health problems like joint pain, swelling or even Kidney stones. Ayurvedic treatment for Uric acid helps reduce the production of Uric acid in the body using natural ingredients available at your home.
Diseases caused by High Uric acid
Timely prevention is crucial in case of Uric acid as it can lead to various diseases like:
- Inflammatory arthritis (swollen inflamed joints)
- Swelling in space of joints (Bursitis)
- Kidney Stones or Urolithiasis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Gout
- Metabolic syndrome
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver
- Diabetes
Symptoms of High Uric Acid
- Severe pain usually at night
- Joint pain
- Stiffness in affected area along with pain.
- Affected joints appears red and swollen.
- Crystals getting accumulated in joints forming tophi
- Discomfort or problem moving the affected joint
- Discoloration or redness
- Feeling like the joint is on fire
- Tenderness even to light touch
Causes of High Uric Acid
- Kidney problems
- Consuming high purine foods like red meat, seafood, etc.
- Genetics
- Drinking a lot of sugary beverages.
- Alcohol
- Obesity
- Certain medications like diuretics and aspirin
- Rapid weight loss
- Dehydration
Ayurvedic Perspective on Uric Acid
As per Ayurveda, high uric acid levels are a result of Vata and Kapha dosha. Accumulation of Ama i.e. toxic waste that deposits in your body due to indigestion and improper metabolism results in high Uric acid.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Uric acid can be done at home using natural herbs and foods and making a few lifestyle modifications. These remedies work on cleansing your body and bringing the uric acid levels back to normal.
Ayurvedic treatment of Uric Acid at Home
How to take Triphala for Uric Acid?
Triphala is celebrated in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It is Sanskrit word which means ‘three fruits’ i.e. Bibhitaki, Amalaka (Indian gooseberry), and Haritaki. It helps detoxify your body and remove the swelling caused due to high uric acid in your body. You can prepare Triphala tea by adding a teaspoon of Triphala powder to a cup of water and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes. Strain the mixture and drink it warm preferably before bedtime.
Giloy
Giloy juice is highly effective in neutralizing high uric acid levels due to its analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply take steam and leaves and stem of Giloy and extract the juice from it. Drink one glass of this juice everyday to see faster results. If it’s too concentrated for you to drink then you can prepare Giloy tea by boiling the stems and leaves in a cup of water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Strain the mixture and drink it warm.
Neem
Neem is a powerful herb for purifying your blood and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. The bitter taste of Neem works to cool down the body heat and balances the metabolism which is important in preventing deposition of Uric acid crystals.
Bitter Gourd
Bitter Gourd is a powerhouse of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and Vitamin C. You can include bitter gourd in form of curry to your diet or drink a glass of bitter gourd juice to bring down uric acid levels in your body.
Cherries and Black berries
Cherry juice is highly effective in lowering uric acid in your body as they are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. You can eat cherries or black berries directly or drink a glass of cherry juice every day.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains Curcumin which has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Include turmeric in your everyday meals or you can also make turmeric tea and drink it once a day. You can also prepare turmeric paste and apply it on affected joints and areas.
Lemon Juice
A glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice will work wonders for your body. Squeeze half a lemon in warm water and drink it on an empty stomach. Lemon contains Citric acid and Vitamin C which will dissolve any uric acid crystals present in your body, reduce inflammation and decrease the uric acid levels.
Ginger
Ginger is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce the inflammation caused in your body due to high Uric acid level. Add ginger to your food or you can drink ginger tea once a day.
Also Read Ayurvedic Home Remedy for Good Sleep: Effective Solutions for Insomnia
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
- Cut out dairy products from your diet or switch to low-fat dairy products. This will help reduce uric acid levels in your body.
- Drink enough water (8-10 glasses/day) and add hydrating fruits like watermelon to your diet.
- Practice yoga and exercise as a part of your daily routine. This will reduce stress and help you sweat. Sweating is a way by which your body releases uric acid and purifies itself naturally.
- Avoid alcohol, beer and any sugary drinks.
- Stay away from these foods – Black gram (urad dal), mushroom, Kulatha, Radish, Sugarcane, etc.
- Add these foods to your diet- Nuts, Plums, Berries, Amla, Cucumber, Bitter Gourd, Raisins, As gourd, green gram, rice, etc.
- Follow a vegetarian diet and avoid meat and seafood for a while.
