Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of crystals of uric acid in a joint. Once these crystals form, the joint becomes red, inflamed and extremely painful. Anyone who has suffered an attack of gout will take any necessary steps to prevent its return. The gentle movements of yoga will help you prevent these painful attacks.
Risk Factors for Gout
Gout typically affects men in their 40s or 50s, and women after menopause. Foods such as red meats, shellfish, and some vegetables contain purine. As your body breaks down purines, uric acid is formed, and is typically eliminated from your body. When there is a high level of purines in your blood, uric acid crystals form in your joints. This buildup is caused either by a diet too high in purines, or the inability of your body to eliminate purines. Special diets are available to help you avoid high purine foods. Drinking lots of water and maintaining a healthy weight also reduces the risk factors.
How Yoga Prevents the Pain of Gout
Over time, frequent attacks of gout can result in joint deformities, and restrict the movement of joints. To remain flexible and free of physical limitations caused by gout, the gentle stretching movements of yoga are beneficial. Regular practice will help maintain or improve your flexibility. Stretching also increases your circulation. Improved circulation helps prevent uric acid crystals from lodging in your joints.
Yoga Helps Maintain Weight
If you have gout, you know how important it is to stay at a healthy weight. Extra pounds add to the joint pain you suffer from a flare-up. Gradual weight loss is recommended because if you drop weight to quickly, purines can attack your joints. Yoga aids gradual weight loss. In July 2005, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center published a study that found that yoga helps prevent weight gain in middle-aged people.They also found that overweight people who practiced yoga regularly lost more weight than those that did not practice.
Yoga and the Gout Diet
The recommended diet for gout is very restrictive. To eliminate high purine foods, you will eliminate red meat, sea food and most animal protein. You should limit or avoid alcohol, avoid sugar, and increase your amount of complex carbohydrates. When you practice yoga, you become more aware of your body, and what you put in it. This awareness can help you follow the recommended diet to prevent another painful attack.
