Does Yoga help with Gout?
Yoga! Yes Yoga can help gout sufferers. Yoga is actually a set of theories and practices originating in ancient India. The word yoga comes from a Sanskrit word which means “to yoke” or “to unite”. Interest in yoga has increased in western countries over the last few decades
Over time gout sufferers can experience joint stiffness and joint mobility can decrease some of you may even experience joint deformities. To remain flexible and avoid joint problems, practising yoga which are basically gentle stretching movements can be very beneficial.
Practice yoga on a regular basis and you will definitely improve your flexibility and muscles, helping you maintain strong joints. The stretching exercises from yoga will also help you increase your blood circulation. Remember that improved blood circulation may also help prevent uric acid crystals from being deposited in your joints.
If you’ve read my posts on this site for some time now, you should know how important it is to stay at a healthy weight and follow a gout diet. Extra pounds can add to the joint pain that you suffer from a flare-up or gout attack and you know that you need to lose weight gradually because if you lose weight too quickly, it may raise uric acid levels triggering an attack!
Yoga helps you lose weight gradually which is recommended for gout sufferers. Since gout mostly afflicts middle aged men and women, a 2005 study confirms that yoga helps shed the pounds if you are middle-aged. The study also confirmed that overweight people who practiced yoga on a regular basis lost more weight than those that did not practice.
How to Get Started
If you practice yoga, try specific Asanas postures and Pranayamas to be effective in the strengthening of joints and helping gout sufferers, as well as any other form of arthritis you may be suffering from. Asanas are postures where you maintain a specific body position for a certain period of time.
They can be repeated a few times in case they are difficult to stick to for a long period in the beginning. While performing Asanas, you must be balanced, both while being in motion and when stationary. I know it sounds difficult but with practice you will definitely tone up, increase blood circulation and lubricate your joints.
Yoga will also increase your body’s flexibility and endurance. I also recommend you find yourself a good yoga teacher or join a yoga class where a professional instructor can teach you the right way to practice yoga and avoid any undesired complications.
There haven’t been any studies involving gout sufferers but there have been a few involving patients that suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis which clearly shows the health benefits of yoga and joint improvement. As always make sure to discuss any plans for introducing yoga in your life with your doctor cause some of you that have joints that are vulnerable may not be able to practice it.
12 replies to "Gout and Yoga"
Is Tai Chi useful to gout?
Hi James!
Yes! It definitely won’t hurt you. It’s a physical activity.
You dont need medication for gout – you need to change your eating habits and yes yoga will help alleviate all medical/health problems you may have. I’ve been doing yoga since jan this year and have been eating the keto way – it’s a lifestyle change for me – keto is not a ‘diet’ fad as Spiro claims in another of his pages I accidentally fell upon – I was looking up keto and gout – he claims the keto way is not a healthy way – I have lost weight sensibly – feel energised – feel happier than I’ve ever been – not lethargic anymore and yes I am eating a high percentage of fat – no carbs anymore – and I will stay eating keto for the rest of my life. My partner has gout and I am trying to help him make the transition – no medication is needed if you do bikram yoga and eat keto – read bikram choudhury’s books and keto clarity by jimmy moore – very informative love me xxoo
Hi, I am suffering from uric acid last one year. In starting, it started pain in my lumbar spine region and gradually it gone up to my neck. Now I feel pain in my complete spine. Actually I was not aware that I have back pain due to uric acid after 10 months I confirmed that uric acid is the main cause of it. May be during the time of 10 months I had several attacks but I did not realize that it is due to uric acid, now my uric acid level gone up to 9.7 and my whole body joints due to the pain.
At the time of this writing my uric acid level is 7 and got some relief in my joints pain. I just wanted to know that is this the problem which will remain for the the rest my life or is there any permanent cure for it? I am using homeopathic medicine to cure this problem and my doctor told me that the problem will cure permanently but it will take some months for recovery. I am really very tense for this problem. I don’t have any gout but the pain in joints is unbearable. One time my uric acid gone down 5.5 and now again its 7. Can you please tell me something which would be helpful for me because you have gone through this situation and do you manage it?
Hi Pradeep!
You have to go on medication, your uric acid level is really high and if it’s causing you so much pain, you may need to go on allopurinol to help manage your uric acid long term. Yes a good diet as outlined here on my site and book, will also help you a lot but in your case may not be enough. A doctor will determine that. Good luck!
[…] the photo shows, I still weigh around 95kg and I don’t go to any gym BUT I do stick to my daily yoga and Tai Chi […]
Hi sir…I am 28 years female had ACL tear on right knee….after 2 years I met with accident and had tibial plateau fracture and surgery done and now I am 9 months post op..Now I am diagnosed with gout arthritis…I am taking ayurveda medicines…Please kindly tell me if gout pain is permanant…it pains a lot…plz do reply
Gout is permanent for most but there are a few that get it temporarily. Best to seek a doctor and keep checking your uric acid levels.
Been on a gout diet for 3 months and bloodwork came back with uric acid at 514. Pretty much a vegetarian now. Eat a bit of chicken every now and then. What’s your opinion on 514? From what I’ve read it’s not too bad.
Hi Dave!
Thank you for your question.
Yes it’s right above the ideal mark so with a good gout diet you can do really well.
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