Problem with gout? Try Gurmar - NL-075
People suffering from gout know what it means to wake up at night with pain so sharp that it feels like you have broken your toe. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid, which results in the formation and accumulation of sharp crystals in the joints and the surrounding tissue. This causes intense pain and makes the affected joint red, swollen and tender. Gout attacks often start without any warning and mostly occur during the night.
Your body makes uric acid as a waste product when it metabolises purines, chemicals found in certain foods. Gout happens when your body makes too much uric acid or when your kidneys aren’t doing a good job of removing it from the body. You are more likely to develop gout if you have a family history. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and kidney disease, also increase the level of uric acid in the body.
NSAIDs, corticosteroids and other drugs typically prescribed to manage gout symptoms or reduce uric acid levels in the body lead to side effects that not only impact the quality of life but also increase the risk of other health conditions, not exactly the outcome we look for.
Looking for natural ways to manage your gout? Try Gurmar (Gymnema Sylvestre). In Ayurveda, gurmar is known as sugar destroyer and is traditionally used to manage diabetes, arthritis and gout.
Gurmar is effective in gout and rheumatoid arthritis as it reduces inflammation. It also reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, a condition that independently increases the likelihood of developing gout. Gurmar leaves are rich in bioactive compounds such as, gurmarin, gymnemic acid and gymnemasaponins, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic benefits. Gymnemic acid present in gurmar leaves helps control sugar cravings, regulates blood glucose level and improves the function of pancreas (organs that produces insulin, a hormone that helps the cells to absorb and use glucose).
Gurmar also helps in weight loss, which lowers the risk of gout. Obesity is known as one of the biggest risk factors for gout as it affects kidney function. In overweight people, the body produces excessive uric acid levels and eliminates too little of it. Studies show that gurmar reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Gurmar also helps in gout because of its diuretic properties, and helps eliminate waste and toxins from the body.
Untreated gout can lead to recurring attacks and other complications such as tophi (deposits of urate crystals under the skin), joint damage, kidney stones, joint deformity and even heart disease. Intense pain at night can interfere in sleep and cause fatigue. Recurrent flare-ups can also cause permanent disability. Consuming herbs such as gurmar can reduce inflammation, improve the body’s ability to fight oxidative damage and positively influence major risk factors associated with gout, most notably obesity and high blood sugar levels.
Reference:
- Devangan et al. The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytotherapy Research. 2021.