Gout is a common and painful form of arthritis that affects more men than women. It occurs more commonly during festive seasons like New Year due to the type of foods eaten.
Symptoms of Gout
- Sudden, intense joint pain (pain is most severe within the first 4-12 hours)
- Can affect any joint but commonly affects the large joint of the first big toe
- Redness, burning sensation, swelling and tenderness in the affected joints
- Limited range of motion
- Typically happens at night and can last 3-10 days
Causes of gout
Gout is caused by a build-up of urate crystals in your joints. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid is like sugar – when you add sugar to tea, it dissolves. However, if you add too much sugar, it stops dissolving, remaining as crystals no matter how much you stir.
Uric acid crystals normally accumulate in the joints and tendons, triggering intense inflammation and resulting in swelling, redness, burning sensation, and intense pain.
What is uric acid?
Uric acid is a chemical made naturally in your body. It is also produced when your body digests food that are rich in purines. Uric acids are produced as a waste product when purines are digested.
Normally, uric acid exists in a soluble state in the blood and excreted out of the body in urine via the kidneys.
Uric acid can build up in your blood if:
- The kidneys do not remove the excess uric acid efficiently
- You consume too much food that are rich in purines
- The body produces too much uric acid
Risk factors for gout
- Age
- Male gender
- Eating food rich in purine
- Drinking too much alcohol and artificially sweetened drinks
- Obesity
- High levels of uric acid
- Chronic kidney disease / poor kidney function
- Family history
Gout attacks are intense and painful. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms and prevent flares.
How can TCM help with gout?
Chinese medicine treatments help to to reduce dampness heat, condition the body and prevent recurrence of gout attacks.
Acupuncture
For gout, acupuncture can target points associated with reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and alleviating pain. Research suggests that acupuncture can help manage pain and improve joint function in gout patients.
Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine can be tailored to the individual to help address the underlying causes of gout. Certain herbs can also help to reduce inflammation, promote uric acid excretion, and improve kidney function (important for filtering uric acid).
What can I do to avoid gout?
A willingness to change one’s diet and lifestyle is the most crucial factor in preventing future gout attacks.
- Change your diet to reduce or limit / avoid food rich in purines.
Examples of food rich in purines
- Internal organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain, etc.)
- Some types of seafood (sardines, shellfish, anchovies, tuna, etc.)
- Red meat (beef, mutton, pork, etc.)
- Vegetables high in purine (spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, mushroom, asparagus, etc.)
- Soybean products
- Drink more water.
Recommended dosage for a normal adult is at least 2 litres per day (unless instructed by a doctor not to do so). Drinking water can help to eliminate uric acid from the kidney.
- Restrict consumption of alcohol and beer.
- Restrict consumption of artificially sweetened drinks.
- Exercise regularly.
However, do not exercise too vigorously as it can cause a build-up of lactic acid and increase the internal acidity environment of the body.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
TCM drinks to Reduce Gout Flares
Ingredients:
*Use Chinese Barley/Job’s Tears and not Pearl Barley!
- 1 Cup of Chinese Barley/Job’s Tears
- 2 litres of water (depending on individual)
- Honey (optional)
- Candied winter melon (optional)
Steps:
- Rinse and soak the Chinese barley for a few hours.
- Bring the barley and water (and candied winter melon, if using) to boil in a saucepan. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the grains are softened and cooked. Add more water if necessary.
- Strain the barley water.
- Add honey to taste.
Drink 2-3 times a week to reduce heat dampness of the body.
As Chinese Barley tea is cool-natured, it is not advisable for people who feel cold easily to drink it often.
Ingredients:
- 10 grams of mulberry twig (4-5 pieces)
- Honey (optional)
Steps:
- Add boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes
- Add honey to taste
Drink 2-3 times a week to promote blood circulation and clear the collateral channels.
*Not suitable for consumption during pregnancy
Article by Physician Tan Kang Ting
Note: Information provided is not a substitute for a physician or any form of medical care. Individual symptoms differ due to different body constitutions and diagnosis. One should consult a licensed TCM practitioner for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
I understand sugar and high fructose, but ARTIFICIALLY sweetened drinks can trigger gout? How and what is mechanism, please. That is a new to me.. Thank you.
Hi Sifter,
Studies have shown that consumption of natural sugar fructose and the man-made sweetener high fructose corn syrup appear to increase the risk of gout. The exact mechanism behind the link between artificially sweeteners and gout is not yet fully understood. These sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, have been shown to increase uric acid levels in the body, which can lead to gout.
We hope that helps!
Hello Miss kang,
May I ask is Mulberry Leaves Tea same as Mulberry Twig Tea you mentioned? Thanks.
Hi Angel,
Mulberry leaves and Mulberry twigs are actually different. Mulberry leaves are 桑叶 (sang ye) while Mulberry twigs are 桑枝 (sang zhi).
Hi,
What is the usual TCM treatment for gout and for long term cure?
How much is the cost of treatment per session?
Regards
Hello Yong Foo,
Acupuncture and herbal medication are typically used to manage the effects of gout.
Each session would cost between $80-$100 (excluding medication)
Do let us know if you would like to book an appointment and we would be happy to arrange it for you!
Alternatively, you can book an appointment through our website here