Yoga is a popular form of exercise that can range from being relatively low-impact to being incredibly challenging. It is considered to be beneficial for people of all ages and abilities who are looking to improve their flexibility and strength. But is it right for everyone? In particular, is yoga good for gout? Let’s find out!
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice that is designed to aid the body by building strength and flexibility. It involves a range of different physical postures that may focus on different areas of the body, such as the core, legs, and arms; however, it also combines breathing techniques and meditation to encourage mental as well as physical well-being.
While yoga originated in northern India over 5,000 years ago, its popularity has spread around the globe. It is now practised in many countries, not only as a spiritual endeavour but also as a means of becoming physically fit.
Yoga has been found to have a number of physical and mental health benefits. For example, some evidence suggests yoga may help to improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and even relieve some types of pain.
Is Yoga Good for Gout?
Gout is an inflammatory condition that can affect joints in various areas of the body; however, it is most common in joints in the foot, particularly the big toes. It occurs when high uric acid levels in the blood lead to the formation of crystals in the joints. These sharp crystals can cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility in the affected area.
Gout can be associated with a number of factors, including diet, genetics, and the presence of other medical conditions, such as diabetes and kidney problems. Changes to your diet, taking supplements to help reduce uric acid levels, and staying hydrated can help stave off gout flare-ups. Some people may also find that certain types of exercise can help.
Of course, the pain and reduced mobility that are common during gout attacks can make any kind of exercise difficult. In fact, many people may struggle even to walk during a painful flare-up. However, some studies indicate that yoga may be a good option to boost flexibility in the affected area as well as to potentially reduce pain.
What does the evidence say?
For example, one research study assessed the effects of yoga in patients with gout, concluding that the practice was associated with reduced pain and lower levels of serum uric acid! The study compared yoga to another ancient practice - bloodletting. Yoga was found to be the superior therapy for individuals with gout - but were the results significant?
Well, more research is needed to know for sure the benefits of yoga for gout. However, studies in individuals with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have yielded similar results with some participants reporting significant improvement in pain and function.
Conclusions
Yoga has been practised all around the world for thousands of years to encourage improved mental and physical health. In addition to being an important spiritual practice, it has grown to become one of the most popular forms of exercise, with its health benefits speaking for themselves.
While more clinical evidence may be needed to better understand the potential benefits of yoga for gout, preliminary findings indicate that this practice may help to improve function in the affected areas and potentially reduce pain associated with the condition. So, in most cases, yoga is likely a good addition to your gout-fighting routine - but perhaps not during a flare-up!
