Good amount of water intake everyday is primary for treatment of Gout. It is advisable to drink at least two to three liters of potable water everyday. Also, if you are undergoing fasting therapy, it is highly recommended to drink copious amount of water which will facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body. Water drinking is a natural home remedy, which is very effective in providing cure and relief from Gout. This is also very useful in the prevention of future attacks.
Intake of water can also be undertaken through colon hydrotherapy and also through enemas. Both are very beneficial therapies for the toxin elimination process. Colon hydrotherapy is advisable under strict surgical conditions and should be carried out only by a qualified colon hydro therapist. Enema is basic form of colon hydrotherapy which is milder. However, the results can vary for both.
Internal intake of water will be useful for the following:
- Prevention of future attacks
- Lubrication of the joints
- Prevention of the formation of uric acid stones(kidney stones) in the kidneys
- Help in passing the smaller stones through urine
- Help in flushing out the excessive uric acid from the body
- Help in weight management for obese patients
A dehydrated condition leads to impaired kidney functions, which in turn leads to formation of uric acid stones in kidney and other kidney infections. Dehydration not only occurs with less intake of water but also due to excessive consumption of alcohol, beverages like coffee and tea, soda and aerated soft drinks. Always take care that you drink at least two to three liters of water everyday and your water consumption is more than that of beverages. Also care should be taken to consume decaffeinated beverages as caffeine has the tendency to dehydrate the system.
External application of water can either be by Contrast Hydrotherapy Application or Standard Hydrotherapy Application.
Contrast Hydrotherapy: – Hot and cold compresses are applied to the affected joints. These facilitate the dissolving of the urate crystals from the affected joints. A hot compress is applied for three minutes followed by a cold one for thirty seconds. This treatment is repeated a couple of times to maximize the results. This treatment is very useful to reduce pain and swelling of the affected joints.
A hot compress can be prepared by using a heating pad, hot towel or by filling hot water in a bath-tub with temperature levels of 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternately, the cold compress can be done by using ice packs or ice cubes filled in plastic bags or by using ice cold water filled in a bath tub. While administering a hot and cold water compress treatment, make sure that the hot and cold mediums are placed near each other so that you can swiftly interchange. This treatment should not exceed more than twenty minutes and should always ends with a cold compress and never with a hot one. It is advisable to give at least one to two hours gap between two treatments.
Standard hydrotherapy: It involves submerging the entire body in a bath tub filled with warm water. This treatment is more useful to relieve the stress from the affected joints. Since the body is submerged, one usually gets a feeling of weightlessness thus creating a sense of relief and relaxation. This buoyancy combined with warm water helps to reduce pain and decreases muscle spasms due to sore joints. The ideal temperature for this treatment is 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. The blood vessels are dilated when the body is immersed in warm water which leads to increase in movement of nutrients and blood circulation to the affected joints. This also increases oxygen supply which in turn speeds up the healing process.
In addition, one can also try a combination of hot water therapy with massage, which can trigger the body to release endorphins (natural painkillers). These too will help relieve pain and ease sore joints. It is recommended to consult your doctor before starting water therapy treatment as he/she can provide you with right guidance and also monitor your progress during the course of the treatment. Also, it is good to look at Gout prevention techniques to avoid unnecessary complications.
