Introduction
Uric acid is a chemical produced by the breakdown of purines in the body. These purines are excreted into the urine by the kidneys. An average level of uric acid is essential in food metabolism, and it acts as an antioxidant and prevents damage to the lining of blood vessels. It is harmful when the uric acid level is high in the blood. Since obesity is one of the causes of the rise in uric acid, practicing yoga will bring down the risk. Yoga can help to reduce weight and improve flexibility and circulation. It will prevent the formation of uric acid crystals in joints as it improves circulation. During a rise in uric acid, it can detoxify the kidneys. Therefore, better uric acid excretion and enhanced joint lymph flow will occur. This will reduce inflammation naturally. It also improves the blood flow to the joints. Diet plays a very important role in controlling uric acid levels in the body. After making changes in diet and lifestyle, various poses in yoga can be tried to reduce uric acid in the body.
How Yoga Helps in Reducing Uric Acid Levels?
Practicing yoga will have body movements that are gentle on joints. It helps to improve flexibility and also blood circulation. This will produce uric acid crystals in the body and remove any crystals in joints. Yoga will help to make changes in the diet. This will make it possible to avoid the intake of high purine content present in foods and drinks. Yoga postures will also manage weight, as being overweight will increase uric acid levels in the body.
What Are the Yoga Poses in Uric Acid Patients?
The yoga poses to control the level of uric acid in the body are:
Tree Pose: This posture improves balance and strengthens the legs. In this posture, both feet apart should be placed on the ground. The right foot should be placed on the left thigh, and the soul of the foot should be flat and firm. Keep the leg straight and balanced. While inhaling, raise arms over the head and keel palms together. The spine must be straight and take deep breaths. Then exhale slowly and bring your hands down and release your right leg. Repeat it with your left leg.
Half Fish Pose: This is the best pose to reduce uric acid and also gives stretches to the hips, back, and shoulders. It tones the abdomen and calms the nervous system. Sit and stretch out both legs in front. Keep both feet together, and the spine should be completely straight. Then bend the left leg and place the heel of this foot behind the right hip. Bring the right leg over the left knee. The left hand is placed on the right knee, and the right hand is behind. Then gently twist the waist, shoulders, and neck. With deep breaths, continue inhaling and exhaling. While exhaling, release the right hand, chest, and waist. Relax the neck and sit in a comfortable position.
Angle Pose: This pose gives a good stretch to the spine and sides of the body. In this pose, stand straight with feet-hip apart and keep arms alongside the body. Inhale and raise the left arm pointing towards the ceiling, and while exhaling, bend toward the right side. Move first from the spine and pelvis and bend a little more. While keeping the left arm pointing upwards, turn the head and look at the left arm; the elbows should be straight. Inhale, straighten the body, and bring the left arm down while exhaling. Repeat it with your right arm.
Cobra Pose: This pose improves flexibility, strengthens the spine, and stretches the chest, lungs, shoulder, and abdomen. In this pose, lie on the stomach with toes flat on the floor, soles facing upwards, and forehead on the ground. Legs should be kept close together, with feet and heels lightly touching each other. Both hands should be placed so that palms touch the ground under the shoulders, and elbows should be parallel and close to the torso. Inhale and slowly lift the head, chest, and abdomen, and navel should be kept on the floor, and the torso should be pulled back and off the floor with the support of hands and ensure equal pressure on both palms. Then straighten the arms by arching back as much as possible, tilt the head back, and look up. This position should be maintained for four to five breaths. Now, breathe out and relax. Repeat four to five times.
What Are the Yoga Breathing Techniques for an Increased Level of Uric Acid?
Breathing techniques are beneficial for managing uric acid levels, reducing stress, and improving circulation. The breathing techniques are:
Skull-Shining Breath: this technique involves exhalations through the nose forcefully and then followed by passive inhalations. It can also increase the oxygen level and blood flow, which will help in reducing the uric acid level.
Alternate Nose Breathing: in this technique, one nostril is inhaled while the other nostril is closed with the finger. Then exhale the opposite nostril while closing the first nostril. It reduces stress levels and balances the nervous system, which helps reduce uric acid levels.
What Are Contraindications of Yoga in Uric Acid Patients?
Healthcare professionals have advised against yoga for a few people. When dehydrated, do not exercise or engage in yoga excessively. Patients with lower back pain or lower back injuries should take caution, as yoga poses involve back bending exercises to place pressure or increase compression on the kidneys. When there is a rise in uric acid levels, joints are inflamed and affected. It is advisable not to start a yoga practice.
Conclusion
Yoga is the natural way to maintain health and wellness. It improves physical fitness and mental health. High levels of uric acid are maintained and prevented with yoga. Yoga should be used in conjunction with medical treatment and under the guidance of a yoga instructor.
