Role of Vitamin C in Gout

WASHINGTON: Men with a higher intake of vitamin C appear less likely to develop gout, a painful type of arthritis, according to a study.  "Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in men... The identification of risk factors for gout... is an important first step in the prevention and management of this common and excruciatingly painful condition," wrote the study's authors.  Hyon K Choi, then of University of British Columbia, Vancouver, and now of Boston University School of Medicine, and colleagues examined the relationship between vitamin C intake and gout in 46,994 men between 1986 and 2006.  Every four years, the men completed a dietary questionnaire, and their vitamin C intake through food and supplements was computed. Every two years, participants reported whether they had been diagnosed with or developed symptoms of gout.  During 20-year follow-up, 1,317 men developed gout. Compared with men who had a vitamin C intake of less than 250mg per day, the relative risk of gout was 17% lower for those with a daily intake of 500 to 999 mg, 34% lower for those with an intake of 1,000 to 1,499mg per day and 45% lower for those with an intake of 1,500mg per day or higher.  Vitamin C may affect re-absorption of uric acid by the kidneys, increase the speed at which the kidneys work or protect against INFLAMMATION, all of which may reduce gout risk, a Boston University statement quoted the authors as saying.  These findings were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Source: IANS, Jan. 10, 2009

Health and Wellness Tourism in India

India offers their visitors access to some of the world’s highest-qualified professionals and top-class biomedical facilities, offering world-class health care in facilities that vary in size from small, specialized clinics to large hospitals. Britain’s "The Telegraph” newspaper reported that 150,000 medical tourists travel to India each year, and that in response, authorities there are in the process of introducing a system of medical visas to streamline visitors’ entry. The Confederation of Indian Industry released a study in August 2006 forecasting that medical tourists will contribute $5 billion to the country’s economy.

Those in search of advanced medical care find that, in India, health care prices are competitive with world markets, and that it’s easy to schedule procedures. As the CII study asserts, "heart surgery in the US costs $30,000, while it costs $6,000 in India.” While each patient’s charges differ, in general, the difference in costs varies between one-fifth to one-twenty. Certain surgeries and orthopedic procedures (such as hip resurfacing) not provided in North American hospitals, are available in India.

Travelers interested in wellness find many reasons to journey to India, such as the ancient Ayurvedic therapies. Health tourism includes naturopathic treatment, spa visits and yoga, as well. Agencies offer specialized travel packages for those who consider health maintenance alongside surgical intervention.

Before or after their treatment—or both—medical travelers can enjoy India’s many popular tourist destinations. Whether they enjoy heritage tourism, or viewing wildlife, a beach vacation, or rounds of golf, India has a great deal to offer.