Gout is a painful condition that can lower one’s quality of life. It is a type of inflammatory arthritis that is characterised by sudden, severe joint pain, swelling, and redness. Gout is often a result of high uric acid in the body, which leads to the formation of needle-like crystals in the joints, triggering inflammation and pain.
While several factors can contribute to it, alcohol and alcoholic beverages are a major trigger. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Upal Sengupta, Director of Nephrology, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, explains why and ways to manage the same.
Also Read: Are Gout Symptoms More Severe At Night?
Alcohol Increases Uric Acid Levels
Studies have shown that even moderate alcohol intake can trigger gout attacks, and the risk increases with the amount consumed.
A 2006 study in The American Journal of Medicine confirmed what many have long suspected: alcohol can trigger gout attacks. Researchers found that having five to six drinks doubled the risk of an attack, while seven or more made it 2.5 times more likely. The risk spiked within 24 hours and applied to all types of alcohol.
Explaining the reason behind why alcohol increases gout attacks, Dr Sengupta shares, "Alcohol increases uric acid levels in the body through several mechanisms, primarily by increasing uric acid production and hindering its excretion, ultimately leading to the formation of uric acid crystals in joints and triggering gout attacks."
"Alcohol, particularly beer, contains purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid," he adds. Purines are naturally occurring compounds in the body that are also present in certain foods. What makes them concerning for people with gout is that they break down into uric acid in the body.
According to Dr Sengupta, certain alcoholic beverages can be more problematic for gout than others. “Beer is generally considered to be worse due to its higher purine content, which the body converts into uric acid. Spirits can usually increase uric acid levels, which might increase the risk of gout attacks.”
What Contributes To Uric Acid Formation In The Body?
Uric acid formation in the body is primarily linked to the breakdown of purines, which are substances found in both food and within our cells.
When the body breaks down purines, uric acid is produced as a waste product. The kidneys are responsible for eliminating uric acid through urine, but if the body produces too much or doesn't excrete enough, it can lead to high uric acid levels, also known as hyperuricemia.
From a diet rich in purines to alcohol to sugary foods and drinks containing fructose, all of these can contribute to uric acid formation in the body, leading to gout attacks. Additionally, obesity, insulin resistance, dehydration, and impaired kidney function are also risk factors for the condition. Certain medications, like diuretics, can also increase uric acid levels.
Also Read: Are Chicken Gizzards High in Uric Acid? Expert Shares Benefits
Should You Stop Drinking Alcohol Completely If You Have Gout?
According to Dr Sengupta, if someone has gout, completely abstaining from alcohol is generally recommended to minimise the risk of gout attacks. Besides triggering acute attacks, regular alcohol consumption can have several long-term effects on managing gout. This includes the risk of developing gout and experiencing much more frequent and severe flares in addition to facing interferences with the effectiveness of gout medications.
"However, some studies suggest that moderate consumption of wine may be acceptable, while beer is more likely to trigger attacks," Dr Sengupta adds.
Therefore, it is always advised to assess your body's response to alcohol and to limit intake if you have serious gout pain or other symptoms. The doctor recommends consulting a doctor for personalised advice.
Conclusion
Alcohol isn’t good for you, and this isn’t just because it triggers gout but also because it affects overall health and wellness. Therefore, it is crucial to have beverages that are beneficial for your body. These include:
- Water: The best choice for hydration and overall health. Water helps regulate body temperature, carries nutrients, and removes waste products.
- Unsweetened tea and coffee: Provide antioxidants and can be enjoyed without added sugar.
- Unsweetened milk and plant-based milk alternatives: Milk is a good source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, while plant-based milks like soy, almond, or oat milk can be fortified with these nutrients.
As Dr Sengupta advises, it is extremely important to consult a doctor if you have pre-existing conditions like gout. Unfortunately, gout is an incurable disease that needs to be managed with healthy lifestyle choices. This includes avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption. Consult a doctor if you have trouble managing gout attacks, especially if they get worse or become more frequent.