What Alcohol Can I Drink With Gout?

Alcohol And Gout

I love a beer. Especially craft beer. I’m one of those craft beer snobs you see. No generic beer will pass these lips I can assure you.

But what do you do if you suffer from gout but enjoy a beer or a nice glass of red wine?

It’s a common dilemma that many people with gout face, given the complex relationship between alcohol and this painful condition.

While doctors generally recommend avoiding alcohol completely when you have gout, some people find that simply cutting back on their alcohol consumption can help them manage their gout more effectively.

Does Alcohol Cause Gout?

Alcohol is bad for gout because it can increase uric acid levels in your blood, which exacerbates the symptoms of gout.

Alcohol is high in purines which are compounds found in certain foods that can increase your risk of developing gout.

Purines encourage uric acid production. Uric acid is the main culprit in gout flare-ups, as it tends to crystallize and form deposits around your joints leading to symptoms such as inflammation, intense pain and redness.

Alcohol is also a diuretic, which means it causes you to urinate more frequently, leading to dehydration and high uric acid production.

Additionally, alcohol can interact with medications used to treat gout, making them less effective or increasing their side effects.

If you have gout and are concerned about how alcohol may be affecting your condition, talk to your doctor about any changes you need to make to your diet or medication routine.

What Alcohol Can You Drink With Gout?

The worst types of alcohol for gout include those that are high in purines. Beer and gout do not make easy bedfellows. Neither do wine and gout. And liquor made from grains such as bourbon and whiskey are risky as well.

To minimize the risk of a gout flare-up after drinking alcohol, opt for drinks like vodka or gin mixed with water or club soda instead of heavier beverages like beer, which are higher in purines.

Another way that many people choose to manage their gout while still enjoying a drink is to choose lower-alcohol options, such as light beer.

And definitely avoid binge drinking!

Dehydration from alcohol can lead to increased uric acid production, so it’s important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water when you’re enjoying a night out.

Cherry Juice

You can also try drinking tart cherry juice before and after having a drink. Tart cherry has been proven in clinical trials to reduce uric acid levels and inflammation associated with gout.

To get the full benefits of cherry juice, make sure you buy a high-quality brand that is 100% pure and free of added sugars or preservatives.

The active ingredient in tart cherry juice, anthocyanins, helps inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that is involved in the breakdown of purines.

Whilst not a 100% gout cure, by drinking cherry juice regularly, you can lower your uric acid levels and reduce your risk of experiencing a gout flare-up.

Additionally, because it is high in antioxidants, drinking cherry juice can help improve blood flow to the affected joints and promote healing.

You may also want to consider taking a supplement, such as cherry extract or tart cherry capsules, which are thought to provide more concentrated amounts of anthocyanins than drinking pure juice.

Whether you have gout or simply enjoy occasional alcoholic beverages, incorporating cherries (or other foods good for gout) into your diet can help you manage your symptoms and protect against future flare-ups.

So whether you find relief in a glass of tart cherry juice, take a supplement like cherry extract, or just snack on some dried cherries as a healthy alternative to high-sugar treats, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this nutritious fruit into your daily routine and improve your overall health.

Gout And Alcohol

At the end of the day, only you can decide what level of alcohol consumption is right for your individual gout situation.

If you’re struggling with managing your condition and your alcohol consumption, it’s important to speak to your doctor for advice on how best to proceed.

Whether you decide to cut back or completely give up alcohol, there are many ways that you can manage your gout and find relief from symptoms.

With some careful consideration and a little planning, it’s possible to enjoy a few drinks without having to worry about the impact on your gout.