If you’ve ever experienced a gout attack, you know how painful and disruptive it can be. It usually strikes suddenly, often affecting the big toe, and causes intense swelling, redness, and a burning sensation. But what role does alcohol play in all this? And more importantly, should you be drinking alcohol during a gout attack?
Let’s break this down point by point in simple terms, backed by real science.
1. What is Gout, Exactly?
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. When there’s too much uric acid, it can form sharp crystals that settle in your joints. The result? Pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Uric acid is a waste product formed when your body breaks down substances called purines. These purines are found in many foods, including red meat, seafood, and yes, alcohol.
2. How Alcohol Affects Uric Acid Levels
Drinking alcohol (especially beer and spirits) can increase uric acid levels in the blood. Here’s why:
- Alcohol is rich in purines, which leads to more uric acid production.
- Alcohol makes it harder for your kidneys to remove uric acid, especially if you’re dehydrated.
- Beer contains guanosine, a purine that’s especially gout-triggering.
A 2014 study published in the BMJ showed that even moderate alcohol consumption was linked to a higher risk of recurrent gout attacks.
3. Why Drinking During a Gout Attack Makes Things Worse
When you’re having a gout flare-up, your body is already struggling to manage inflammation and excess uric acid. Drinking alcohol at this time can:
- Intensify the pain and swelling
- Extend the length of the attack
- Trigger a new attack shortly after
You’re adding fuel to the fire. Your body needs to flush out uric acid, and alcohol slows that process down significantly.
4. Are Some Alcohols Worse Than Others?
Yes. Here’s how different types of alcohol rank in terms of gout risk:
- Beer: The worst offender due to high purine content.
- Spirits (vodka, whiskey, rum, etc.): Not great, but slightly better than beer.
- Wine: Considered the least risky, but still not ideal during an active attack.
Even wine can contribute to gout if consumed regularly or in large quantities.
5. What to Do Instead of Drinking
During a gout attack, your main goals should be to reduce inflammation and help your body eliminate uric acid. Here’s what you can do:
- Drink plenty of water to flush out uric acid
- Avoid purine-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, and organ meats
- Eat low-fat dairy products, which may help lower uric acid levels
- Rest and elevate the affected joint
- Take anti-inflammatory medications as recommended by your doctor
6. Long-Term Outlook: Can You Ever Drink Again?
Many people with gout can enjoy alcohol in moderation once their condition is under control. However, it’s a balancing act. Some people are more sensitive than others, and even small amounts can trigger flare-ups.
Talk to your doctor about your specific situation. If you do choose to drink, stick to small amounts and avoid binge drinking. Consider wine over beer, and drink plenty of water alongside alcohol.
Drinking alcohol during a gout attack is a bad idea, plain and simple
Drinking alcohol during a gout attack is a bad idea—plain and simple. It worsens symptoms, prolongs the attack, and increases your risk of future flare-ups. Your best bet? Skip the booze during a flare, hydrate like a champion, and focus on giving your body the break it needs. Once you’re back on your feet, talk to your doctor about whether moderate drinking can fit into your life without bringing the pain back.
Sources:
- Choi HK et al. NEJM, 2004 — https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa035700
- Zhang Y et al. The American Journal of Medicine, 2015 — https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.03.040
- Neogi T. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2016 — https://doi.org/10.7326/AITC201607050
- Dalbeth N et al. The Lancet, 2016 — https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00346-9
- Mayo Clinic – Gout Overview — https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes
- CDC – Gout Basics — https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/gout.html
