The cause of gout is a violation of metabolic processes in the body. The consequences are the deposition of salts, which lead to problems with the joints and kidneys. The excretory system works worse, and the concentration of uric acid in the blood rises. Over time, it crystallizes around the joints and causes pain and inflammation. Arthritis most often affects the feet and toes, and the attacks of the disease are very painful. Patients are forced to follow a strict diet, so it is very important to know if it is possible to drink alcohol with gout, and if so, which one.
Alcohol as a risk factor
The disease has been known since ancient times, references to gout are found in ancient Egyptian papyri, and Hippocrates described in detail the signs of the disease in his work Aphorisms. An increased amount of urates in the blood is observed in approximately 12% of the inhabitants of Russia, and in the United States, 8 million people suffer from arthritis caused by uric acid crystals. A number of physicians believe that the causes of metabolic disorders should be sought in genetics, however, a whole range of factors contribute to the development of gout, which include:
- hypertension;
- elevated blood lipids;
- a diet rich in fatty foods;
- dehydration;
- consumption of sugary and alcoholic beverages.
Both during an exacerbation and during a period of remission, the patient is recommended a diet low in purines, which, when broken down, form uric acid. For gout, high-protein, fatty and spicy foods should be avoided, and alcohol and fructose carbonated drinks should be reduced. Patients need to drink as much liquid as possible – mineral or spring water.
Alcohol is not only a source of purines, but also a catalyst for the metabolism of nucleotides – substances that promote the synthesis of uric acid. Ethanol has a detrimental effect on the pituitary gland and disrupts the mechanism for the production of the hormone vasopressin, which is responsible for the water balance in the body. At first, alcohol acts as a diuretic, forcing the kidneys to work with increased stress. But then the synthesis of the hormone slows down, which increases the level of urate in the blood.
In the United States, the relationship between gout and diet was assessed during the Comprehensive Health Workers Survey (HPFS). More than 50 thousand people took part in the survey. In the course of the analysis, doctors concluded that alcohol abuse doubled the risk of developing gout.
What kind of alcohol is possible with gout
Doctors are unanimous in their opinion that gout sufferers should strictly limit their intake of alcoholic beverages. This is especially important in the first months after diagnosis and treatment. You will have to stick to a low-purine diet for life in order to slow down the development of the disease and avoid painful attacks.
Doctors believe that the body usually tolerates a small amount of alcohol during remission. It is important to remember that the content of purines in strong drinks varies. Research in this area was carried out by American scientists in 1995. Two groups of patients with gout were given beer or vodka with orange juice, and then their urate levels were monitored. As a result of the experiment, it turned out that beer rich in purines, unlike vodka, significantly increases the concentration of uric acid in the body.
Liqueurs, balms and sweet tinctures should be avoided, since fructose is often used in the manufacture of these drinks, which is categorically not recommended for gout. Vodka does not contain purines, but causes dehydration due to the fact that ethanol disrupts the excretory function of the kidneys. Doctors consider white wine to be the drink of choice for gout, although recent research suggests that it can trigger an attack.
Allowable daily dose:
- beer – 200 ml;
- wine – 150 ml;
- vodka, whiskey, cognac – 30 ml.
Carefully read the information about the composition of the beer before buying. The ingredients should be natural, without the syrups and flavors often found in craft beers.
Snack wine with fresh herbs that neutralize acid. Strong drinks should be consumed very carefully and in small quantities to prevent dehydration. If the doctor categorically recommends abstaining from alcohol, give up bad habits in order to avoid exacerbation of the disease.
Attention! Self-medication can be dangerous, consult your doctor.