Effects of alcohol on gout

There are many effects of alcohol and several are important to the gout sufferer.
There is also a lot of myth and legend.
The biggest myth is that drinking alcohol, especially port wine, is a cause of gout.
This is not the case - the human body chemistry is more complicated than that.

The main thing to remember is that, if you want to drink alcohol, do it sensibly. There is no need to follow the advice of those who tell you to stop drinking (although when taking Allopurinol alcohol should be avoided). Alcohol consumption is part of most people's way of life, and moderate consumption is as sensible for the gout sufferer as it is for anyone else. I have often experienced beneficial effects of alcohol during gout attacks. Good effects include its properties as a pain inhibitor and mood enhancer. It helps to keep moving - stand near a bar rather than sit and keep changing position. This is particularly useful for gout attacks in the area of the foot or knee, but it can also help with other areas such as the elbow, as you relax and tend to move joints. Just remember to keep drinking plenty of water, not only that night, but during the following morning. The worst thing you can do, having improved your mobility slightly, is to sit at a desk the following day without movement or water - it is almost guaranteed that uric acid crystals will re-form in the knees or ankles.

Research

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