Guide To Foods That May Trigger Gout Flares

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol appears to increase an individual's risk of developing gout. When they already have gout, it may also be a common trigger for symptom flares. In fact, it seems that alcohol accounted for over fifty percent of gout flares in recent studies. Beer appears to have more purines than other alcoholic beverages. It also contains brewer's yeast, which may be another risk factor for gout flares. Wine seems to be lower in purines. However, all alcohol may force the kidneys to excrete alcohol rather than purines. Thus, patients may be left with more uric acid in their blood. This may trigger a gout flare in one to two days.

Gout patients may need to significantly limit their alcohol consumption or eliminate it. This may help them avoid symptom flares. Women seem to benefit from a limit of one serving per day. Men under sixty-five years old may be able to have two servings in a day. However, older men may need a limit of one serving. One serving of alcohol appears to be equal to twelve ounces of beer. However, the beer should be five percent alcohol by volume. Overall, patients should consider talking to their doctor about alcohol and gout.

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