Gout Attacks And Alcohol Consumption

It is commonly found that there exists a definite connection between gout attacks and alcohol consumption. People who consume more of alcohol, especially beer, are prone to getting attacks of gout than teetotalers, for that matter. Why exactly does this happen? What is the reason for alcohol triggering off a gout attack? These questions can be answered once we get a basic idea of gout and its causes.

We have a substance called purines in our body’s cells, which break down and are responsible for the production of uric acid, a very important chemical that is required by our body to protect the blood vessels. But sometimes, due to various reasons, the uric acid levels in our body become very high and the kidneys are unable to eliminate it through urine. This leads to the formation of uric acid crystals or monosodium urate crystals being deposited in the tendons, joints, kidneys, etc, leading to a form of arthritis known as gout. It is this problem which causes inflammation in one or several of the joints in the body, leading to redness, swelling, heat, and of course, agonizing pain in the area affected.

So, basically, it can be surmised that the uric acid build up in the body occurs due to the excessive breakdown of purines, that is made available to the body by means of what we intake. Apart from various types of food which are high in animal as well as vegetable proteins, purines are also found in very high levels in alcohol, especially beer, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

The connection between gout attacks and alcohol consumption is not merely guesswork. Scientific studies have proved a definite link between both, thus confirming an age old theory. In various studies and tests conducted, it has been proved that even though abstinence from alcohol does not guarantee a gout-free existence, those who are heavy drinkers are more at risk of contracting gout than non-drinkers.

Similarly, when a body is in a dehydrated condition, urine cannot be excreted in normal quantities, thereby raising the level of uric acid in the body. Heavy drinkers are much more susceptible to get dehydrated due to the alcohol content in their body. This obviously leads to a buildup of uric acid in the body which gets accumulated as crystals in the joints, causing gout. Gout not only causes immense pain in the joints, but if left untreated, it may even lead to kidney stones as well as total kidney damage which could even be life threatening. It is always better to get your gout treated as early as possible and to stick on to a sensible diet so that you are saved from further attacks.