Causes of Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is a naturally-occurring chemical found in the body, and it’s present in the blood, tissues and urine. When too much builds up, it can form deposits in the joints, known as urate crystals. These crystals cause sudden, intense pain, swelling and redness in the joints, the most common of which is the big toe.
The primary cause is overconsumption of foods that contain high amounts of purines, such as certain meats, offal, shellfish and some types of seafood. Alcoholic beverages are also known to contribute to gout. Drinks such as beer and various hard liquors, especially spirits, have been linked to gout due to their rich purine content.
However, does drinking coffee affect gout? To answer this question and learn more about the connection between coffee and gout, we must look at existing studies and research that has been conducted.
Research into the Relationship between Gout and Coffee
Many studies have been conducted to determine the effects of drinking coffee on gout. According to a study by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Duke-NUS Medical School, “moderate consumption of coffee does not seem to be associated with increased risk for gout”. This study, based on data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study (a large population-based cohort Singapore residents of Chinese ethnicity), concluded that the “results provide further evidence that moderate coffee consumption is not associated with higher risk of gout”.
Another study, published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases in 2011, also found no correlation between moderate coffee consumption and gout risk. The study followed over 46,000 male physicians aged 40–85 years, who were monitored for 12 years. It concluded that “coffee consumption was not associated with incident gout”.
Drinking Coffee Could Decrease the Risk of Gout
Contrary to popular belief, drinking coffee could actually reduce the risk of gout. A 2016 study by American College of Rheumatology revealed that those who drank more coffee had a lower risk of gout. The study followed over 85,000 female nurses for 22 years, and the results showed that for every cup of coffee the women drank, their risk of developing gout went down by 5%.
Another study published in 2018 in the Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology Journal, based on data from the Spanish Follow-up of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement In Europe (SHARE-FIPSE) follow-up cohort, had similar results. This study concluded that “inverse associations between coffee consumption and incident gout were observed.”
The Mechanism Behind the Relationship between Coffee and Gout
These findings have scientists wondering how coffee could have an effect on gout.Research suggests that certain compounds within coffee, such as quinines and chlorogenic acids, may help reduce uric acid levels in the body and increase the body’s ability to remove uric acid. Caffeine may also help the body absorb more of these compounds, which makes the benefits of drinking coffee even more pronounced. Additionally, the diuretic effect of coffee may also contribute to reduced uric acid levels since uric acid is excreted through urine.
Coffee and Gout: The Bottom Line
Though more research needs to be conducted to understand the full extent of the effects of coffee on gout, we can confidently say that moderate consumption of coffee does not increase the risk of gout. In fact, it might actually decrease the risk. Therefore, if you suffer from gout and enjoy drinking coffee, you don’t have to give up your favorite brew. Just make sure to drink it in moderation and seek medical advice if your symptoms worsen or persist.
What Other Beverages Contribute to Gout?
Gout is a condition that can be caused by high levels of uric acid in the body—a condition which can sometimes be triggered by certain foods. Certain types of alcohol, such as beer, red wine, and hard liquors are known to be particularly bad for gout. Sugary drinks, such as sodas and energy drinks, can also increase the risk as they can cause a spike in uric acid levels.
Researchers recommend that those with gout avoid beverages that contain high amounts of purines, such as beers with higher alcohol contents and sweetened sodas. Of course, they also recommend that water is the best option for hydration, as it is calorie-free, sugar-free, and free of all purines. Beyond that, they recommend that moderate amounts of other beverages, such as coffee and tea, can be enjoyed within a healthy diet.
What Other Factors Contribute to Gout?
In addition to diet and lifestyle, there are a few medical risk factors that can contribute to gout. Gout can be caused by genetic factors, medications, and medical conditions. Research suggests that those with a family history of gout are more likely to develop the condition, and people taking medications for antibiotics, chemotherapy, and diuretics are more likely to experience an increase in uric acid levels. Additionally, medical conditions such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes may all increase the risk of gout.
How to Reduce the Risk of Gout
Since there are so many risk factors involved with gout, it can be difficult to know how to reduce the risk. To reduce the risk, it is important to limit or avoid any foods or beverages that are high in purines. This means avoiding or limiting foods that contain a lot of animal protein, such as liver and kidney, as well as certain types of seafood, such as shellfish, herring, and sardines.
Alcoholic beverages are particularly bad for those with gout, and so those with gout should avoid any type of alcohol—including beer, wine, and hard liquors. Additionally, alcohol consumption should be avoided if you are taking medications for gout.
Finally, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce the risk of gout. It’s important to exercise regularly and to maintain a healthy diet. This means eating lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber, and avoiding sugars and simple carbohydrates. Making these lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing the risk of gout.
Alternative Treatments for Gout
For those with gout, there are a number of alternative treatments that have been found to be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with the condition. Acupuncture, herbal remedies, and mind-body therapies, such as yoga, qigong, and tai chi, have all been found to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with gout.
Cold compresses can also be helpful in reducing inflammation, as can taking a warm bath or shower. Additionally, massage therapy can be beneficial in reducing inflammation, as can the use of essential oils, such as ginger, lavender, and rosemary oil. It is important to speak with a health professional prior to trying any alternative treatments to make sure that they are safe and effective for your specific needs.
Prescription Treatments for Gout
For those who are looking for more immediate relief for their gout pain, there are a number of prescription treatments available. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can be taken to reduce the pain and inflammation. Additionally, corticosteroids and Colchicine can be taken to reduce the pain and swelling of gout. However, these medications can have serious side effects, so it is important to speak with your doctor before taking them.
For those with chronic or recurrent gout, there are a number of medications that can be taken to reduce the risk of gout flare-ups. These medications work by preventing the body from producing too much uric acid, and they can be taken as pills or injections. These medications can have serious side effects, so it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Conclusion
There is no clear answer regarding whether or not drinking coffee affects gout. Though many studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption does not increase the risk of gout, some studies suggest that it can reduce the risk. It is important for those with gout to limit their intake of any purines, including alcohol and sugary drinks. Additionally, reducing the risk of gout can involve making other lifestyle changes, such as exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
