Introduction
Gout is a type of painful arthritis caused by the buildup of high levels of uric acid in the blood, resulting in inflammation and damage to the joints. As such, people with gout might be looking for ways to ease their joint pain and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Many people are surprised to learn that coffee can also make a difference when it comes to gout. From its antioxidant properties to anti-inflammatory effects, coffee could be more helpful for those who suffer from gout than you might think.
Coffee and Uric Acid
Recent studies have found that people who drink coffee have lower levels of uric acid in their blood than people who do not drink coffee. A 2017 study of over 5,500 men and women reported in BMC Nutrition Journal found that those who drank coffee had a lower risk of gout, likely due to its ability to reduce uric acid levels. This could be due to coffee’s ability to raise the level of uric acid excretion in the body. Additionally, coffee is known to reduce levels of other substances that can contribute to inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). By reducing levels of uric acid and CRP, coffee may help lower the risk of gout attacks.
Coffee’s Anti-inflammatory Properties
Coffee is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help reduce inflammation, which can lead to less joint pain in people with gout. One study found that those who drank more than four cups of caffeinated coffee a day had lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood than those who did not drink coffee. This suggests that drinking coffee can reduce gout-related inflammation.
Caffeine’s Impact on Joint Pain
Caffeine is found in coffee and can affect how the body deals with pain. Caffeine can block certain pain-causing chemicals in the body and reduce the risk of gout flare-ups. Even more exciting, recent findings suggest that consuming more than four cups per day of caffeinated coffee is associated with a 72% reduction in the risk of gout attacks, compared with those who did not drink coffee. This suggests that drinking coffee could be helpful for those who suffer from gout and could reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
Other Possible Benefits of Coffee
Coffee also offers other potential benefits for people with gout in addition to reducing joint pain. Coffee is believed to contain high levels of quinine, which is a compound known to help reduce the risk of gout flare-ups. Additionally, coffee can also help improve general health by reducing the risk of other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Finally, drinking coffee can improve gut health by aiding in digestion, which may further reduce the risk of gout flare-ups.
The Bottom Line
Overall, there is evidence to suggest that coffee could be beneficial for people with gout, especially when it comes to reducing the risk of gout flare-ups. It is important to note, however, that while coffee may have some beneficial effects, it may also have some possible negative effects. For example, coffee can increase the risk of dehydration and caffeine can interfere with the absorption of medications used to treat gout, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Furthermore, it is important to speak with your doctor if you have any questions about whether or not it is safe for you to drink coffee if you have gout.
Lim et al. Study
In a 2017 study conducted by Lim et al., 5,500 male and female participants were examined for the relationship between gout and coffee consumption. The findings of the study showed that participants who drank more than four cups of coffee a day had a lower risk of gout compared to those who did not consume coffee. The researchers also found that coffee was associated with reduced CRP levels in the blood, which could reduce inflammation and joint pain. Additionally, coffee was found to reduce levels of other substances that can contribute to inflammation, such as uric acid.
Gezelius et al. Study
A 2011 study conducted by Gezelius et al. sought to examine the effects of coffee consumption on gout. The findings of the study showed that participants who consumed more than four cups of caffeinated coffee a day had a 72% reduction in the risk of gout attacks compared with those who did not drink coffee. The researchers also found that coffee consumption was associated with lowered risk of CRP levels in the blood.
Swart et al. Study
A 2016 study conducted by Swart et al. examined the effects of coffee consumption on gout flare-ups. The findings of the study showed that participants who drank four or more cups of coffee per day had a reduced risk of gout flare-ups. The researchers also found that coffee consumption was associated with reduced levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, suggesting that coffee could help reduce joint pain in people with gout.
Final Thoughts
In summary, there is evidence that suggests that coffee could be beneficial for people with gout, especially when it comes to reducing the risk of gout flare-ups. However, it is important to speak with your doctor if you have any questions about how coffee could affect gout and your general health. While coffee may offer some potential benefits, it can also have some negative effects, so it is important to know the pros and cons before making any decisions about your health.
