The term "gout" refers to a pathology of a rheumatic nature, the course of which is accompanied by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint cavity. Clinically, the disease is similar to signs of exacerbation of arthritis. A person is disturbed by pronounced painful sensations. In addition, the affected area swells, there is a feeling of stiffness during motor activity. Many patients are interested in whether alcohol is possible with gout.
Most doctors think it's not worth the risk. But there are also experts who claim that gout and alcohol are compatible. However, when choosing an alcohol-containing drink, there are some nuances to consider. In addition, the dosage must be strictly observed, otherwise the development of consequences that are dangerous not only for he alth, but also for life cannot be avoided.
Gout: mechanism of development and features of pathology
BEvery cell in the human body contains purines. These are compounds that are not only synthesized directly in the body, but also enter it with food. The mechanism of gout development is based on a violation of purine metabolism.
If these compounds are not ingested with food even for a long time, no negative consequences occur. If, on the contrary, they penetrate in excess, the process of their destruction starts. One of the end products of purine breakdown is uric acid.
In certain quantities, the body needs it. Uric acid protects not only from premature aging of tissues, but also from the development of malignant pathologies. If a person is he althy, its excess is freely excreted from the body with the help of the kidneys. Against the background of a violation of purine metabolism, uric acid begins to accumulate in the body in large quantities. As a result, its s alts crystallize and are deposited in the kidneys, joints and other tissues.
The main causes of the development of the disease:
- Hereditary predisposition. As a rule, it manifests itself in the form of fermentopathy. The absence of almost any protein involved in purine metabolism leads to the development of disorders. Most of the enzymes are located on the X chromosome. In other words, the disease is most often diagnosed in men.
- The intake of purines in large quantities. A natural consequence is increased production of uric acid, which the kidneys do not have time to bring out. Foods high in purines: Lamb, pork, veal, broths (both meat and fish), smoked meats, organ meats, animal-derived cooking oils, legumes.
- Slowing down the process of excretion of uric acid. Most often, this condition is a consequence of chronic kidney disease.
- Increased breakdown of purines synthesized by the body. This disruption is often only temporary. But the presence of serious pathologies cannot be ruled out.
Clinical manifestations of gout are very diverse. Symptoms of pathology are described in the table below.
| Stage | What happens in the body | Signs |
| Premorbid | The earliest stage of development. The content of uric acid is slightly increased. There are no signs of kidney or joint damage. |
|
| Intermittent | S alts begin to be deposited in the tubules of the kidneys and joints. Episodes of remission followed by gouty attacks. |
|
| Chronic | The result of the deposition of crystals is the formation of tophi. These are hard bumps, the presence of whichsignificantly impairs the quality of life. | This stage is characterized by all of the above signs. |
So the disease is very serious. If we understand the mechanism of its development, we can conclude that gout and alcohol are incompatible. However, some experts on this issue are not so categorical.
Why doctors do not recommend drinking alcohol for gout
Against the background of alcohol intake, the synthesis of vasopressin (ADH hormone) is suppressed. It is an antidiuretic hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Its main task is to restore and maintain a normal concentration of fluid in the body. In other words, against the background of the active production of vasopressin, the process of activating the kidneys is launched, due to which uric acid is excreted from the body even in excess.
After drinking alcohol-containing drinks, the synthesis of antidiuretic hormone slows down significantly. As a result, the tissues of the body begin to suffer from a lack of fluid. Against the background of dehydration, the volume of circulating liquid connective tissue decreases and its degree of viscosity increases. At the same time, the concentration of uric acid increases sharply. That is why patients who are interested in whether it is possible to drink alcohol with gout, doctors most often give a negative answer.
It is important to understand that every cell in the body suffers from dehydration, including cartilage tissue. The latter loses both firmness and elasticity. Cartilage literally dries up and breaks downfrom any, even minor physical exertion. All this is accompanied by the development of a pronounced inflammatory process and, accordingly, intense pain.
The effect of vodka on the body with gout
Alcohol in any quantity adversely affects he alth. However, vodka does not contain purines, which is why doctors have long considered it a relatively safe alcohol-containing drink. Now experts allow drinking it in an amount of 50 ml, but no more.
In this regard, many patients have a reasonable question about whether it is possible to drink alcohol with gout regularly, but in a minimal dosage. Experts most often answer in the negative. This is due to the negative impact of vodka on the body:
- Against the background of use, general dehydration develops. The synthesis of purines is greatly accelerated. A natural consequence is the rapid deposition in the tissues of uric acid s alts in large quantities. That's why you can't drink alcohol for gout. Cognac has a similar effect.
- Ethyl alcohol is highly toxic. It contributes to the death of pancreatic cells responsible for the synthesis of insulin. That is why people with gout, who are prone to developing diabetes, the disease progresses.
- Against the background of regular use of vodka, the functioning of the kidneys is disrupted. The result is an increase in the concentration of uric acid in the body. This also happens after drinking other strong drinks (for example,whiskey).
It is important to remember that vodka is addictive very quickly, as a result of which its dosage is constantly increased. Thus, gout and alcohol are incompatible if a person quickly develops addiction. If not, doctors consider it acceptable to drink 50 ml of high-quality vodka on important holidays.
Wine for gout
Previously, doctors considered only red varieties dangerous. Experts explained this by the fact that they contain a large amount of purines. White wine was considered a relatively safe drink. Currently, any varieties are banned.
What causes this:
- After drinking wine, the acidity of urine increases significantly. This reduces the solubility of uric acid. It again begins to be deposited in the body, which is a provoking factor in the development of a gouty attack (exacerbation).
- Disturbed liver and kidney function.
- Any wine can also be addictive.
According to the results of recent studies, this alcoholic drink contributes to the occurrence of gout attacks more often than any other alcohol. Despite this, doctors sometimes allow wine to be drunk.
Regarding how to combine gout and alcohol, experts recommend eating wine with fresh herbs. This helps to somewhat reduce the negative impact of the drink on the body. In addition, plant foods increase the alkalinity of urine. Maximum allowabledose - 100 ml. Regarding what kind of alcohol you can drink with gout, it is recommended to give preference to dry white wine. This is the "safest" drink.
Any alcohol with gout on the legs or arms is prohibited during the period of exacerbation. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol-containing drinks even within a month after the end of the gouty attack. This is due to the fact that they distort the effect of medicines and increase the risk of side effects.
The effect of beer on the body
Many patients who are interested in what kind of alcohol can be drunk with gout believe that this drink is definitely not on the list of prohibited ones. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the case.
Beer contains a huge amount of purines (1,810 mg per 100 ml). At the same time, the value of 400 mg per 100 ml is critically dangerous. Obviously, you should never drink beer with gout.
Also, the drink has a pronounced diuretic effect. Against the background of dehydration, blood viscosity increases and the concentration of uric acid increases.
Despite the fact that beer has a small strength, its use threatens to develop the most dangerous consequences that pose a threat not only to he alth, but also to life. It is a mistake to assume that a soft drink is harmless. This beer has the same amount of purines as regular beer.
Acceptable dosage of alcoholic beverages
Regarding how to drink alcohol with gout. You can consume 50-100 ml (depending on the type of drink) 1 time in 2-3month. At the same time, you need to carefully monitor your well-being. In addition, it is important to assess possible risks in a timely manner. If, for example, a small amount of wine drunk caused an attack of gout, it is undesirable to experiment later.
How to choose a relatively safe drink
It is important to remember that any alcohol can provoke an exacerbation. You can reduce the risk of developing a gouty attack by choosing the right drink.
What to look out for:
- Ethyl alcohol content. It should be minimal. In addition, experts advise diluting alcoholic beverages with pure non-carbonated water.
- For the presence of fragrances, preservatives and dyes. They shouldn't be.
- Sugar content. It is recommended to give preference to semi-dry or dry varieties. The less sugar in the drink, the better the kidneys are able to remove uric acid from the body.
- Alcohol must be produced only at the distillery. Drinking even 50 ml of homemade liquor or moonshine leads to gouty attacks and kidney failure.
The course of gout largely depends on the psycho-emotional state of a person. If the patient cannot live without alcohol and suffers because of it, doctors allow him to drink sometimes (not more than once a week), but only in minimal doses.
Possible consequences
Specialists often emphasize that the patient should not be interested inwhat kind of alcohol is possible with gout, and how much its use worsens the course of the disease. Before drinking even a small amount of alcohol-containing liquid, it is recommended to assess the possible risks.
As mentioned above, alcohol increases the concentration of uric acid. What it threatens:
- Tofus are beginning to be multiple. Gradually, they lead to the destruction of bone structures. The pain becomes so severe that the person tries once again not to move the affected limb. Gradually, tophi are formed on the internal organs.
- The affected joint is deformed, which is manifested by pain and stiffness in movements. Over time, other joints are also involved in the pathological process. Soft tissues are often affected.
- Calculation begins to form in the kidneys. This condition is often fatal.
- Changes human behavior. His psycho-emotional state becomes unstable.
- The blood pressure indicator rises, heart failure develops. Ischemic disease is often diagnosed.
According to statistics, death from gout is most often due to heart disease, which is a consequence of the regular use of alcohol.
Doctors' recommendations
If the patient is not able to completely give up alcohol, in order to reduce the risk of complications, it is advisable to follow the following rules:
- 20 minutes beforedrinking alcohol drink 30 ml of vegetable or pre-melted butter.
- Be sure to eat hot meals.
- After the feast, drink 300 ml of mineral alkaline water.
- Don't take medication on this day.
Experts also recommend asking your doctor in advance what kind of alcohol you can drink with gout. The doctor must take into account not only the severity of the existing pathology, but also the presence of other concomitant ailments.
In conclusion
Many patients are interested in what kind of alcohol can be used for gout. Experts in this matter are categorical and do not advise drinking alcohol-containing drinks at all. However, if a person suffers from this prohibition, doctors sometimes allow you to drink high-quality alcohol, but in small quantities.
