Drinking water is good for gout
Drinking More Water Can Help Control Uric Acid! Here's the Optimal Daily Intake
People with high uric acid levels are particularly cautious about their diet, but they often overlook an important factor: drinking water.
Drinking water correctly can be very effective in controlling uric acid levels.
Drinking More Water Promotes Uric Acid Excretion
70% of the uric acid in the human body is excreted through urine.
The more urine produced, the easier it is for uric acid to dissolve and be excreted, which benefits those with hyperuricemia and gout.
If urine output is low, uric acid excretion decreases, making it easier for blood uric acid levels to rise, which can even trigger gout attacks.
Therefore, to excrete more uric acid through urine, you need to drink more water.
More importantly, in most cases, people with high uric acid levels in our country have impaired uric acid excretion rather than excessive uric acid production.
For example, 80%–90% of hyperuricemia cases involve uric acid excretion disorders, making it particularly important to enhance uric acid elimination.
The Ideal Daily Water Intake: 2,000 mL
The normal daily urine output ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 mL, with an average of about 1,500 mL.
For individuals with hyperuricemia and gout, who have higher levels of uric acid in their bodies, it is necessary to produce more urine than normal to excrete additional uric acid, assuming kidney function remains the same.
Additionally, people with hyperuricemia and gout are more prone to urinary tract stones. Drinking sufficient water can help prevent dehydration-related increases in blood uric acid levels.
It is recommended that individuals with hyperuricemia and gout consume more than 2,000 mL of water daily.
Important reminder: Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water!
If you already feel thirsty, your body is likely in a state of dehydration, and concentrated urine is unfavorable for uric acid excretion.
Water should be consumed throughout the day, preferably in small, frequent amounts.
During summer and early autumn, when temperatures are high and sweating is frequent, it is essential to drink more water and hydrate more often than in other seasons.
Drinking some water before bedtime can also help prevent increased blood viscosity at night.
What Type of Water Is Best?
Water suitable for individuals with high uric acid levels must meet two key criteria: no alcohol and no sugar.
The best options are boiled water, mineral water, and purified water with no added ingredients.
Additionally, the following three types of water can also be consumed:
1. Sparkling Water
One of the common clinical treatments for alkalizing urine in hyperuricemia patients is sodium bicarbonate.
While the sparkling water commonly available is also a weak alkaline solution of sodium bicarbonate, its concentration is significantly lower than that of medical treatments, making its effect on urine alkalization minimal. At best, it serves as a mild supplement.
Important note: Ensure that sparkling water does not contain added sweeteners.
2. Tea
Choose light tea, avoiding overly strong brews.
Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of black tea can significantly reduce serum uric acid levels.
3. Coffee
Coffee has diuretic properties and can aid in uric acid excretion, but it should not be too strong.
Studies indicate that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of gout. However, overly strong coffee can increase the burden on the kidneys.
Additionally, avoid adding sugar or coffee creamer. Moderation is key-healthy adults should limit consumption to 3 to 5 cups per day.
Avoid Sugary Beverages
Sugary beverages include fruit juices (both freshly squeezed and packaged), carbonated drinks like cola, and vitamin drinks.
The fructose and high-fructose corn syrup in these beverages can increase uric acid production. Fructose also indirectly raises serum uric acid levels and the risk of gout by promoting insulin resistance.
To maintain healthy uric acid levels, it is best to avoid sugary drinks whenever possible.
Summary
- Individuals with high uric acid levels should drink at least 2,000 mL of water daily.
- Boiled water, mineral water, and purified water are the best choices.
- Sparkling water, tea, and coffee can also be consumed in moderation.
- Avoid sugary drinks to prevent increased uric acid production.