Medication to lower uric acid must be maintained, and lifestyle adjustments are lifelong. While avoiding high-purine foods is common knowledge, limiting soft drinks and fructose is equally important.

Can gout patients drink beverages? How should they choose?

Whether a beverage is suitable depends on its ingredients and concentration. Sweet drinks (juices, cola, Sprite) are often overlooked as gout triggers, but research shows they double the risk due to their high fructose content. Natural sugars like fructose rapidly metabolize, increasing uric acid levels.

A case in Taiwan involved a middle school boy who drank sweet beverages excessively, leading to gout attacks. Without a family history, his condition was linked to fructose metabolism elevating uric acid.

Are fresh fruit juices a better alternative?

Avoid high-fructose juices like sugarcane or mango, but low-fructose options like watermelon juice (4.2%) are acceptable. Vegetable juices (e.g., cucumber, celery) are alkaline and low in sugar/fat, making them a healthier choice.

Can gout patients drink tea or coffee?

Limit to 1-2 cups daily. Timing matters:

(1) Best consumed in the morning to avoid sleep disruption, which may trigger gout.

(2) Drink 1 hour after meals to prevent tannins from inhibiting iron/protein absorption. Avoid combining tea and coffee to prevent overstimulation.

Choose mild tea over strong tea, as the latter may cause insomnia or high blood pressure, worsening gout. Benefits of mild tea:

(1) Contains theophylline and caffeine, metabolized into soluble methylurate, which doesn’t form gout stones.

(2) Its mild alkalinity aids urate excretion. Similarly, mild coffee may suppress uric acid synthesis enzymes, reducing levels.