Regular alcohol consumption increases intracellular metabolism, forcing your cells to work harder. As a result of having to regenerate around the clock, cartilage cells wear out quickly.
In the presence of alcohol, our immune system’s protective functions are weakened. This can cause significant inflammation in the body and joints.
Alcohol inhibits kidney function and stimulates the liver’s toxin removal process. As a result of the increased stress on these vital organs, toxins and uric acid can accumulate.
Alcohol depletes potassium, which can lead to fluid accumulation in the body, including the joints. This fluid can cause pressure and, as a result, pain.
I came across an internet-based case-crossover study on the effects of alcohol quantity and type and the risk of recurrent gout attacks
The objective of the study was to analyze the effect of alcohol quantity and type on the risk of recurrent gout attacks. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991555/ which has some interesting insights –
They conducted a prospective internet-based case-crossover study of gout patients who had at least one attack during the one-year follow-up period. They then looked at the relationship between alcohol consumption in the previous 24 hours and the type of alcoholic beverage and the risk of recurrent gout attacks, while controlling for potential time-varying confounders.
The result of the study which included 724 gout patients (78 percent men, mean age 54 years) found that the amount of alcohol consumed and the risk of recurrent gout attacks had a significant dose-response relationship (p0.001 for trend). When compared to no alcohol consumption in the previous 24 hours, the risk of recurrent gout attack was 1.36 (95 percent CI: 1.00 to 1.88) and 1.51 (95 percent CI: 1.09 to 2.09) times higher for >1 – 2 and >2 – 4 alcoholic beverages, respectively. Consumption of wine, beer, or liquor was linked to an increased risk of gout attack.
The Conclusion was that episodic alcohol consumption, regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage consumed, was linked to an increased risk of recurrent gout attacks, including potentially moderate amounts. To reduce the risk of recurrent gout attacks, people with gout should limit their alcohol consumption in general.
