Can people with high uric acid levels drink white spirits (baijiu)?
Disease description:
My father has always had the habit of drinking white liquor (Chinese白酒). He has recently been diagnosed with high uric acid levels and is in generally poor health. I would like to ask, can people with high uric acid levels drink white liquor?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Individuals with high uric acid levels should not consume white liquor (baijiu), mainly for the following reasons:
1. **Inhibition of uric acid excretion**: The ethanol in baijiu produces large amounts of acetic acid or lactic acid during metabolism. These acidic substances can inhibit the excretion of uric acid, leading to its accumulation in the body and potentially triggering an acute attack of gouty arthritis.
2. **Increased uric acid production**: The metabolism of ethanol can also indirectly increase uric acid production, further raising blood uric acid levels.
3. **Induction or worsening of disease**: For individuals who already have elevated uric acid levels, drinking baijiu may lead to hyperuricemia and even induce gout. In severe cases, it may cause gout-related kidney damage, eventually progressing to uremia, which poses a risk of life-threatening complications.
