Can I drink white liquor (baijiu) after recovering from gout?
Disease description:
My grandfather has always had the habit of drinking white liquor (baijiu). After being diagnosed with gout during a recent checkup, he has completely stopped drinking. I would like to ask, is it okay for someone with gout to consume a small amount of white liquor?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Patients who have recovered from gout should not drink white liquor (Chinese白酒), primarily for the following reasons:
1. **Effect on uric acid levels**: White liquor contains a high alcohol content. During metabolism in the body, alcohol produces lactic acid, which can inhibit the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys, leading to elevated levels of uric acid in the body. Increased uric acid levels are a significant risk factor for gout recurrence.
2. **Negative health impacts**: In addition to affecting uric acid levels, white liquor may have other adverse effects on the health of gout patients. For example, alcohol can irritate joints and tissues, causing pain and inflammation. It may also lead to gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can worsen gout symptoms or trigger other health problems.
3. **Potential risk of recurrence**: Even if gout symptoms have subsided, patients may still have abnormal uric acid metabolism. At this stage, consuming white liquor may trigger a recurrence of gout due to alcohol's aforementioned effects.
