After weeks of merriment and celebrations, we’re finally nearing the end of the year. And as the New Year approaches, many of us will be considering how to make up for this period of excess. Many will flock to the gyms while others will be motivated to cut back on the alcohol for Dry January. But could Dry January help to lower your risk of a gout flare-up?
What is Dry January?
Dry January is a global health campaign that aims to help people reduce their alcohol intake throughout the month (and hopefully beyond!). The first Dry January initiative was started in the UK in 2013, and a growing number of people have taken part year after year. It is estimated that around 8 million people participated to some extent in 2024 alone!
What are the health benefits of reducing your alcohol intake?
Alcohol consumption has become a pretty normal part of our lives. Whether heading to the pub to catch up with friends, enjoying a glass of wine in front of the TV, or the occasional big night on the town. However, it is important to recognise the harms of drinking too much alcohol.
The fact is, that alcohol consumption has been linked to a wide range of health risks, including the development of heart disease, kidney disease, and some cancers. Moreover, drinking alcohol excessively can have a serious impact on our mood, sleep, and mental health. So, keeping an eye on how much we’re drinking can only be a good thing.
Studies have shown that periods of abstinence from alcohol can be beneficial for lowering blood pressure, losing weight, and improving liver health. It can also have short-term benefits such as improving our energy levels and lowering anxiety. And of course, fewer trips to the pub also means more money in our pockets - an important consideration amid a cost-of-living crisis.
But how could cutting back on alcohol help to prevent gout attacks?
Alcohol and Gout
If you’re one of the millions of people who live with gout, you’re probably aware of some of the foods that can increase your risk of suffering a flare-up. For example, your doctor will likely have advised you to avoid eating red meats, organ meats, and some types of seafood in excess. Moreover, you will probably also know that alcohol can contribute to gout attacks. But why is this?
Well, first of all, alcohol contains purines - natural compounds that, when broken down in the body, lead to an increase in uric acid. Over time, this uric acid can begin to form crystals in some joints (particularly in the feet). Alcohol can also reduce your kidneys’ ability to eliminate this excess uric acid, further contributing to heightened blood uric acid levels. Finally, alcohol can cause dehydration - a significant risk factor in the development of gout.
Dry January for Gout Prevention
As you can tell from the previous section, taking a break from alcohol (or simply reducing your intake) is sure to have a positive effect on your risk of gout attacks. Past research has found that your risk of gout increases as your alcohol consumption rises, so making even a small effort to cut back on beer, wine, and spirits could hold significant benefits for reducing this risk.
The festive period has likely been a time of excess and indulgence. So, perhaps as we approach the New Year, taking part in Dry January could not only benefit your short-term health but also your risk of experiencing painful gout attacks. Cutting back on your alcohol intake, alongside eating a gout-friendly diet, and taking regular uric acid support supplements could all be significant steps to improving your health in the New Year.
