So far, summer has been nothing short of a washout for many of us nationwide. With heavy rainfall and erratic temperatures, many of us have been left wanting for sunny skies - but could this be a good thing for those unfortunate enough to suffer from gout?
As any gout sufferer will attest to, many things can impact the likelihood of having a flare-up, but could hot weather be one of them? In other words, is warm weather bad for gout? Let’s take a look at the evidence!
What is Gout?
Gout is a relatively common condition that causes periods of intense pain and other symptoms in affected joints. It is a form of inflammatory arthritis that, while it can occur at any age, most commonly affects men and women aged 40 and over.
It is caused by excess uric acid in the blood - a problem that, over time, can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals in certain joints. These pesky crystals are the source of many gout symptoms, including the often debilitating pain associated with the condition.
Throughout history, gout has been associated with diet, thanks to its association with those fortunate enough to access rich foods and drinks. While diet is still believed to contribute significantly towards gout and its symptoms, other factors have also been found to trigger flare-ups, including environmental changes.
Gout - A Fair Weather Problem?
There is some evidence to suggest that temperature could play a role in the risk of experiencing a gout attack. For example, a 2014 study assessed responses from 632 subjects with a diagnosis of gout. They found that there was a significant dose-dependent relationship between average temperature in the prior 48 hours and the risk of a subsequent gout attack!
The researchers noted that a combination of high temperature and low humidity had the greatest effect compared with moderate temperature and relative humidity. This led the researchers to conclude that “high ambient temperature and possibly extremes of humidity were associated with an increased risk of gout attack, despite the likelihood that individuals are often in climate-controlled indoor environments.”
But why might this be the case?
Well, some experts suggest that the increased risk of suffering a gout attack in higher temperatures may be, at least partially, linked to dehydration. After all, heightened temperatures often mean we lose more fluids by sweating, making it important to replace this lost fluid by drinking more water. But what does this have to do with gout?
High Temperatures, Dehydration and Gout
As we covered in our recent article, ‘Staying hydrated: Is Still or Sparkling Water Better for Gout?’, staying hydrated is extremely important in preventing gout attacks. So much so that it will likely be one of the first things your doctor mentions after diagnosing the condition.
The authors of the aforementioned study suggest that high humidity may also contribute to dehydration by making the body’s thermoregulation (of which sweating is an important part) less effective, leading to increased body temperature. Whichever way temperature and humidity affect us, being properly hydrated (with water, not beer!) can help your body flush out excess uric acid, potentially reducing the risk of gout flare-ups.
Conclusions
Many of us are understandably disappointed with the summer so far, but the relatively cool temperatures may not be such a bad thing for those living with gout. Of course, should the sun finally come out for an extended period this summer, there are things you can do to help lower your risk of a gout attack. Staying hydrated, eating a gout-friendly diet, and taking regular supplements can be extremely helpful - even in high temperatures!
