Can people with hyperuricemia drink alcohol?

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 03, 2024
00:00
00:00

Patients with hyperuricemia are advised to avoid drinking alcohol. Especially liquors such as baijiu and beer, which have high purine content, are contraindicated for patients with hyperuricemia. Furthermore, if hyperuricemia is diagnosed with high levels of uric acid, one should abstain from alcohol, and also pay attention to diet by avoiding foods high in purines to prevent complications such as gouty arthritis and gouty kidney.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
47sec home-news-image

How is hyperuricemia caused?

Hyperuricemia is mostly asymptomatic, meaning there are no uncomfortable symptoms. It is usually discovered during physical examinations or blood tests when the uric acid level is found to be elevated, around 420, which is considered hyperuricemia. What causes it? It is mainly caused by poor lifestyle habits, such as long periods of drinking alcohol, excessive intake of animal organs, seafood, barbecue, and too much protein intake. Additionally, some people may develop high uric acid levels due to prolonged use of diuretics. When hyperuricemia occurs, it is essential to change lifestyle habits, but at this time, no special medication treatment is needed.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
59sec home-news-image

What should be noted for hyperuricemia?

Firstly, hyperuricemia is just found during routine physical examinations or blood tests, showing an increase in blood uric acid levels without the occurrence of gout attacks, meaning there are no symptoms of joint pain. At this time, there is no need for special medication, which means uric acid-lowering drugs are not required. However, you need to be cautious and change your lifestyle habits. For example, abstaining from alcohol, controlling the intake of animal organs, seafood, and barbecued foods. Additionally, drinking more water is necessary, and for overweight individuals, controlling weight and losing weight are important considerations. Also, you should avoid intense physical activities as they can trigger gout attacks, but this doesn't mean no exercise at all; slow walking and swimming are fine.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
54sec home-news-image

Treatment of Hyperuricemia with Medication

The treatment of hyperuricemia primarily involves dietary control, focusing on low-purine foods, increasing water intake, and maintaining regular exercise. Additionally, alkalizing the urine using sodium bicarbonate to keep the urine pH between 6.2 and 6.9 can help facilitate the excretion of uric acid. It's also important to avoid medications that can increase uric acid levels. For reducing uric acid, treatments mainly include probenecid, which can increase the excretion of uric acid, and febuxostat, an alternative to allopurinol, though side effects of these medications should be noted. Therefore, it is advised for patients with hyperuricemia to consult a doctor at a reputable hospital before taking any medications.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
29sec home-news-image

Hyperuricemia standards

The diagnostic criteria for hyperuricemia specify that under normal purine diet conditions, if the fasting serum uric acid level on non-consecutive days exceeds 420 micromoles/liter for males and 360 micromoles/liter for females, hyperuricemia can be diagnosed. Hyperuricemia is typically classified into primary hyperuricemia and secondary hyperuricemia, with most patients showing no clear clinical symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
49sec home-news-image

What should be avoided with hyperuricemia?

Foods to avoid for hyperuricemia include those high in purines. Here is a list of foods that are high in purines: 1. Seafood, such as some shellfish, shrimp, crab, and certain fishes. 2. Broths that have been simmered for a long time, as they tend to contain higher levels of purines. 3. Certain mushrooms should be consumed less, such as shiitake and straw mushrooms. 4. Animal organs should be avoided as much as possible. 5. Alcohol, especially strong spirits and beer, should be avoided; instead, it's important to drink plenty of water, ensuring to consume 1500 to 2000 milliliters daily.