Alcohol is a major risk factor for gout. The relationship between alcohol and gout has been known for generations. In particular, red wine has been linked for years with goat attacks. We now know that is because of the purines.
The relationship between alcohol and gout is generally one of cause and effect. However, there have been a general view from time to time that one type of alcohol may not be as bad for gout as another. The truth is that all alcohol should be avoided by gout sufferers.
The other factor that clouded the general perception of the relationship between alcohol and gout has been the changing view of the benefits of certain types of alcohol.
As with everything in life, what we perceive as being good or bad is subject to fashions in thinking that ebb and flow over time.
With red wine, there has been a swing in general opinions with some proposing that it is in the ‘good’ food camp due to the antioxidants it contains. The antioxidant story may be accurate but you have to weigh things up. If you are suffering from goat, the benefits you will obtain from the antioxidants in red wine will be far outweighed by the effects of the high purine levels it has.
Wine can also raise insulin levels, which is a risk factor for development of diabetes.
Switching from drinking red wine to other alcoholic beverages won’t help the fight against goat. For instance, some beers may have a lower alcohol level than red wine but can have a greater impact on gout.
It is highly recommended that gout sufferers avoid all types of alcohol.