What drinks can I have with gout? A comprehensive guide

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Arthritis Foundation, gout affects millions of Americans and is caused by a buildup of uric acid. For those suffering from this painful condition, what drinks can I have with gout is a critical question, as beverage choices can significantly influence uric acid levels and the risk of flare-ups.

Quick Summary

This guide details which drinks are beneficial for gout management, focusing on hydration, natural juices, and other safe options. It also identifies which beverages to limit or avoid, such as alcohol and sugary drinks, to help control uric acid levels and prevent gout attacks.

Key Points

Prioritize Water: Drink 8-16 cups of water daily to help kidneys flush out excess uric acid and stay hydrated.
Choose Tart Cherry Juice: Unsweetened tart cherry juice contains anti-inflammatory anthocyanins that may lower uric acid and reduce flare-up frequency.
Moderate Coffee Intake: Regular, moderate consumption of coffee (1-3 cups) may reduce uric acid levels, but avoid excessive amounts or added sugars.
Limit Sugary Drinks: High-fructose beverages like sodas and most fruit juices can increase uric acid levels and should be avoided.
Restrict Alcohol: Beer and spirits are particularly harmful for gout patients; limit or avoid all alcohol to prevent uric acid spikes and dehydration.
Incorporate Low-Fat Dairy: Skim milk and low-fat dairy contain proteins that aid in the excretion of uric acid.
Consult a Doctor: Diet is a complementary strategy, not a replacement for professional medical treatment and prescribed medication for gout.

The crucial role of hydration in gout management

Proper hydration is the cornerstone of a gout-friendly diet. Drinking sufficient fluids helps your kidneys flush out excess uric acid from the body, preventing the formation of painful urate crystals in your joints. Water is the best choice for hydration, and for those with gout, aiming for 8-16 cups per day is recommended. Infusing water with flavors from lemon, cucumber, or mint can make it more palatable and encourage consistent intake. Consistent hydration is especially important to prevent flare-ups, as dehydration can concentrate uric acid and trigger an attack.

Beneficial beverages for gout patients

Several other drinks offer anti-inflammatory or uric-acid-lowering properties that can complement a healthy diet for gout management.

Tart Cherry Juice: Numerous studies have investigated the link between cherries and reduced gout attacks. The anthocyanins in tart cherries provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that may help lower uric acid levels. Opt for unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars, which can have an adverse effect.
Coffee: Moderate coffee consumption (1-3 cups daily) has been associated with lower uric acid levels and a reduced risk of gout attacks. The benefits come from compounds in coffee that slow the breakdown of purine and speed up its excretion, but the effects are only seen with regular, moderate intake, not excessive amounts.
Low-Fat Dairy Products: Skim milk and low-fat dairy have been shown to help lower uric acid levels. These products contain certain proteins that support the body's ability to excrete uric acid. For those who are lactose intolerant, fortified plant-based milk alternatives are a suitable option.
Herbal Teas: Green tea and other herbal teas, like nettle tea, can offer anti-inflammatory effects and may assist in uric acid excretion. Always check for potential interactions with your medications before starting new herbal supplements or teas.

Beverages to limit or avoid with gout

Just as some drinks can help, others can actively worsen gout symptoms by increasing uric acid or inflammation. Limiting or avoiding these is crucial for effective management.

Sugary Drinks: Sodas, sweetened fruit juices, and other sugar-sweetened beverages are loaded with fructose, which can significantly raise uric acid levels. Unlike whole fruits, which contain fiber, juices concentrate fructose, making them particularly problematic.
Alcohol: Beer and distilled liquors are strongly linked with a higher risk of gout attacks. Alcohol not only contains purines but also interferes with the kidneys' ability to excrete uric acid. While red wine is generally considered less harmful, moderate intake of any alcohol can pose a risk, and it's best to limit or avoid it, especially during a flare-up.
Excessive Caffeine: While moderate coffee has benefits, overconsumption of caffeine can have the opposite effect and potentially trigger gout symptoms. Energy drinks are also high in both sugar and caffeine, making them a double risk.
Certain Fruit Juices: While tart cherry juice is beneficial, many common fruit juices are high in fructose, which can elevate uric acid levels. Sticking to whole fruits for fiber and nutrients is a safer bet.

Comparison of gout-friendly and restricted drinks


Drink Type	Gout-Friendly?	Primary Benefit / Risk Factor	Notes
Water	Yes	Flushes uric acid	Aim for 8-16 glasses daily.
Tart Cherry Juice	Yes	Anti-inflammatory, lowers uric acid	Choose unsweetened varieties.
Black Coffee	Yes (in moderation)	Lowers uric acid production	Limit to 1-3 cups daily; avoid excessive sugar.
Low-Fat Milk	Yes	Aids uric acid excretion	Opt for nonfat or low-fat options.
Herbal Tea	Yes	Anti-inflammatory, promotes excretion	Green and nettle tea are good choices.
Sugary Sodas	No	High fructose increases uric acid	Avoid completely; promotes inflammation.
Beer & Spirits	No	High in purines, inhibits excretion	Avoid, especially during flare-ups.
Fruit Juices (High Fructose)	Limit/No	Concentrated fructose raises uric acid	Stick to whole fruit for fiber.
Energy Drinks	No	High sugar and caffeine	Double risk factor for gout patients.

Conclusion

Making conscious beverage choices is a powerful and proactive step in managing gout. By prioritizing hydration with water, incorporating beneficial options like unsweetened tart cherry juice, moderate coffee, and low-fat dairy, and strictly limiting or avoiding sugary drinks and alcohol, individuals can significantly impact their uric acid levels and reduce the frequency and severity of painful flare-ups. While a low-purine diet is not a cure, these lifestyle adjustments, combined with professional medical guidance, can lead to a substantial improvement in the quality of life for those living with gout. Remember to consult a healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan that may also include medication, as diet alone is often insufficient for comprehensive management. For further reading on dietary management, the National Kidney Foundation is an authoritative resource.

More lifestyle changes for gout

Besides diet, maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise can help reduce the frequency of gout attacks and lower stress on joints. Consistent exercise can improve overall health and complement the benefits of a gout-friendly diet. Weight loss, even a modest amount, has been shown to lower uric acid levels and decrease the risk of flare-ups.

Supplements and vitamin C

Some research suggests that a vitamin C supplement may help lower uric acid levels. It is important to discuss any supplements with a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific health needs.

Importance of medical guidance

While dietary changes are helpful, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Your doctor or rheumatologist can help you create a personalized treatment plan that may include medication to control uric acid levels, which is often necessary for long-term gout management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking plenty of water (8-16 cups daily) is highly effective for managing gout. It helps flush out excess uric acid through the kidneys, reducing the concentration that can lead to crystal formation and flare-ups.

Yes, moderate coffee intake (1-3 cups daily) has been linked to a lower risk of gout and reduced uric acid levels. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and avoid excessive added sugars or creams.

Beer and spirits are generally considered the worst for gout. They contain high purine content and alcohol interferes with uric acid excretion by the kidneys, increasing the risk of painful attacks.

Studies have shown that cherry juice, especially tart cherry juice, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties from anthocyanins. Many people with gout report fewer flare-ups with regular, unsweetened consumption, though it should not replace medication.

Not all, but many fruit juices are high in fructose, which can raise uric acid levels. It's best to limit most fruit juices and stick to whole fruit for its fiber content. Unsweetened tart cherry juice is a notable exception.

Low-fat or nonfat dairy products, like skim milk, are beneficial for gout. Research suggests that certain proteins in milk can help your body clear uric acid. Fortified plant-based alternatives are also an option.

To enhance the flavor of water, consider infusing it with slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint. This encourages consistent hydration and can help with uric acid excretion.

No, you don't need to avoid all caffeine. Moderate coffee intake is generally considered safe and potentially beneficial. However, excessive caffeine, especially from energy drinks with high sugar, should be limited.