Description

Adequate hydration plays a crucial role in gout management by helping to flush out uric acid from the body and reducing the risk of urate crystal formation. A prospective study by Choi et al. (2010) found that higher water intake was associated with a lower risk of recurrent gout attacks. The study showed that consuming 5-8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily was associated with a 40% lower recurrence risk compared to those consuming only 1 glass or less. Another study by Neogi et al. (2014) demonstrated that adequate fluid intake could reduce the risk of recurrent gout flares, particularly when combined with other lifestyle modifications. The mechanism behind this effect was further elucidated in a review by Fam (2002), which explained how increased urine output helps to excrete uric acid and prevent urate crystal formation. While the optimal amount of fluid intake may vary depending on individual factors, the ACR guidelines (Khanna et al., 2012) recommend that gout patients stay well-hydrated, aiming for pale or clear urine.