Description

Not drinking enough water can lead to a higher concentration of uric acid in the blood, increasing the risk of gout attacks. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining optimal kidney function, which is responsible for filtering and excreting uric acid from the body. When dehydrated, the body conserves water, resulting in more concentrated urine and reduced uric acid excretion. Additionally, dehydration can increase the production of stress hormones, which may indirectly affect uric acid levels. A study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that adequate water intake was associated with a lower risk of recurrent gout attacks, highlighting the importance of staying well-hydrated for gout management [1]. References: [1] Neogi, T., Chen, C., Niu, J., Chaisson, C., Hunter, D. J., & Zhang, Y. (2014). Alcohol quantity and type on risk of recurrent gout attacks: An internet-based case-crossover study. The American Journal of Medicine, 127(4), 311-318.