Can drinking too much soda cause gout?

Drinking too much soda or other sugar-sweetened beverages has been linked to an increased risk of gout. This is because the fructose in soda can raise uric acid levels in the blood. Uric acid is a natural waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines, which are found in some foods. When uric acid levels are too high, it can crystallize and form deposits in the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Gout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, often the big toe.

Several studies have found an association between soda consumption and gout. For example, a 2010 study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology found that men who drank two or more sodas per day had a 2.4 times higher risk of gout than men who drank less than one soda per week. Another study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine in 2014, found that women who drank two or more sodas per day had a 1.5 times higher risk of gout than women who drank less than one soda per week.

The link between soda and gout is thought to be due to the high fructose content of soda. Fructose is a type of sugar that is found in fruits, honey, and high-fructose corn syrup, which is used as a sweetener in many sodas and other processed foods. Fructose is metabolized differently than other types of sugar, and it can lead to an increase in uric acid levels.

In addition to soda, other foods that are high in purines and can increase the risk of gout include:

* Red meat

* Organ meats

* Seafood

* Beer

* Certain types of alcohol

If you are at risk for gout, it is important to limit your intake of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages. You should also talk to your doctor about other ways to reduce your risk of gout.