Over 10 years ago, I was at the end of my rope trying to deal with gout attacks that had become frequent and severe.

I was taking prescriptions, but still having attacks at least twice a month. I also developed gouty tophi and required operations. I was miserable.

But just when I was ready to give up hope that anything could relieve my gout, I came across some intriguing information about diet.

I’ve been following this gout diet for over a decade now, and it has allowed me to live free of gout attacks ever since!

In this quick guide, I will cover everything you need to know about coffee and gout.

Here is everything you need to know about Coffee and gout

Just like your morning cup of coffee, this information is a real eye-opener — coffee can be good for gout!

But there are two sides to this story. Numerous scientific studies have shown that:

  • People who consume coffee on a consistent basis as part of their gout diet have fewer gout attacks; BUT
  • People who drink coffee intermittently have more gout attacks.

Several large studies about gout and coffee in both men and women have consistently shown that drinking coffee daily significantly decreases the frequency of gout attacks.

Studies have also demonstrated that occasional coffee drinking can initiate a gouty flare. Now we begin to understand how both reports are valid.

The regular consumption of coffee provides enough “uric acid building blocks” consistently over time to initiate the feedback loop that inhibits production and increases excretion of uric acid.

However, the occasional ingestion of coffee provides enough “uric acid building blocks” to increase uric acid levels resulting in attacks, without being consistent enough to allow the feedback mechanism to occur.

It’s Not All About the Caffeine

Decaffeinated coffee was shown to have similar, but not as pronounced effects as caffeinated coffee . . . implicating the role of other xanthines not removed in the decaffeination process.

So when it comes to gout and coffee, if you are lucky enough to be one of the 4% of adult Americans with gout and you enjoy coffee, enjoy it regularly!

Science shows trying to limit consumption to intermittent use will cause more painful episodes than enjoying coffee every day.

What type of coffee should you drink?

The type of coffee you drink matters. As always, you want to avoid toxins, so buy only organic coffee.

 + Bottom Line: Drink the same amount of coffee every single day, and your gout will be better-behaved. Just drinking an occasional cup of coffee is asking for trouble!

Thank you!!!! Not a single gout attack since following your advice!!!!!!! I would never have believed it, Bert!!!! Thank God for you!!!! ~ Chuck

. . .

Eating a “gout-killing” diet is not as straight-forward as you might think.  If you are interested in the complete guide on food choices to help manage gout, check out my book What to Eat for Gout.