We reviewed lifestyle factors that influence serum
uric acid levels and risk of
gout flare, and how to improve their deleterious effects. Since
obesity increases
uric acid and
weight gain increases
gout risk,
weight reduction by daily exercise and limiting intake of excess calories is recommended. However, strenuous exercise, which causes
adenine nucleotide degradation;
starvation, which decreases
uric acid excretion; and
dehydration may raise the level of
uric acid in serum and trigger
gout. Increased intake of
purine-rich foods, such as meat and seafood, raise the level of
uric acid in serum and is associated with increased risk of
gout, whereas dairy products, especially low-fat types, are associated with a lower risk of
gout. Also, heavy alcohol drinking raises the
uric acid level and increases the risk of
gout through
adenine nucleotide degradation and
lactate production. Sweet fruits and soft drinks containing
fructose should be moderated, since
fructose may raise
uric acid and increase
gout risk through
uric acid production and/or decreased excretion. On the other hand, the
Mediterranean diet is recommended for
gout patients, since it may also help prevent
hyperuricemia. Furthermore,
coffee and
vitamin C supplementation could be considered as preventive measures, as those can lower serum
uric acid levels as well as the risk of
gout.