NW Beer and gout

Discussion in 'Northwest' started by mxzebrax, Aug 26, 2020.

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  1. mxzebrax

    mxzebrax Crusader (444) Jun 20, 2015 Oregon
    Trader

    Hi all, been a while since I posted.

    I recently experienced my first ever flareup of gout at the beginning of July, and as we all might now- beer/brewers yeast is a major contributor to gout.

    Possibly to blame; I finally got my kegerator setup in late February!

    What I'm looking for is recommendations on what to put in the kegerator; based on research the most okay-est beer for gout sufferers is something well filtered- but I'll be dammed if I get a keg of Miller Lite!

    I'm located in Astoria and have a keg of 3-Way on tap now, which due to gout, has lasted me way longer then expected. I need recommendations on somewhat accessible beers that are well filtered (or at least not super hazy) to put in the kegerator.

    AND- if there are any fellow gout sufferers in this forum, would love to hear your experiences!
     
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  2. kemoarps

    kemoarps Grand Pooh-Bah (3,256) Apr 30, 2008 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I'm not sure about which beers specifically will be better or worse, but I am also a fellow gout-sufferer. I'm fortunate in that beer doesn't seem to be one of my triggers, but I've certainly learned to avoid most aged cheeses, mushrooms, and MSG (which now that I think about it with your comment about brewers yeast, another MSG analog is 'autolyzed yeast extract' and that has definitely set me off, so maybe I'm not as far away as I would like... but thank god beer itself hasn't actually set me off!).
    My main advice is more in behavioural approaches: I started a journal with my flares to try and identify specific triggers and what has helped (and not helped) to resolve said flares... Hydration, and ice baths have been big ones that have helped. Also resting the joint as much as possible when in-flare.
    Hopefully you're not getting flares too often, and they aren't taking you too far out of commission. Cheers!
     
  3. vurt

    vurt Grand Pooh-Bah (4,504) Apr 11, 2004 Oregon
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Sorry to hear about the gout.

    I just googled "beer and gout," and one of the first search returns was an article here on BA. Seems like a good place to start:

    https://www.beeradvocate.com/articles/10694/drinking-pains-beer-and-gout/

    Key takeaway: "While he found that some beers were surefire triggers to his gout attacks—anything bottle-conditioned, unpasteurized or unfiltered tended to be the biggest offenders, perhaps due to residual yeast—his body seemed to react OK to the Pilsners he discovered when visiting Germany."

    Fortunately, you live in a good place for pilsners. I am not a doctor, but I recommend pFriem Pilsner for fast, fast relief.
     
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  4. Reidrover

    Reidrover Grand Pooh-Bah (4,886) Jan 14, 2003 Oregon
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I used to have bad flare ups . Haven't had one for a year. I never gave up beer. I did give up shellfish, sardines and other such fish, red meat and have been fine no prescription.
    I eat plenty fresh fruits and veggies. Also try to drink 5 Oz's of black cherry juice 4 times a week saw that years ago on a health page..I think it works.
     
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  5. kemoarps

    kemoarps Grand Pooh-Bah (3,256) Apr 30, 2008 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Yeah that's another good suggestion: lots of fresh fruits/veggies and tart cherry help around the edges too.
     
  6. mxzebrax

    mxzebrax Crusader (444) Jun 20, 2015 Oregon
    Trader

    Thanks everyone- I'm on the other side of my first flare up, walking/moving around 95% normally now, but still stiff in by big toe. So, not sure what my triggers are; though my first flare up came after drinking two of the newest craze; smoothie sours, followed by a morning of watching Hamilton with a brunch that included bacon and mimosas.... so basically a gluttonous start to the 4th of July weekend with the worst things for gout- concentrated fructose, beer/alcohol, bacon, etc. Have lost over 15 lb's since the flare up, so there's a bit of an upside. I've WAY cut back my beer consumption which I'm sure is a huge help, and have been extra careful with what I eat. I think the days of hazy IPA in my kegerator are gone!
     
  7. Reidrover

    Reidrover Grand Pooh-Bah (4,886) Jan 14, 2003 Oregon
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    and drink lots of water..I was drinking one beer and one 8 oz water , sort stopped better start again
     
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  8. sloejams

    sloejams Maven (1,417) Oct 8, 2004 Oregon
    Trader

    Gout got me, one day a few years ago. Big toe left foot. It was true misery, or so I thought. I had heard stories that even the light feathery touch of a bed sheet could set inexorably throbbing pain to my life. After my first bout, I brushed that off as exaggeration. That was until the second wave a few months later, big toe right foot. So much worse, so much misery.

    I thought my tasty beer days were dunzo. That was until my doctor prescribed Allopurinol for me. I've been taking it since and have not had any flare ups and no noticeable side effects. I don't want to be crutched with a pill to take everyday, but for now, it's doing the trick. I definitely recommend looking into it if another wave returns.
     
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  9. sloejams

    sloejams Maven (1,417) Oct 8, 2004 Oregon
    Trader

    and yes, drink LOADS of water.
     
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  10. kemoarps

    kemoarps Grand Pooh-Bah (3,256) Apr 30, 2008 Washington
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    This was my big hesitation around starting Allopurinol for the longest time, but after this latest flare, I'm finally on the train. Of note for anyone considering it, however: you've got to be at least two weeks clear of your last flare before starting it, and during the ramp up getting it started flares CAN temporarily be more likely. But it sounds like it delivers as promised once it's settled in and I look forward to not having to look over my shoulder (toe/knee) quite as much!
     
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