Gout on Your Plate: What this Looks Like and Smarter Food Choices to Reduce Flares
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by raised urate levels (uric acid) leading to crystal formation in and around joints. When the immune system reacts to these crystals, you get the classic sudden, intensely painful flare.
Typical features include:
Rapid onset (often overnight) of severe joint pain
Marked swelling, redness and heat
Extreme tenderness (even a bedsheet can feel unbearable)
Often one joint at first (“monoarthritis”)
Practical Tips for Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Alternate Alcohol With Non-Alcoholic Drinks
You do not need to avoid alcohol completely to reduce its impact.
A simple and effective strategy is to alternate:
One alcoholic drink
One non-alcoholic drink (water, sparkling water, alcohol-free option)
This helps reduce total alcohol intake, improves hydration, and often slows drinking pace without reducing enjoyment.
2. Prioritise Hydration
Aim to start the day with water before coffee or alcohol appears. Keeping a jug of water on the table during meals makes a surprising difference.
Good hydration helps:
Reduce bloating
Support digestion
Reduce headaches
Improve energy levels
Warm drinks such as herbal teas can also be helpful, particularly in the evening.