How much water should gout patients drink daily? (Recommended: 2000–3000 ml; drink more plain water)

For friends with gout, drinking plenty of water is truly the simplest and cheapest "uric acid-lowering method." Doctors usually recommend drinking 2000-3000 milliliters daily.

This amount might sound like a lot, but it becomes clear when you break it down. A common bottle of mineral water on the market is about 500 milliliters, meaning you need to drink 4 to 6 bottles a day.

Why drink so much water?

You can think of it this way: the uric acid in our bodies is like silt in a river. If there's less water and the riverbed is narrow, the silt easily accumulates, blocking "bends" like joints, forming crystals, and then triggering severe pain. Drinking more water is like increasing the water volume in the river. With a stronger current, this "silt" (uric acid) can be flushed away and expelled through urine. This prevents uric acid levels from rising easily and reduces the likelihood of gout attacks.

How and what kind of water to drink?

Plain boiled water is the top choice: It's the best option, with no burden. Light tea and unsweetened soda water are also acceptable.
Absolutely avoid sugary drinks: Especially beverages high in fructose, milk tea, fruit juice, etc., as they will cause your body to produce more uric acid, essentially adding fuel to the fire. Alcohol, especially beer, is an even bigger taboo.
Drink slowly in small sips: Don't wait until you're thirsty to gulp it down. It's best to keep a water bottle nearby and take sips throughout the day. You can drink a glass in the morning, two or three glasses each in the morning and afternoon, and a small amount before going to bed. This steady replenishment of water throughout the day is most effective for excreting uric acid.

Initially, you might find yourself needing to use the restroom frequently, which can be a bit inconvenient. However, if you stick with it and form a habit, you'll find that the frequency of attacks genuinely decreases, and you'll feel much more comfortable.

However, a reminder: if you have severe kidney disease or heart failure, you must follow your doctor's professional guidance regarding water intake and should not blindly drink excessive amounts.