Is Alkaline Water Good for Gout? The Proof You Need to See

Last updated Nov 29, 2021

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Is alkaline water good for gout? Could it be the perfect natural remedy for gout you’ve been looking for?

I’m not here to sell you a cure, I’m here to show you scientific evidence suggesting that alkaline water is one of the best natural remedies for gout because of its ability to act as a uric acid reducer.

Since you’re suffering – or know a loved one who’s suffering – and seeking gout pain relief, I’m glad you’re here. Unlike other sites that simply state “facts,” I’ve put in the research to find scientific studies that show promising results for gout sufferers.

A long-term elevated uric acid level wreaks havoc on the body, causing gout attacks and arthritis flare-ups.

The best way to avoid these attacks is to reduce uric acid naturally by raising the pH of your urine.

First, let’s answer the main question.

Is alkaline water good for gout?

Are alkaline water benefits for gout the real deal? Well, the answer is simpler than you might have thought.

A scientific study found that uric acid and urine pH have a linear relationship.

When the pH of your urine rises so does the amount of uric acid in your urine. Urine with a higher pH does a better of flushing uric acid and makes your kidneys’ job easier.

Another study on the effects of mineral-based alkaline water on athletes who drank it after high-intensity exercises found a positive link to raising urine pH.

The study also found a positive effect on acid-base balance in the body as well as better overall hydration.

One of the key health benefits of alkaline water is better hydration since alkaline water is easier for the human body to absorb.

What does this all mean?

The key takeaway is that alkaline water can raise urine pH which allows your kidneys to remove uric acid at a faster rate. Urine with a higher pH transports more uric acid than urine with a lower pH.

These two studies show very promising results for gout sufferers and people who develop kidney stones due to gout and excess uric acid.

Most people who drink alkaline ionized water also love the taste. This leads to people drinking more water and skipping acidic beverages, e.g., soda.

Interesting fact: Battery acid has a pH of 1, and plain Coke has a pH of 2.525. Root beer is one of the least acidic soft drinks with an average pH of 4.038 (Mug brand).

How to Drink Alkaline Water as a Natural Remedy for Gout

Before you get ahead of yourself and start chugging alkaline water, there are several things you should be aware of.

Drinking alkaline ionized water too quickly can result in a Herxheimer reaction, which is what happens when your body releases toxins faster than it can excrete them.

In order to avoid this problem, it’s best to start slowly.

Water with a lower alkaline pH such a 7.5 to 8 is better than jumping straight into the water brands with a pH of 9.5.

Working your way up the ladder should take weeks or even months. You don’t want to over-stress your body with new stress while it’s already coping with excess uric acid.

Try your best to drink 4 liters of alkaline water a day and cut out all acidic beverages including soda and coffee.

I know this is difficult, but once you relieve yourself of gout pain and the associated problems that come with it, you’ll feel fantastic.

Where to buy alkaline water?

Since you want to get rid of your gout for good or reduce it as much as possible, it’s best to have an unlimited supply of alkaline water available.

Plus, remember, you want to be in control of the pH of your water.

Starting with a lower alkaline pH is better. As you begin to feel better, you’ll know for sure when it’s time to raise the pH by listening to your body.

In my opinion, alkaline water filter pitchers and other alkaline water filters including countertop systems won’t get the job done.

A reliable water ionizer is an answer for gout sufferers.

A water ionizer:

  • Allows you to control the exact pH of your water
  • Comes with filters that filter out impurities as tiny as .01 micron (the same level as in kidney dialysis machines)
  • Doesn’t add unnecessary minerals to your water
  • Makes alkaline ionized water with a lower TDS than an alkaline water filter pitcher (this is important since you’re flushing your body)
  • Gives you access to alkaline water around the clock
  • Boosts the level of molecular hydrogen in your water to further reduce inflammation

It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the money to drink ionized water as a natural remedy for gout.

The health benefits go beyond reversing your gout symptoms.

Bottled ionized water is another option, however, there are disadvantages:

  • It’s better to drink alkaline ionized water fresh
  • You can’t control the pH
  • It’s more costly in the long run

Best Times to Drink Alkaline Water

Once you have your alkaline water, it’s important to drink it at the best times during the day to get the desired result.

Here’s a list of tips to follow:

  • Drink alkaline water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before you eat
  • Don’t drink alkaline water during your meals
  • Avoid drinking it 1/2 hour before and after meals
  • Do your best to drink 4 liters total each day

You’ve probably heard people tell you to drink 8 glasses of water every day, but it’s hard to know what 8 glasses actually is since our glasses are different sizes.

The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a daily total water intake of 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women.

The recommended amount of 4 liters (the same amount used in the study with athletes) isn’t much more than 3.7 liters.

The Alkaline Diet for Gout

In addition to drinking alkaline water, it’s also advisable to add more alkaline foods to your gout diet. I know the word “diet” can be scary, but this isn’t one of those hardcore diets.

The right foods will further assist your body to remove excess uric acid by increasing the pH of your urine.

Here’s the main problem to be aware of: sulfur-containing amino acids are abundant in animal proteins. Eating too much meat leads to these amino acids causing acidic urine.

The best way to avoid this problem is by eating more fruits & vegetables and less meat.

This doesn’t mean you should stop eating meat altogether. It’s more important to focus on tipping the scale toward more veggies/fruits than meat.

What are the advantages of changing your diet to remove excess uric acid? Reversing gout through diet will certainly cost less and is perhaps the safest route to take.

Tip: Soak your fruits and vegetables in alkaline ionized water from your ionizer to remove any acidic pesticide residues. The soak will also make your fruits and veggies taste better.

How to Test Urine pH at Home

The best way to test your urine pH at home is by purchasing a set of accurate pH test strips.

Where to buy pH test strips? If you can’t find them locally or would rather order them online, read more about the best pH test strips for saliva and urine.

Once you receive the strips, be sure to follow the included instructions to get an accurate reading.

It’s best to test your urine before you start drinking alkaline water and then keep track of it once you begin alkaline water therapy.

This way, you can confirm that you’re indeed raising the pH of your urine to speed up uric acid removal.

Final Thoughts

Alkaline water gout research has shown promising results for gout sufferers.

The link between urine pH and uric acid removal tells me that alkaline water benefits for gout sufferers are the real deal.

Whenever I research a topic, I look for scientific proof before writing an informative article.

My first intention is to help people heal, and my last intention is to fill people’s heads with false hope.

I made sure to include all the key takeaways from the studies I found.

To get the most health benefits out of alkaline water, it’s best to invest in a quality water ionizer that comes backed by a solid warranty from a reputable company.

My top pick is the Tyent UCE-11 ionizer.

You may also be interested in reading my article explaining the best pH level for drinking water to get a better idea of the ideal pH.