Black Tea and Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that results from excessive buildup of uric acid in your body. Since certain foods may either trigger or improve gout, treatment for this painful joint condition may include diet changes. One drink with potential effects — both positive and negative — is black tea.

Black tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that could lessen symptoms. But it also contains compounds that have been linked to higher levels of uric acid, which may make gout symptoms worse. Here’s what the latest research has to say about the connection between black tea and gout.

Black Tea’s Effects on Uric Acid

When excess uric acid builds up in your body, it creates salt crystals called urate. These crystals form in the joints, where they cause pain and inflammation. A joint affected by gout can become shiny, swollen, and stiff, and it can be red or purple in color.

Helping your body produce less uric acid is key to reducing the symptoms of gout — and some research shows that black tea may do just that. Multiple studies have found that drinking more of any kind of tea lowers the risk of developing gout.

One study, for example, found that people who drank more tea (either green or black) had a lower risk of gout. Those who drank little or no tea had a higher risk.

Older research found that people who drank three cups of black tea per day for 12 weeks had significantly decreased levels of uric acid and C-reactive protein, a sign of inflammation in the blood.

These effects are likely due to black tea’s high content of flavonoids, antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Studies have linked flavonoids to lower uric acid levels. Some theorize that tea’s flavonoids may inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in uric acid production. Or, it’s possible that tea’s flavonoids improve the kidneys’ ability to get rid of excess uric acid from your body.

On the other hand, another study found that drinking tea was linked with a higher risk of high levels of uric acid in Chinese adults. The researchers said the reasons for this are unknown.

Black Tea Is Hydrating

Another point in black tea’s favor as a gout-friendly drink: its hydration factor. Though it’s sometimes mislabeled as a dehydrating beverage, black tea isn’t significantly different from water in its ability to hydrate, according to older research.

Keeping yourself well-hydrated helps your kidneys get rid of excess uric acid, and that lowers the risk of gout flares. The Arthritis Foundation recommends drinking at least eight glasses of fluids per day, or up to 16 glasses during a flare.

Black Tea Contains Some Purines

Some older research has raised the question of whether substance called purines in black tea might be a problem for people with gout. Purines raise uric acid levels, increasing the risk of gout attacks. They’re especially abundant in items like beef, alcohol, and certain shellfish.

While older research identified purines in black tea, it’s not clear how many purines are in the average cup. But neither the National Kidney Foundation nor the Arthritis Foundation lists black tea as a high-purine food. They also don’t advise limiting how much tea you drink.

Instead, the Arthritis Foundation recommends that you limit eating other high-purine foods, like red meat, scallops, sardines, and tuna. Try to have as few alcoholic and sugary drinks as possible, too.

Teas That Help Fight Gout

Green, black, and herbal teas all contain antioxidants, so any of them may be a good choice for lowering the inflammation of gout. Some studies have also shown that caffeine, such as that in coffee, could be protective against gout attacks. So, it’s possible that a caffeinated tea like black or green would be helpful.

But there’s limited research on how the caffeine in tea affects gout. Mayo Clinic recommends caffeine-free herbal tea as a gout-friendly drink to have with meals. Try it iced or hot.

Whatever tea you choose, just be sure to limit added sugars. Sugary foods and drinks are linked with a higher risk of gout.

Other Considerations

A registered dietitian, rheumatologist, or your primary care provider can help you assess and refine your diet to improve gout symptoms. Whether you should include black tea in your diet or not may be a matter of trial and error, since different foods and drinks can affect people differently.