When the amount of uric acid in the body is too high, they will crystallize into urate salt crystals. These crystals build up in joints, causing swelling, pain, and inflammation. Gout joints often become shiny, red or purple, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness and severe pain.
Reducing uric acid production is an important way to manage the symptoms of gout, and black tea can help. Drinking tea in general can reduce the risk of gout.
However, drinking too much black tea can be harmful due to its high caffeine and oxalic acid content, increasing the risk of kidney stones. Therefore, we should only drink a moderate amount and consult experts and doctors before using it.
People who drank three cups of black tea a day for 12 weeks had a significant decrease in uric acid and protein C (a sign of inflammation in the blood). Drinking enough water also helps the kidneys excrete excess uric acid, limiting the risk of gout attacks.
This effect is believed to be due to flavonoids - antioxidants found in black tea. Flavonoids can help reduce inflammation and inhibit the enzyme xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the formation of uric acid. They can also help the kidneys function better in removing uric acid from the body.
