Can Antibiotics Increase Uric Acid?

More and more, the medical field and society is becoming aware of the difference between good and bad bacteria in the body, and the potential consequences of taking antibiotics, which kill off all bacteria, including the beneficial flora (good) that regulates detoxification and waste elimination in the gut. If good bacteria is low and diet is poor, antibiotic usage may contribute to increased uric acid by the body's inability to properly eliminate waste, especially when taking for long periods of time. While they may not directly increase uric acid as foods with high amounts of purines would, they can affect the proper elimination of acid.

Arthritis & Rheumatology published a study in June, 2015 where mice were administered with gout crystals at the knee. The research shows that when microbiota (the colony of good and bad bacteria) were absent, the body could not break down short-chain amino acids which are needed for inflammatory responses. Essentially, probiotics are needed to help support inflammation and proper digestion, among other important functions of the body.

Other risk factors for high uric acid levels include obesity, high blood pressure, periods of stress, surgery, chemotherapy, and other conditions can disrupt the body's natural elimination process, destroy probiotics, or weaken the kidney or liver. Medications such as aspirin disrupt healthy kidney function. Thiazide diuretics, immunosuppressants, and other prescriptions are also believed to instigate gout in some individuals, however more research is needed before absolute claims are made.

Certain medications, such as colchicine (derived from meadow saffron), taken for gout can interact with antibiotics. If taking prescription medications or supplements to help control uric acid levels, let your health care provider know before starting on any other medication.

Sometimes, a condition requires antibiotics. You can take a probiotic supplement 2-4 hours before or after the antibiotics. If taken too closely together, the probiotics will be killed off before getting to work in your gut. After you've finished the treatment, continue taking probiotics for at least two weeks to replenish the bacteria.

Other Considerations

NSAIDs (such as Advil) are usually recommended during when gout flares up. The potential concerns with taking too many over the counter medications such as NSAIDs is that they can irritate the digestive tract and, contrary to their purpose, cause inflammation in the gut. This can disrupt normal waste flow, strain the immune system, and potentially lead to increased intestinal permeability: a condition known also as leaky gut where food particles and pathogens seep into the bloodstream, which can be detrimental when trying to maintain healthy blood for gout control.

The best known way to control gout is to adjust your diet to only consume foods with low purine levels, and to only take natural remedies that help support healthy circulation, blood pressure, liver, urinary tract, and kidney functions.

If you have gout and must take antibiotics, ensure you are consuming only low-purine foods, taking probiotics, and incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients into your diet such as ginger and turmeric along with kidney-supporting herbs like dandelion root tea. An overall supporting blend like Urix Acid can help reduce the risk of gout flaring up, especially when on antibiotics or restoring the beneficial bacteria in your gut. For more information, download our free ebook on proper gout diet with recipes.