Does coffee increase the amount of uric acid in the body? i drink maybe 8 cups per day. could this be the cause of my gout?

Coffee seems to help: Actually, drinking coffee seems to reduce the risk of gout and is not the cause! see http://www.Arthritis.Org/research/funded-research/research-update/journal-summaries/coffee-gout-risk/ however, diet does have a big effect on gout. For a good summary of ways to reduce risk of gout including diet, supplements and herbs see http://www.Umm.Edu/altmed/articles/gout-000070.Htm.

See below: Having renal disease, obesity, and even cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome can all be associated with elevated uric acid levels.

Caffeine and uric ac: Caffeine or coffee will not elevate uric acid. Kidney impairment and diuretic meds are common reasons, too. Diet can aggravate. So avoid alcohol, animal fats, organ meats and shellfish. Limit other meats to 4 oz per day. Avoid high fructose corn syrup containing drinks and foods. Add egg whites, quinoa, soy as protein. Drink 3 liters per day. Tart cherry juice daily can help.