What is a common non-pharmacologic recommendation for a patient with gout?

Maintaining a healthy weight is a common non-pharmacologic recommendation for patients with gout because obesity can contribute to increased uric acid levels in the body. When body weight is reduced, it helps lower the production of uric acid and enhances its excretion through the kidneys. This can lead to a decrease in the frequency and severity of gout attacks.

In contrast, the other options suggest behaviors that could exacerbate gout. Increasing alcohol intake can lead to higher uric acid levels, as certain types of alcohol, particularly beer, contain a significant amount of purines. Avoiding hydration would also be detrimental, as dehydration can impair the kidneys' ability to excrete uric acid effectively, leading to higher serum levels. Consuming high-purine foods, such as red meat and certain seafood, can elevate uric acid levels, increasing the risk of gout flare-ups.