Question:
I really enjoy beer and a good brew. But, I have a slight problem. My digestive system doesn’t break beer down well…I end up with deposits of uric acid (crystalized) in the strangest places. Well, I guess you could say that I can’t get rid of uric acid. So, I can’t have more than one beer a week. However, I can have other forms of alcohol. My question is, (besides wine of course) is there other forms of alcohol that are legal to make, and is there a limit? I don’t want to be a moonshiner…too much work. Plus, illegal. I want to make something for myself only. I have thought about wine. But, I am not sure about that at this point in time… maybe in a couple years. Thanks! — Swallowing your pride rarely leads to indigestion. A hard thing about business is minding your own!
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I really enjoy beer and a good brew. But, I have a slight problem. My digestive system doesn’t break beer down well…I end up with deposits of uric acid (crystalized) in the strangest places. Well, I guess you could say that I can’t get rid of uric acid. So, I can’t have more than one beer a week. However, I can have other forms of alcohol. My question is, (besides wine of course) is there other forms of alcohol that are legal to make, and is there a limit? I don’t want to be a moonshiner…too much work. Plus, illegal. I want to make something for myself only. I have thought about wine. But, I am not sure about that at this point in time… maybe in a couple years. Thanks! — Swallowing your pride rarely leads to indigestion. A hard thing about business is minding your own!
Pardon me for saying so, but uric acid is from nitrogen waste. To my knowledge there are no more nitrates or amines in beer than in any other given food. Uric acid crystal deposits are associated with improper purine catabolism, as in gout. Gout can be caused by lead poisoning, but by beer? I doubt it. Get a second opinion from a physician who knows what she/he is talking about. If alcohol causes the symptoms, then all booze is out. I don’t see any way in which beer may be singled out as the only culprit. As a disclaimer, I am not a doctor. I only teach med school. Ed
Response:
However, I can have other forms of alcohol. My question is, (besides wine of course) is there other forms of alcohol that are legal to make, and is there a limit?
Brew mead. It’s easy, the equipment is simple, and the final product is wonderful. —
Response:
Pardon me for saying so, but uric acid is from nitrogen waste. To my knowledge there are no more nitrates or amines in beer than in any other given food. Uric acid crystal deposits are associated with improper purine catabolism, as in gout. Gout can be caused by lead poisoning, but by beer? I doubt it. Get a second opinion from a physician who knows what she/he is talking about. If alcohol causes the symptoms, then all booze is out. I don’t see any way in which beer may be singled out as the only culprit.
Not sure. I do have my test results. I have the problem only when drinking beer. Strange. When I have a full profile chemical profile done when this happens, my uric acid count is through the roof. I have hypothyroidism, but from what I know now this does not cause this. I can drink all kinds of alcohol. But, I only have a reaction with beer. Strange, I know. But, all tests reveal high uric acid. Strange. I usually flood my body with water for 5 days and the symptoms disappear. (from as little as six beers). When I first when in for this symptom 3 years ago, I did get a second, and third opinion. In fact, I had a kidney stone back in the summer of 1985. The chemical profile of that? Uric acid. Strange. And, that was at the best hospital with one of the best urologists in the state. Anyway, my dianosis was that I had gout. All the doctors said, no, its not gout, but you do have crystalyn deposits of uric acid in your joints. They did find my hypothyroidism and that corrected everything else (had MASSIVE cholesterol, very low blood pressure, heart rate of 42, and literally no metabolism). I don’t know either. Oh well. I know what happens when I drink beer (wine, whiskey, and other forms of alcohol have no effect strangely). I still question this too, but as I said, the result of me drinking beer is that I am unable to walk, at all, without severe pain in my feet. Anyway, this is more for the sci.med newsgroup. Thanks Ed. I like more than one opinion always anyway. ;) Now, a lot of people have suggested I try mead. The thought intrigues me highly. I would like some feedback from those readers who have made mead. I have a few questions 1) Does it take anymore equipment or supplies than making beer? 2) How much longer is the process over beer? 3) What are the tastiest recipes in general for someone who has never had mead…I admit, never tasted it … ever. 4) What is the cost ratio of making mead as opposed to making beer? 5) Is mead any more easier or harder than beer? Stuff like that. After my bout with that damn beer ‘kit’ (self-contained beer making kit) I want to make beer or mead or SOMETHING in a more sensible fashion. BTW, that beer kit, forgot its name, is not worth trying IMHO. I posted a note to the digest and had some comments on it back in March and April I believe. I went back to my liquor store. They needed the whole damn thing to give me a refund…even with the receipt. I can understand that. So, they just gave me an exchange. I tried it again. It came out the same. Terrible mush. Yick! Never again! I will do it like every one else and not be such a lazy ass. ;) I am going to take the dip into brewing next month! Hurray! Finally! ;) I had tried brewing back in the fall of 1986 and had miserable results! I hope this fairs better. (wouldn’t mind making wine…but, it takes too damn long! My dad is a winemaker. Was. He re-married and got cursed! grrr). Well, better tie this message off so I don’t choke some sites with a long message…and verbose. ;) Happy Brewing! Ted — Swallowing your pride rarely leads to indigestion. A hard thing about business is minding your own!
Response:
However, I can have other forms of alcohol. My question is, (besides wine of course) is there other forms of alcohol that are legal to make, and is there a limit? Brew mead. It’s easy, the equipment is simple, and the final product is wonderful.
Hey… Add cider to that list. Typical mead takes a lot longer than cider. (Although both take longer than beer… Sigh…) I’ve got 10 gallons of cider that should be ready first of next month. I’m hoping my 5 gallons of mead by NEXT Christmas. :-) 
BTW… Cider and Mead also have their own mailing lists that unfortunately are not gatewayed to r.c.b. Mike — An optimist believes we live in the best of all possible worlds. A pessimist is sure of it!
Response:
My immediate thoughts for ‘alternate brews’ are: Saki, Cider, and Mead. Larry L-F
Response:
one of my professors is allergic to beer and scotch, but loves his rum and cokes. Grains????
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