Uric acid is the problem - not the increase in H+ ions.
Purines, a breakdown product of protein, easily convert to uric acid (and ammonia) . Uric acid has low solubility and can crystallize out in the joints as gout or kidneys, as stones.
An association between meat intake and elevated uric acid levels is based on weak observational, not interventional, studies of people on a standard American diet high in meat, alcohol, sugar and other carbs.
There are absolutely no studies, observational or interventional, linking a diet high in meat and very low in carbs and alcohol to elevated uric acid levels or gout.
So the problem is most likely a diet high in meat, alcohol, sugar and other carbs.
Observational studies go both ways. This one blames beer:
Dietary factors associated with hyperuricemia in adultsThis cross-sectional survey demonstrated that beer intake is independently associated with increased risk of hyperuricemia in men. Restricted beer intake may help prevent hyperuricemia in the population.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17570471/This one blames sugar:
Sack and sugar, and the aetiology of gout in England between 1650 and 1900Sugar contains fructose, which raises uric acid and increases the risk for gout. Sugar intake increased markedly during this period due to its introduction in liquors, tea, coffee and desserts. We suggest that the introduction of sugar explains why gout was originally a disease of the wealthy and educated, but gradually became common throughout society.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23175570/And this one blames a vegan diet:
Serum uric acid concentrations in meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans: a cross-sectional analysis in the EPIC-Oxford cohortIndividuals consuming a vegan diet had the highest serum concentrations of uric acid compared to meat eaters, fish eaters and vegetarians, especially in men. Vegetarians and individuals who eat fish but not meat had the lowest concentrations of serum uric acid.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23418557/Furthermore, this interventional study (interventional studies are superior to observational studies) showed that the meat heavy, low carb Atkins diet can reduce serum uric acid levels:
High-Protein Diet (Atkins Diet) and Uric Acid ResponseOur findings suggest that the Atkins diet (i.e., a high protein diet without calorie restriction) can reduce SUA levels despite substantial purine loading.https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/high-protein-diet-atkins-diet-and-uric-acid-response/I've been eating 1-2 pounds of red meat daily for 4 years, but I stopped eating carbs and drinking alcohol. I get a physical and other screenings annually and my doctors are amazed at how my health has improved and at how it continues to improve every year. A couple of them commented on how I seem to be aging in reverse. I haven't had any joint problems, or developed gout, or kidney stones. On the contrary, my chronic back pain and shoulder pain have decreased 90% since switching to this way of eating.
