The idea is that if you increase the amount of acid in your system, your body will expel excess acid, i.e. the uric acid causing the gout. The best cure for gout is a change in diet all together.
http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/tc/diet-and-gout-topic-overview
When I was younger I had a few cases of gout. Since changing my diet, I haven't had a flare up in almost 10 yrs.