Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis affecting one joint at a time, primarily those of the feet and hands. Although there are various medicines that treat gout, some people prefer to control their disease with natural products and alternative medicine. Anecdotal evidence indicates that consuming cherries and cherry juice may offer relief to gout patients. High in anthocyanins and antioxidants, these little red fruits hold great promise for preventing crippling gout symptoms.
Tart Cherry Juice
One of the easiest ways to benefit from the curative powers of cherries is to drink tart cherry juice daily, suggests Theodore Baroody, Ph.D., in "Alkalize or Die." High in potassium, featuring the ability to affect the body's pH, cherry juice made from tart cherries relieves gout pain in some people. Tart cherry juice comes in concentrated form at most health food and specialty stores. Mix approximately 3 oz. tart cherry juice concentrate with twice that amount of water and drink two to three glasses daily during an acute gout attack, suggests the People's Pharmacy. Continue drinking one glass daily thereafter to prevent future attacks. Only use unsweetened, pure cherry juice. If you need to sweeten it, add a small amount of honey.
Cherry Juice and Fruit Pectin
Baroody recommends mixing 2 oz. of the concentrate with 2 to 3 oz. water and 2 tbsp. fruit pectin. Pectin, a natural fiber found in certain fruits such as oranges, lemons and apple, removes toxins from the blood, according to Baroody. Consume the mixture of juice, pectin and water twice daily during an acute gout attack for pain relief. Drink once daily.
Cherries and Cherry Juice Concentrate
Regardless of what kind of cherries you eat, 8 oz. a day may aid in reducing gout pain and inflammation, says the University of Michigan Health System. Sour cherries seem to be more effective at pain relief than sweet cherries. UMICH notes that people who ate cherries for a period of four weeks noticed significant improvement in their gout symptoms. Cook 1 lb. fresh or canned cherries over low heat for 15 minutes with 1 cup tart cherry juice concentrate, 1/2 each of a fresh lemon and fresh orange sliced thinly -- with the rind -- and add honey to taste. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. The cherry compote makes a delicious desert on its own or spooned over low-fat ice cream or yogurt. This decadent-sounding desert doubles as a medicinal dose to help rid you of your gout symptoms. Experiment with spices you like to alter the flavor each time you make it.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Gout
- "Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease"; Maurice Shils; 2005
- "The Acid Alkaline Balance"; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon MS and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
