Gout affects the small joints of the body, especially the big toes, and is a type of arthritis. It is characterized by excruciating pain, inflammation and swelling in one joint at a time. Although heredity and obesity play a role in whether you will develop gout, the foods you eat have a direct correlation to pain levels. Research indicates that eating potassium-rich foods like cherries and cherry juice might relieve gout. Cherries come in many forms.
Potassium And Gout
Foods high in potassium help support kidney function, encouraging proper excretion of uric acid from the body, writes Dr. Theodore Baroody in "Alkalize or Die." Uric acid is the precursor for gout, and when levels are too high in the bloodstream, uric acid often precipitates in the joints, causing gout. Potassium-rich foods also are an integral part of an alkaline-forming diet, which helps keep uric acid from developing into crystals, adds Baroody. Cherries are high in potassium as well as other nutrients that might aid the body in lowering the tendency for gout. If you would like to use foods to treat serious diseases, consult your health practitioner first.
Types
Research indicates that all kinds of cherries can be helpful in reducing gout symptoms, according to the University of Michigan Health System. As long as you consume about 8 oz. of cherries daily, you should see a significant reduction in your symptoms over a month's time, according to the university. People who followed this guideline reported a reduction in their pain levels as well as less inflammation and stiffness. All cherries contain the same curative nutrients and might be helpful for gout patients; however, many people prefer the tart cherries, thinking they are most effective. Try cherries in different forms: raw, cooked, canned, stewed and frozen in smoothies.
Cherry Juice
Drinking cherry juice is one of the easiest ways to get the nutrients from cherries that help relieve gout. Cherries and cherry juice contribute toward an alkaline-forming diet, which helps control uric acid levels in the blood and urine, says Baroody. Cherry juice is high in antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C and anthocyanins, all agents that reduce inflammation in the body. Cherry juice is available in several forms, both ready-to-drink and in concentrate, but only unsweetened juice is recommended. If you choose concentrate, dilute it in a ratio of one part concentrate to two parts water. Prepared juice might need additional water, depending on your preference. The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies recommends drinking two glasses of juice daily during the acute phase of a gout attack, then reducing to one glass daily for maintenance.
Cherry Supplements
Cherry supplements are available from health food stores, but while they are a good compliment to an alkaline-forming diet, they will not provide enough anti-inflammatory agents to control gout symptoms fully, notes the People's Pharmacy. It is best to use them alongside eating cherries or drinking some cherry juice daily. The supplements are high in quercetin and vitamin C, antioxidants known to reduce inflammation. The recommended dose of cherry extract is 2,000 mg taken throughout the day in either two or four doses, but speak to your health practitioner for dosage recommendations specific for your condition.
References
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon MS and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
- University of Michigan Health System: Gout
- "Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease"; Maurice Shils; 2005
- "The Acid Alkaline Balance"; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- "Alkalize or Die"; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
