If you have gout, then there is a huge possibility that you may be looking for anything to make the pain in your feet disappear. Adding tart cherry juice to your diet may be just the thing to help you control acute gout attacks. Gout is an extremely painful type of arthritis that attacks the small joints in the body, especially in your feet and fingers. Research indicates that diet is one of the causes of gout, and a change in diet may be an effective treatment that can rid you of the pain and disability associated with this disease.
Gout
Gout is the result of a buildup of uric acid in the system. The kidneys are responsible for flushing the uric acid from the body during normal elimination; however, in the case of gout, there is too much uric acid in the urine for the kidneys to remove. The excess is released back into the blood where it is deposited in crystalline form in the joints, thus causing gout.
Why Cherries Work
Potassium is one of the essential minerals required by the kidneys for their proper functioning. It is necessary for the maintenance of healthy blood pressure, which is managed by the kidneys, and it contributes to maintaining alkalinity of the urine, according to Dr. Theodore Baroody in "Alkalize or Die." When the urine pH is slightly alkaline, uric acid is unable to form into sediment and thus is more easily excreted. This prevents its release back into the blood stream to cause gout. Tart cherries and cherry juice is high in potassium and other valuable nutrients and compounds, making it an excellent food to consume to help manage gout attacks.
Which Cherries?
Which types of cherries and cherry juice are best is a common query among people just starting to use this product to manage gout. The University of Michigan Health System says that all cherries and all types of cherry juice will help reduce gout symptoms; however, anecdotal evidence indicates that sour or tart cherries and cherry juice are most effective. This may be the case because the more tart the juice or cherries, the more likely the product will contribute to creating an alkaline-forming state in the body.
Quantities
The University of Michigan Health System suggests eating at least 8 oz. of cherries or the equivalent in cherry juice daily. All forms cherries are effective including fresh, frozen, canned, cooked or raw. Anecdotal reports indicate that people who consume this quantity of cherries over a month's time show a significant reduction in pain, stiffness and inflammation.
Consuming tart cherry juice is another method of getting the nutrients responsible for helping relieve gout. The juice is high in anthocyanins, compounds known to reduce inflammation. It is also rich in antioxidants, potassium and vitamin C, which are all helpful for controlling uric acid in the system. Tart cherry juice is available in ready-to-drink products and as a concentrate. "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" suggests drinking two 8 to 12 oz. glasses daily during an acute gout attack. If you use the concentrate, dilute it in equal portions of concentrate to water.
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
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
- "The Acid Alkaline Balance"; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- "Alkalize or Die"; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
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