Gout is a painful inflammation characterized by swollen, tender joints. Too much uric acid building up in the body forms crystals in the joints. More men than women suffer from gout, and it occurs most often in people over 40. A family history of the condition will predispose you to having gout. Diet can play a role in both exacerbating and treating gout. Some websites and stores advocate drinking tart cherry juice for relief of gout pain.
Antioxidants in Cherries
Cherries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins. Proponents of using cherries to treat gout claim these anthocyanins act to reduce the pain and inflammation of gout. No scientific studies have been done on gout patients who drink cherry juice, but other studies suggest drinking cherry juice might be helpful to some gout sufferers. The New York University School of Medicine cites a 2006 study in which athletes drank 12 oz. of tart cherry juice twice a day while exercising intensely. The cherry juice appeared to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by the intense exercise and reduce the loss of strength.
Cherries and Urate Levels
A study of 10 healthy women at the University of California in 2003 found that when the women consumed two servings of cherries after fasting overnight, they had lower levels of urate for up to five hours. People with gout have a problem with too much urate in the blood, so the ability of cherries to reduce the amount of urate holds promise for treating gout.
Cherries and Inflammation
In the University of California study, the women who ate cherries also showed a decrease in levels of C-reactive protein and nitric oxide in the blood. These are both markers for inflammation. The decrease suggests some compound in the cherries reduces inflammation, another indication that cherries could be an effective treatment for gout.
Cherries and Gout
The California study involved women who ate fresh cherries, which contain fiber as well as the vitamin C and anthocyanins found in cherry juice. The women ate two servings of fresh cherries daily, or about 28 g of cherries. In the 2006 study of athletes, the participants consumed 2 12-oz. bottles of cherry juice blended with apple juice daily, or the equivalent of 50 to 60 fresh tart cherries. People may find it easier or less expensive to drink cherry juice than to consume large quantities of fresh cherries every day, but you should consult your doctor before embarking on this course of treatment. Some cherry juice blends will contain a lot of sugar, which could exacerbate other health problems.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Consumption of Cherries Lowers Plasma Urate in Healthy Women; R.A. Jacob, et al.; June 2003
- New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases; Cherries; February 2011
- University of Vermont; Research Shows Cherry Juice May Prevent Muscle Damage Pain; Jennifer Nachbur; June 2006
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