Once thought to be a "rich man's disease" resulting from idleness and a heavy diet, gout is a painful arthritic condition actually caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Symptoms of this chronic ailment include redness, swelling, tenderness and acute pain in the feet or hands. Though there is no cure, eating a healthy diet can alleviate gout pain and reduce outbreaks. Drinking cranberry juice as a home remedy may also prevent future flare-ups.
Increased Hydration
The Mayo Clinic recommends that gout sufferers drink 8 to 16 cups of water or healthy beverages, such as low-sugar fruit juices, per day. Researchers believe that increased consumption of beverages helps flush uric acid crystals from the body, reducing pain in the joints as well as the chance of further gout attacks.
Vitamin C
Cranberry juice is very high in Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. An 8 oz. serving of unsweetened juice contains 23.5 mg of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals in the body to help prevent chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease and reduces the level of uric acid in the body. In a study of 47,000 men published in the March 2009 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine," researchers found a link between increased consumption of Vitamin C and reduced occurrence of gout.
Avoid Fructose
In its raw form, cranberry juice tastes unpleasantly tart. Most manufacturers add sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup to cranberry juice to improve its flavor. The Gout and Uric Acid Education Society reports a correlation between high fructose content and gout attacks, so avoid cranberry juices containing high-fructose corn syrup. Look for sugar-free or low-sugar brands instead.
Abstain from Alcohol
Cranberry juice is a popular mixer for alcoholic beverages like the Cape Codder, a blend of cranberry juice, vodka and ice. However, alcohol has been known to trigger gout attacks: The Mayo Clinic reports that booze, particularly beer, may increase gout flare-ups. To gain all the benefits of cranberry juice, don't mix it with alcohol; if the juice alone tastes too strong, dilute it with seltzer or water.
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