Gout & Cranberry Juice

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, commonly impacts the joint at the base of the big toe, but can affect other areas, as well. The condition is painful and for many it occurs suddenly with the impacted area becoming swollen, tender and/or red. Gout is controllable with medications and the severity of attacks can be reduced with dietary and lifestyle changes. Cranberry juice may have a role in reducing gout attacks, but evidence is inconclusive as an adjunct treatment for gout.

Purines, Uric Acid and Gout

Purines are a group of nucleotide bases containing nitrogen, which play a role in forming molecules present in genetic materials like DNA. Purines are vital to human, plant and animal life. You consume purines from animal and plant-based foods, but during food metabolism the purines breakdown and a byproduct called uric acid is formed. The uric acid generally dissolves into your blood and is passed through the kidneys into urine for elimination. However, your kidneys may not be able to keep up with excess uric acid production causing the substance to build up in the blood. Gout results from uric acid crystals forming and accumulating in the joints.

Factors That Increase Uric Acid

Excess uric acid production can occur if you are overweight, eat a diet high in purine-rich foods, consume excess alcohol or have other medical conditions that prohibit your kidneys from eliminating waste product properly. Medications including diuretics, salicylate-containing drugs like aspirin and immune system suppressants may also increase your uric acid levels. Gender also plays a role because pre-menopausal women tend to have lower uric acid levels than men, though after menopause the hormonal changes impact the elimination process of uric acid from the body.

Role of Cranberries

The cranberry fruit provides a host of health benefits because it contains phytochemicals important for fighting bad bacteria in your urinary system. Cranberry is also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may reduce uric acid levels. According to a 2011 controlled-trial review published in "Arthritis Care and Research," vitamin C significantly lowers serum uric acid levels and it may prove effective in preventing incident and recurrent gout. However, the exact effect of cranberry on urinary uric acid levels in relation to gout is not fully understood and research is ongoing. Additionally, cranberry juice may be contraindicated for gout from kidney complications because it does increase the risk of uric acid kidney stones, according to a 2005 study in the "Journal of Urology."

Gout Management

Consult your physician to treat gout attacks and before adding cranberry juice as an adjunct treatment. Manage gout attacks by avoiding alcohol consumption, drinking plenty of fluids like water each day and limiting consumption of purine-rich foods. Organ meats, like pork, chicken or beef livers, seafood, including anchovies, mackerel and sardines, or dried bean varieties contain high purine levels. Follow a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains as well as lean protein sources instead of consuming a high-meat diet alone.