Arthritis comes in many forms. In general, the term arthritis is used to refer to the degeneration of joints. Arthritis is characterized in particular by the breakdown and inflammation of joints. Gout, a specific form of arthritis, occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the joints. Black cherries may work to reduce inflammation and ease the pain of arthritis.
Symptoms
When your body senses a problem or injury from an outside substance, it responds with inflammation. This response sends white blood cells and other chemical defenses to reduce damage and infection. Inflammation of the joints leads to redness, swelling, joint pain, stiffness and loss in range of motion. Gout, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are marked by inflammation.
Cherries and Inflammation
Black cherry can help reduce arthritic inflammation, according to a study published by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in 2004. Participants were asked to abstain from cherries, fruit, strawberries and red wine two days before the start of the study. During the study, participants were fed a bowl of 45 cherries for breakfast; blood inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein and nitric oxide, were then tracked. C-reactive protein levels increase with arthritic inflammation, and nitric oxide is thought to damage arthritic joints. Three hours after cherry intake, levels of both C-reactive protein and nitric oxide within the bloodstream decreased, indicating lower levels of inflammation in the participants.
Gout
In the study conducted by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, the effect of black cherries on gout was analyzed. Since uric acid levels are strongly associated with gout, the urate levels of the participants were tracked. Plasma urate levels dropped significantly within five hours after cherry consumption, and urate levels within the urine increased. Cherry intake may help reduce your risk of developing gout by stimulating the excretion of excess uric acid.
Cherry Intake
It is not necessary to eat 45 cherries for breakfast as the participants in the Agricultural Research Service study did. Eating six cherries each day, or even taking cherry concentrate or extract, may be enough to help your arthritis or keep gout at bay. Cherry concentrate is available as a capsule. The benefits of cherries may also be derived from health bars; just read the label to see how much cherry a bar contains. Before increasing your intake of cherries or using a supplement, consult with your physician regarding safety for your condition.
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