How Effective Is Cherry Juice For Gout
Cherry juice is generally considered to be a very effective treatment for gout, but a lot depends on how much juice a person consumes, what other foods theyre eating, and how serious their condition is to start with. Most experts agree that there is no true cure for gout, which is a type of inflammatory arthritis. Some of the chemical compounds in cherries can help decrease the symptoms and severity of attacks, though. Juice made from sour cherries is usually believed to be the most effective, but people should be careful to take note of added sugars since anything that contains a lot of sweeteners can often actually make gout symptoms worse
Naturopathic experts have prescribed cherry juice for gout for years, and it remains one of the more popular home remedies for the condition. A number of studies have been done to determine what, if any, correlation there is between the two, and most have concluded that the phytochemicals in cherries can dramatically decrease gout symptoms in many cases.
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Vitamin And Mineral Comparison
Cherry juice is a good source of potassium, with 1 cup of black cherry juice offering 570 milligrams and tart cherry containing 370 milligrams toward the recommended daily intake of 4,700 milligrams, according to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Potassium in your diet is important to help lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of kidney stones and promote bone health.
Both types of cherry juice contain a small amount of calcium. Black cherry juice contains twice as much sodium as tart cherry juice with 40 milligrams and 20 milligrams, respectively. Tart cherry juice is a better source of iron, meeting 8 percent DV versus 6 percent for black cherry. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin and necessary for transporting oxygen to tissues in your body.
How Cherries May Help Prevent Gout
Scientists know that cherries contain high levels of antioxidants, including anthocyanins and quercetin, as well as other nutrients. It is unclear how these nutrients may work individually or together to lower urate levels and decreases the chance of a gout attack.
Some researchers2 theorize that cherries:
- Have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the painful inflammation related to gout attacks
- May help counteract the process that leads to changes in bones in gout-affected joints
- Reduce oxidative stress , which is associated with gout
Experts suspect that oxidative stress in the body begins a biochemical cascade that promotes inflammation, which over time leads to gout and other degenerative diseases.
More researchparticularly large studies involving human subjectsis needed to find out exactly if and how cherries prevent gout attacks.
See Gout Prevention
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Cherries Are High In Antioxidants
As mentioned earlier, antioxidants play a big role in why cherry is so effective at treating gout. These same antioxidants are also able to help slow down the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage which later on make you more susceptible to cancer and diabetes. If you take an antioxidant such as cherries everyday, you help yourself to avoid these deadly diseases.
How Tart Cherry Extract Provides Relief
For those suffering from gout, you may find relief with the power of tart cherries . In fact, studies suggest that about 25% of people with gout use these and want to avoid problems with pharmaceuticals. Tart cherries have been noted for their aid in alleviating symptoms of gout thanks to their rich antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory powers.
These small fruits help to alleviate inflammation, a key element of a gout attack.
Scientists believe that part of the reason cherries might work is that they increase the excretion of urate and also limit the production of uric acid in the liver. The abundant urate crystals in those with gout stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Cherry counteracts this problem and also protects the body and joints by providing good antioxidant coverage. This is an excellent non pharmacological option for the treatment of many of the problems associated with gout.
Tart cherries have many phytochemicals that help, but cyanidin is the most prevalent compound. These nutrient-rich cherries help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body and may even help to offset the effect of gout on the bones and joints.
Reach for a bowl of fresh Montmorency cherries, a glass of sugar-free tart cherry juice, or a tart cherry supplement to stay on top of your symptoms. Tart cherries are not just for good gout but also insomnia, muscle pain, and over-exertion, and they offer an excellent way to help the body recover.
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Tart Cherry Juice Helps Patients With Sleep Apnea
Both Dr. Drucker and Beth Miller recommend drinking tart cherry juice for better quality sleep. Miller shared a success story from a patient who took tart cherry juice to improve sleep apnea. Within a week of starting on the tart cherry juice, he was having more restful sleep.
In a placebo-controlled study, patients with insomnia were placed in a randomized trial where one group was given 8 ounces of tart cherry juice twice every day for two weeks and the other group got a placebo. Researchers found that the “cherry juice increased sleep time and sleep efficiency” by 84 minutes on average. They also mentioned that the cherry juice reduced inflammation and may be partially responsible for the improvement in insomnia.
Bottom Line: Tart cherry juice has been scientifically proven to lower inflammation in the joints and muscle tissue, reduce the discomfort of gout, and help people with sleep apnea feel more restful. If you are having trouble sleeping, try drinking 8 ounces of tart cherry juice twice a day, and you may also find that it helps relieve inflammation or joint pain, and may also help to lower your LDL cholesterol. Always consult your doctor before drinking tart cherry for health reasons.
Cherry For Gout Relief And Prevention
Due to its growing popularity and use, research conducted by the Boston University observed the cherry intake of 633 gout patients over a 2-day period. The results of the study found that the individuals who included cherries in their die had a 35% lower risk of gout attacks. Additionally, the combined use of cherry and the medication allopurinol was found to decrease the risk of gout by 75%. Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2003 found that among 10 healthy women, those who consumed two servings of Bing cherries had uric acid levels fall by 15%.
Cumulative research conducted on cherries have fully supported the anti-gout properties of cherries. Researchers have narrowed down two chemical properties of cherries that likely contribute to its anti-gout efficacy:
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How To Consume Black Cherry For Gout
Besides the juice, take black cherry for gout in other forms. Black cherry concentrate for gout is beneficial. Besides this, black cherry extract for gout also relieves pain, mobility issues, and stiffness in patients. Purchase unsweetened black cherry juice from a health store or supermarket. Remember that sweetened cherry juice wont work well. This effect is because sugary foods are associated with higher levels of uric acid.
- If you prefer to take cherry in smaller doses, try black cherry concentrate. The concentrate, however, is sweet, so youll have to dilute it with water for the best outcome.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of cherry juice concentrate in one glass of water. Consume this twice a day.
- Alternatively, you can also have a black cherry concentrate of around two tablespoons, like a syrup, two times in a day.
Another useful way to take black cherry concentrate is to mix it with plain, unsweetened yogurt, which has double the benefits as curd is rich in probiotics.
- If youre eating black cherry for gout, limit yourself to approximately 12-25 pieces of fruit. Dont go beyond 60 black cherries, as the fructose content of this would be detrimental for your health.
- Some experts suggest taking 30 cherries in 4-6 hours, during a gout attack, to lessen the pain. You can consume black cherry juice or the fruit itself to prevent gout, too.
- Around 20 cherries contain 25 grams of anthocyanins, and this is the ideal amount for keeping gout at bay.
What Type Of Cherry Is Best For Gout
If you have been diagnosed with gout and are considering incorporating cherries into your regular diet, you can try: Fresh or frozen tart cherries. Choose tart cherry varieties like Montorency or Balatonthey contain more anthocyanin antioxidants than sweet cherries .
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Tart Cherry Juice Reduces Uric Acid And Gout
Gout, a form of arthritis caused by acidic build-up in the joints and tissues of the body, appears to get alleviated by tart cherry juice, according to Dr. Drucker, who advises his patients to consume 100 percent tart cherry juice to help with the discomfort.
“Tart cherry juice has anti-inflammatory effects due to its antioxidants that help people who have high levels of uric acid,” Dr. Drucker explains. Uric acid building causes inflammation in the joints. His patients who try tart cherry report that it helps ease the pain.
‘I had a patient with joint pain caused by high levels of uric acid and I prescribed them to first eat a more plant-based diet to help them get in a state of alkaline, and second, to drink 100 percent tart cherry juice for a quick improvement. Seven days later, the pain disappeared,” Dr. Drucker says. “I like people to consume tart cherry juice as a contracted liquid,” he adds, since patients who have high blood sugar or diabetes need to be mindful of getting too much sugar in their diet, even, cutting back on their fruit intake.
In a study designed to test the effect of tart cherry juice on overweight patients with inflammation and at high risk for gout, the research found that drinking the juice significantly reduces serum uric acid by 19 percent.
Can Cherry Help Against Gout Or Give Gout Relief
If you thought cherries were only good as a sundae topping or dipped in your favorite chocolate, you might have to reconsider the amazing benefits of this little fruit. This is especially in consideration to the treatment and relief of gout. Many patients of oseteoarthritis and gout have touted cherry as a natural remedy for pain relief now more than a folk remedy, cherries have earned its place in research as a potent agent against gout attacks.
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Properties And Health Benefits
Tart cherry juice contains anthocyanins, which are anti-inflammatory compounds responsible for the red, orange, blue, and purple colors of fruits and vegetables. This substance may help to combat some chronic inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Many medications used to treat arthritis target inflammation as a way to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Tart cherry juice also has high concentrations of other polyphenols, including flavonoids. All of these nutritional compounds make tart cherry juice a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food and potential adjunct therapy for people with arthritis and gout.
The process by which anthocyanins help decrease inflammation may be by suppressing pro-inflammatory compounds in the body, such as cyclooxygenase, or COX. By this and other unknown mechanisms, tart cherry juice may help reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and other related joint pain disorders.
How Much Should You Drink
There has not yet been enough research to confirm a recommended amount of cherry juice for gout.
However, according to the Arthritis Foundation, a person might find drinking a glass of cherry juice per day beneficial.
People should talk with a doctor before attempting to treat their gout with cherry juice. The doctor may be able to advise on an ideal amount to consume.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following strategies to help manage gout:
- Diet: People should avoid eating foods that may trigger a flare-up. Such foods include those high in purines, including red meat, organ meats, and seafood.
- Activity: A person can try moderate or low impact activities, such as walking or swimming, to help relieve gout.
- Weight management: If a person has excess weight or obesity, they might find that reaching a moderate weight can help reduce pressure on their joints and relieve pain.
If a person is experiencing a gout flare-up, they can try the following to help ease the symptoms:
- Ice: Applying an ice pack to the affected joint can help reduce inflammation.
- Elevate: Raising the affected joint using a pillow may also help reduce swelling.
- Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water can help flush uric acid out of the body. The Arthritis Foundation suggests drinking 816 cups of fluids per day, with half or more being water.
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Tart Cherry Juice For Gout Dosage And Precautions
While studies recommend consuming 8 ounces of diluted sour cherry juice twice a day for 2-4 weeks for relief from gout, some experts also recommend drinking one glass of tart cherry juice for gout per day.
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The right dose of sour cherry juice depends on factors such as the patientâs age, health, and co-morbid medical conditions. Some doctors recommend there is not enough scientific information to determine appropriate doses for sour cherry juice. Natural products can vary in potency.
If you want to add tart cherries to your diet, you can add these dwarf cherries to fruit salad or yogurt. Blend cherries or tart cherry juice into a smoothie or shake, too.
Remember that while tart cherry juice for gout can help in reducing symptoms, it should not replace prescribed medications. Numerous medicines to treat gout include anti-inflammatory drugs, medicines to reduce pain, corticosteroids, and medicines to reduce or eliminate uric-acid buildup in the body.
What Is Black Cherry Juice
Black cherry juice is derived from the black cherry , which is a member of the rose family and is native to North and South America. It has since been introduced around the world as an ornamental tree. When mature and in bloom, a black cherry tree produces beautiful, small white flowers. The black cherry tree produces small, dark red or purple fruit with large stones in the center. The juice of the black cherry has long been used in traditional medicines for diseases of inflammation, such as gout. However, modern research has found several other medical benefits of this popular summer fruit.
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Cherries Can Lessen Osteoarthritis Symptoms
If you suffer from another form of arthritis called osteoarthritis, cherries can also help. Like gout, cherries can help reduce the pain and inflammation you feel from having this condition. In one study, they found that patients who drank cherry juice for three weeks had reduced their pain symptoms and they also experienced less inflammation.
Analysis Of Total Polyphenols
Total polyphenols were quantified through the use of the Folin-Ciocalteu method as described previously . Briefly, water , Folin-Ciocalteu reagent , and 0.2 mL of diluted sample or external standard were added to test tubes and mixed . Tubes were incubated at 25°C for 10 min followed by addition of 0.6 mL of 20% sodium carbonate. Tubes were then incubated in a water bath at 40°C for 20 min, cooled for 30 min to 25°C, and analyzed at 755 nm with purified gallic acid serving as the external standard.
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Adding Cherries To Your Diet
If you have been diagnosed with gout and are considering incorporating cherries into your regular diet, you can try:
- Fresh or frozen tart cherries. Choose tart cherry varieties like Montorency or Balatonthey contain more anthocyanin antioxidants than sweet cherries .
- Cherry juice. Look for 100% unsweetened tart cherry juice.
- Cherry extract. Liquid, tablet, and powder forms of cherry extract are sold over the counter. Avoid products that contain additives or added sugars.
Recommended serving sizes are uncertain. Some studies recommend ½ cup of fresh cherries or 1 cup of unsweetened cherry juice per day. Supplements containing extract typically have suggested servings on the labels.
Products such as cherry brandy, pie filling, or syrup contain added alcohol and/or sugar and are not recommended to prevent gout and may actually increase the risk of a gout attack.
Because there are no definitive guidelines regarding the use of cherries to prevent gout, its up to individuals and their doctors to decide serving sizes and how to measure effectiveness.
A proven way to lower uric acid in the bloodstream is to avoid purine-rich foods.
How Does Cherry Juice Treat Gout
Cherry juice treats gout flare-ups by reducing the level of uric acid in the body. Since uric acid buildup is what causes gout, it only goes to reason that cherry juice could prevent or treat gout flare-ups.
A 2011 study noted that 100 percent tart cherry juice significantly reduced the level of serum uric acid levels in participants who drank 8 ounces of the juice every day for four weeks.
Its not only cherry juice that could lower uric acid levels cherry juice concentrate can also be beneficial for those with gout.
A 2012 pilot study found that consuming cherry juice concentrate lowered the levels of uric acid in the body. One portion of the study demonstrated that cherry extract was more effective than pomegranate concentrate at lowering uric acid levels.
A retrospective portion of the study found that when consumed for a four-month period or longer, cherry juice concentrate reduced gout flare-ups significantly.
An online survey directed at people with gout also suggested cherry intake can improve symptoms. Of the survey respondents, 43 percent said that they used cherry extract or juice to treat their gout symptoms. The survey found that those who used cherry supplements reported significantly fewer flare-ups.
Of course, this study is limited because it relies on the subjects to report their own symptoms. Even so, the results are promising.
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