Does Cherry Juice for Gout Really Work?

Fruits and vegetables have long been know to have a number of beneficial effects on the body. Berries in particular have been found to be very good anti-oxidants neutralizing the effects of free radicals in the body. 

Cherries have recently come into the lime light once again with regards to treatment for gout, although they have been known to be beneficial since 1950. In one study conducted on 12 gout sufferers, it was found that eating 6 cherries on a daily basis reduced the incidence of gout to the point where there were almost no attacks as long as cherries were consumed on a daily basis. 

Recently research into cherries has shown that they are rich in anthocyanan which is the pigmentation found in all berries. Cherries have a much higher concentration of this anthocyanan which is what makes them so good. Anthocyanan has been found to inhibit the expression of two enzymes, cox-1 and cox-2. Cox-2 enzyme has been linked to inflammation in the body and by reducing its expression, cherries manage to reduce incidences of inflammation. 

Studies have also showed that it is very effective at stalling the progress of some kind of cancers. Although research has not reached its concluding phase as yet and tests have only been conducted on lab rats, anthocyanan has been found to inhibit cancer of the esophagus by up to 60% and cancer of the colon by up to 80%. 

According to a study that was published in the Journal of Nutrition, consuming cherry juice brought down the uric acid levels in blood and also decreased the number of inflammatory markers. This study was however conducted on healthy women. 

While it is still too early to comment on how good or effective cherries, or their extract is with regards to relieving the symptoms of gout, as of now there is really no harm in including them in the diet. They are a fruit, so there is no side effect in taking them, and if as initial research suggests it really is good at reducing the symptoms, it is probably one of the best and healthiest ways of curing gout.

Arthritis and Gout Articles Worth Reading

What Helps Gout Pain? Finding an answer to the question of what helps gout pain can be a difficult endeavor...

The History of Chelation Gout Therapy Chelation gout therapy has been proven through research to be quite effective in battling conditions like gout...

Diet, Medication, Accupunture and Gout Treatment So you or someone you know has receive a diagnosis of gout...