Tart cherry juice helps to alleviate symptoms of gout. It does so because it contains nutrients like anthocyanins that serve to reduce uric acid and inflammation in the body.
It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, and it is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Both of these properties serve to dispel gout symptoms and reduce flare-ups or frequency of attacks.
Tart cherries (also known as dwarf or sour cherries) are way more beneficial than you think. As compared to sweet cherries, tart cherry can serve as a useful home remedy for inflammatory arthritis or gout.
Juice from this fruit is not just helpful in making a cocktail, but also warding off the pain, joint stiffness, mobility issues caused by gout. There are more than 270 types of tart cherries. One of the most popular ones is Montmorency cherry from Michigan.
With more than 6 million men and 2 million women in the United States suffering from gout, tart cherry juice remains a popular remedy.
A 2014 research study even showed Montmorency cherry juice reduces uric acid and inflammation, the main culprits causing gout. Tart cherry juice for gout impacts uric acid activity and prevents bouts of this arthritic condition.
Why Use Tart Cherry Juice for Gout?
Sour or tart cherry juice is useful for warding off the pain caused by gout(1). This is because it is rich in phenolic compounds like anthocyanins, which soothe the swelling associated with gout.
Gout occurs due to serum uric acid accumulation and deposition of uric acid crystals in the tissues and joints of your body. This deposit of uric acid causes intense pain, tenderness, inflammation, heat, and redness. Gout, in this way, impacts 8.3 million Americans, on average.
Generally, the uric acid produced remains soluble until it is filtered and excreted in the urine. Excessive uric acid, however, leads to a condition called hyperuricemia, which occurs in gout.
In a 12-week, placebo-controlled research, it was found that daily consumption of tart cherry juice is known to reduce SUA (Serum Uric Acid) concentration by 19.2 percent in overweight and obese individuals.
This reduction, in turn, decreases the chances of gout arthritis and other chronic conditions caused by inflammation.
Further, the lowering of uric acid and decrease in swelling can also reduce the frequency and intensity of gout attacks. Gout flare-ups can be controlled using tart cherry juice.
Another study in 2011marked reductions in inflammatory biomarkers when gout patients took tart cherry juice. 100% tart cherry juice concentrate reduced serum uric acid levels in patients who consumed 8 ounces every day for four weeks.
Another 2012 study found that tart cherry juice for gout was more effective than other natural cures for lowering uric acid levels and healing swelling.
Tart cherry juice also contains antioxidants, which fight oxidative stress and free radical damage. This property of tart cherry juice combats gout.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, drinking a glass of tart cherry juice per day can be useful in staving off gout. Gout flare-ups can be reduced by one-fourth after having tart cherry juice, according to research.
[ Also Read: Natural Remedies to Treat Gout ]
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.
The right dose of sour cherry juice depends on factors such as the patient’s 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(2), and medicines to reduce or eliminate uric-acid buildup in the body.
Bottom Line
Tart cherry juice has three mechanisms of action. On the one hand, it contains anthocyanins that decrease uric acid buildup in the body. This directly impacts gout symptoms.
Secondly, the tart cherry juice is a potent anti-inflammatory remedy, serving to reduce the swelling associated with gout and other arthritic conditions. Besides this, tart cherry juice is also rich in flavonoids and phenolic acid compounds, which serve to undo the impact of oxidative stress and prevent gout flare-ups.
[Read: Low Purine Diet for Gout]
FAQs
1. How Much Tart Cherry Juice for Gout Should Be Taken?
While some researchers recommend 8 ounces of tart cherry juice twice a day for 2-4 weeks, others recommend fluid derived from 100 grams of sour cherries. Tart cherry juice for gout benefits is obtained irrespective and independent of dosage, according to other scientific studies.
So, while there is no specific amount specified, be careful about taking this natural cure and test for allergies before trying it.
2. Can Tart Cherry Juice for Gout Be Combined with Medicines?
Tart cherry juice should ideally complement medicines. Doctors recommend supplementing your treatment with this natural remedy while sticking to prescribed medication for gout.
