Cherries to Treat Gout
A significant portion of the population suffers from some form of arthritis, particularly in older age. However, many people are unfamiliar with the specific form of arthritis known as gout and the effects it can have on patients.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a common yet complex form of arthritis that is caused by an excessive amount of uric acid found in the bloodstream. Gout can happen to anyone at any age, and the symptoms of gout are usually caused by the body responding to the crystallization of uric acid in the bloodstream. Some typical symptoms include:
- Intense joint pain
- Swelling
- Discomfort in afflicted joints
- Redness
There are several medications commonly used to treat gout that can have positive effects on the condition. However, there are also several all-natural ways to go about gout treatment that start with diet.
Eating Cherries to Treat Gout: Does It Work?
Most people eat cherries for their sweet flavor, but consuming this fruit can actually have several significant health benefits, one of which is the use of cherries to treat gout. Those who suffer from gout typically experience it in flare-ups, and the regular consumption of whole cherries or pure cherry juice can majorly reduce the severity of flare-ups as well as their frequency.
Cherries reduce uric acid levels in the body, which is the precise compound that causes painful gout flare-ups. Studies have shown that regular cherry or cherry juice consumption can lead to lower averages of uric acid within the body over time as well as significantly reduced flare-ups in those that typically suffer from gout.
Eating cherries to treat gout is extremely effective due to the anthocyanins found in the fruit, which actually give cherries their deep red color. More anthocyanins are found in cherries than most fruits, and this substance actively reduces uric acid levels.
