It was originally suspected that cherry juice treats gout flare-up 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 the majority of participants who drank 8 ounces of the juice every day for four weeks.
It’s 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 for a four-month period or longer did not lower uric acid levels. However, consuming cherry juice concentrate still reduced gout flare-ups significantly. This suggested some other mechanism was involved. The researchers tracked key serum biomarkers for inflammation and discovered a significant decrease in serum inflammatory mediators like interleukins in gout patients who consumed cherry juice concentrate. They concluded that the reduction in gout flares could be independently attributed to muted inflammation regardless of uric acid levels.
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.
One of the most comprehensive studies on gout and cherry juice was conducted in 2012. The study looked at 633 participants with gout. The researchers found that consuming at least 10 cherries per day reduced the risk of gout attacks by 35 percent. A combination of cherries and allopurinol, a medication often taken to reduce uric acid, reduced the risk of gout attacks by 75 percent.
According to the study, cherries reduce uric acid because they contain anthocyanins, which is what gives cherries their color. Anthocyanins are also found in other fruits, such as blueberries, but there’s a lack of conclusive research on the effects of blueberry consumption on gout.
Anthocyanins also he anti-inflammatory properties, another reason why cherry juice is a natural anti-inflammatory. As mentioned earlier, this likely reduces the frequency of gout flares.
»MORE:Get an online treatment plan for a gout attack in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.