Gout is a condition that affects the joints as the result of excess uric acid in the body.
These uric acids accumulate and form crystals in the joints which leads to inflammation and pain in the joints [1].
The first symptom of gout is pain and swelling of the single joint, especially the big toe. Gout can be experienced as sudden excruciating joint pain.
This is called acute gout attacks [2].
Chronic gout involves repeated episodes of pain and inflammation.
The chances of developing gout are more in men than women.
The risk is also higher in an individual with a family history of gout, alcohol consumption, obesity and high purine diet consumption [3].
Purines are the compounds which on degradation leads to the formation of uric acid. Purines are present in the body tissues.
It is also present in foods like red meat, sardines, liver, scallops, anchovies, mackerel, beans etc [4].
Cherry juice has been known to have positive effects on gout symptoms. Before we discuss its benefits let us learn a little more about cherry juice.
What is Cherry Juice?
Cherry juice is obtained from cherries which contains Flavonoids and Anthocyanins that are plant components which have powerful antioxidant properties.
These compounds reduce the free radicals in the body which are harmful to the body and cause oxidative stress [5].
Cherry juice also contains a group of compounds that possess anti-inflammatory benefits as proven by various studies [6].
Cherries are a rich source of phenolic compounds and have been widely used and studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [7].
A survey on the usage of food supplements by gout patients revealed that cherry juice was one of the most commonly used supplement to help reduce the symptoms of gout [8].
Let us now discuss the benefits of cherry juice for gout in detail.
Benefits of Cherry Juice in Arthritis
Cherry juice can be beneficial in gout as it has anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant properties. Clinical trials have proven its anti-inflammatory properties which helps reduce pain and swelling of gout. Cherry juice brings down oxidative stress by acting as a natural free radical scavenger. Research also shows that cherry juice can reduce the uric acid levels in the blood that can further contribute to its benefits in gout.
1. Cherry Juice Can Reduce Inflammation
Cherries contain plant chemicals that have been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects [9].
This effect can help in reducing the inflammation caused to gout patients.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cherries have been proven to be comparable to drugs called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) which are mainly used in the treatment of gout [10].
Another study has shown that cherry juice minimizes the inflammatory markers (bio-chemical compounds released in the body as the result of inflammation) in healthy volunteers [11].
What does this mean? Cherry juice can reduce inflammation in gout and its effects are comparable to the drugs used to manage gout.
2. Cherry Juice Can Relieve Gout Pain
Cherry Juice has pain relieving properties [12].
Cherry juice has been proven to decrease pain induced by exercise in a clinical study compared with placebo [13].
A study conducted by Tall et. al., proved that cherry juice can reduce pain and swelling caused by inflammation [14].
Cherry juice can exert pain relieving properties due to its capacity to reduce inflammation and reducing oxidative stress.
The use of NSAID’s for pain relief is associated with many side effects. Therefore, use of tart cherry juice for pain relief is a safer option to fight gout pain [15].
What does this mean? Cherry juice can reduce the joint pain in gout by reducing inflammation and swelling. It is a safer option when compared to the pain killers used otherwise.
3. Antioxidant Benefits of Cherry Juice in Gout
Cherry juice is a powerful antioxidant. The anthocyanins present in cherry juice is responsible for these antioxidant effects [16].
Cherry Juice has been shown to reduce oxidative stress (imbalance between the formation and clearance of reactive oxygen species that cause cell damage) in healthy volunteers [17].
Gout patients are found to be having more oxidative stress [18].
The antioxidative effect of cherry juice can help in stress reduction.
What does this mean? Cherry juice can reduce the oxidative stress in gout which otherwise damage the cells in the body.
4. Cherry Juice Lowers Recurrent Gout Attacks
One of the main problems faced by gout patients is recurrent gout attacks. The effects of cherry juice on this has also been widely studied.
A clinical trial conducted by Zhang Y et. al., demonstrated a 35% of the reduction in gout attacks in a group of gout patients on cherry juice when compared with a group of gout patient without cherry juice intake [19].
Research also shows different varieties of cherries have also been beneficial in reducing gout attacks [20].
What does this mean? Recurrent gout attacks can be reduced by using cherry juice. Trials have demonstrated a 35% reduction in the gout attacks with cherry juice intake.
5. Cherry Juice Can Decreases Uric Acid in the Blood
Cherry juice has been shown to reduce uric acid in the body [21].
This could be either due to reduced production of uric acid or increased removal of uric acid from the body.
An animal study has also shown that cherry juice can reduce uric acid levels in gout [22].
What does this mean? Cherry juice reduces the uric acid level in the body. However, strong evidence is required from clinical trials in gout patients.
Dosage of Cherry Juice for Gout
250mL (8 Fluid ounces) twice daily can be effective for the reduction of oxidative stress [23].
355mL of cherry juice twice daily studies to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation [24].
Precautions
The use of cherry juice is mostly safe.
The side effects of cherry juice are minimal. It may cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhea due to high sorbitol content.
Cherry juice can also lead to weight gain if it is taken in excess amount.
If you are diabetic or have any other condition do consult your physician before taking cherry juice for gout.
Bottomline
Gout is a condition resulting from increased levels of uric acid in the blood which forms crystals and lead to inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Cherry juice has been proven to be of benefit in alleviating gout symptoms.
Cherry juice reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. It is also known to alleviate pain and decrease the level of uric acid in the blood.
It is also found to be effective in preventing recurrent gout attacks.
The use of cherry juice has increased in gout patients owing to its benefits in its symptoms.
Cherry juice is safer when compared to painkillers in reducing gout symptoms.
Therefore, cherry juice is safe and effective to be used in gout patients.
Although, further studies are required in gout patients to provide strong evidence for its benefits and to describe in detail the mechanisms involved in these properties.