How Cherries and Cherry Juice Offer a Treatment for Gout

Scott Kessman

Gout is a disease that is caused due to the increased levels of uric acid in the blood. This results in formation of uric acid deposits in the joints. These are formed as painful crystals and can lead to pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints. This is a disease that afflicts more men than women and the swelling and tenderness is very often noticed at the joint which is at the base of the big toe. There seems to be a definite connection between cherries and Gout treatment.

Cherries are a rich source of Vitamin C and it is very favorable for Gout treatment. Elevated levels of uric acid can be reduced with the help of Vitamin C and this helps in curbing the progression of the condition. This helps in alleviating the pain and also prevents further attacks of gout.

Cherries also contain anthocyanins, which are natural flavonoids that are present in the fruit. Since these have anti-inflammatory properties it helps in reducing the pain symptoms. High levels of potassium are found in cherries and this helps the body get rid of excessive uric acid and helps in maintaining the fluid balance. The potassium helps in turning the urate crystals into the liquid form and this is then easily eliminated by the kidneys. Hence cherries have been found to be highly beneficial in Gout treatment.

The benefits of cherry juice in Gout treatment was discovered accidentally by Dr. Ludwig W. BLau in 1950. He himself was a victim of gout and when he tried and tested it and found results, he tested the positive effects of cherry juice and cherries on several patients and found good results.

Cherries and cherry juice has been found to be very beneficial in reducing the levels of uric acid in the blood, and is hence used in treating gout. The antioxidants as well as flavonoids that are found in the cherries help the body in fighting many diseases. It also helps in fighting the free radicals in the body. Theanthocyanins in the cherry juice have anti-inflammatory properties and that helps in healing the pain and inflammation in the joints.

Published by Scott Kessman

Scott Michael Kessman is a freelance writer and also the author of The Tales of Tanglewood YA fantasy series. The novels meld together Irish & Celtic mythology with modern-day folklore, and are enjoyed by al...  View profile

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