Black Cherry Juice for Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis that mostly affects the big toe. However, chronic form of gout may also affect other body joints such as the knee, elbow, wrist, etc. Like any other form of arthritis, gout is characterized by joint pain and inflammation.

The difference is that the gout pain and inflammation are not triggered by degeneration of the joint but because of deposits of uric acid crystals in these areas. The medicines that are used for gout treatment cannot be used for a long time because of their side effects.

For this reason, gout patients often look for safer ways to treat the condition. Black cherry juice is a natural treatment option for them and it can be used without the fear of any side effects.

Gout occurs when uric acid level in the body becomes high. Actually, uric acid is a water soluble waste product, which is formed when the nitrogen compound (purine) found in protein rich foods are broken down in the body. Then, it is excreted out through the kidneys.

When its level is high, then some uric acid residues are left behind in the body and cannot be expelled completely. The residues of uric acid then form crystals and get deposited in the body joints. These uric acid crystals irritate the surrounding tissues in the area and cause gout pain.

Therefore, gout is one such form of arthritis where just treating the pain and inflammation is not enough, but the level of uric acid in the blood has to be brought down.

Use of cherry juice for gout is a traditional method of treatment. Among all varieties of cherry, black cherry is the most preferred one mainly because it is very nutritious. There are several benefits of using black cherry juice for treating gout.

It contains a component called anthocyanins, which is highly effective for lowering the level of uric acid in the blood by facilitating its excretion through urine. Thus, cherry juice eliminates the root cause of gout and cures the disease. Besides, it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties, which is considered as good as that of pain relieving medicines.

It improves blood circulation in the area and brings down inflammation. Thus, you get relief from joint pain and tenderness caused by arthritis. Another positive effect of black cherry juice is that it protects the joint. The body joints often suffer damage under the influence of free radicals.

Black cherry juice contains a high amount of antioxidants that can resist the harmful effects of free radicals and thus, keep the joints healthy.

The black cherry juice purchased from local health food stores is found in concentrated form. You require only small doses to obtain the desired results. Just two tablespoons of black cherry juice twice a day is enough for treatment of gout symptoms.

When you have a severe gout attack, then you can increase the dosage and have it thrice a day. You have to continuously use it as long as the gout symptoms do not subside completely. After that, many gout patients continue to take one tablespoon of black cherry juice daily to keep the gout pain away.

Now, the concentrated juice is very sweet in taste and many people cannot have it directly like any other liquid form of medicines. If you feel the same, you can dilute two tablespoons of the juice in a cup of water and drink it. Another alternative way is to mix it with plain organic yogurt and eat it. Some people prefer to have it after mixing it with fruits like banana, which also contributes towards fast elimination of uric acid.

Now, you must not think that simply taking only the required dosage of black cherry juice will give you the desired results. It should be accompanied by a proper diet that includes fruits rich in vitamin C, raw vegetables, fresh vegetable juices, complex carbohydrates, etc. Purine rich foods add up to the level of uric acid in the body.

Hence, foods like red meat, poultry, shellfish and pork should be strictly avoided. Seek advice from your doctor before proceeding with any kind of diet. Eat healthy and stay healthy!