More than 8.3 million Americans suffer from gout today. Genetics, diet, and metabolic issues all play a role in this painful form of arthritis.1
Millions have turned to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to relieve pain and prevent flare-ups.2 We’ve told you about the dangers of NSAIDs before. You don’t have to pop many pills to experience adverse effects.
But there is good news…
You can treat gout using a natural anti-inflammatory. No pain and no side effects. It’s simply a common fruit.
Since the 1950s, some smart people have turned to this fruit to ease their arthritis pain.3 But now, new research is confirming its anti-inflammatory properties and affect on gout.
A recent study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism showed that eating this treat reduced the risk of gout by 35 percent… in just two days.4
Dr. Yuqing Zhang, a professor at Boston University, led the study. It followed 633 gout patients.
Researchers followed these patients for a year. Patients listed symptoms and attacks along with fruit intake.
Over the course of the year 1,247 attacks were documented. That’s about two per patient.
And here’s where it gets interesting…
Those who reported eating a ½-cup serving of this fruit each day had a 35 percent decrease in attacks.
What fruit was it?
Cherries. And these people only had to eat about 10-12 a day for these dramatic results. Even better…
The patients who took cherry extract had a 45 percent reduction in gout attacks. And those who consumed both – cherries and cherry extract – had a 37 percent less.
“The gout flare risk continued to decrease with increasing cherry consumption, up to three servings over two days,” said Dr. Zhang.
The study noted the effect of the cherry intake persisted across subgroups by sex, obesity status, purine intake, alcohol use, diuretic use, and use of anti-gout medications.
Cherries are full of vitamins and minerals including vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate. They offer an array of health benefits. And they are loaded with powerhouse antioxidants.
In another study, researchers from California studied the effect of cherries on women.5 Researchers asked 10 healthy women to eat 45 cherries. Then the scientists tested them to check their levels of urate, a precursor of uric acid. Uric acid is the very cause of gout.
The results…
In just five hours urate levels showed a significant decrease.
“Our test is among the first to track anti-inflammatory effects of fresh Bing cherries in a controlled experiment with healthy volunteers,” said lead chemist Robert A. Jacob.
But what in cherries causes the breakdown and decrease of uric acid?
It’s found in their ruby hue. The antioxidant that gives cherries their rich color helps fight gout. It’s called anthocyanin.6
In the body, anthocyanins block the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes cause inflammation.
Scientists have found the anthocyanins in cherries to be equivalent to two painkillers in blocking COX-1 and COX-2.
But even better…
They come with no side effects. You can’t say the same about NSAIDS.
Cherries are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins. 20 tart cherries can have over 25 mg of the active compound. That’s more than any berry. And these important compounds are more abundant in tart cherries than sweet.
Tart cherries are available year-round. Montmorency and Balaton are the two main types of tart cherries.
Of course go organic to avoid pesticides. And if you don’t want to eat a handful of cherries but still want the natural healing properties, cherry extract can be found in your local health food store. Or you can find it easily online.
By choosing cherries, you eliminate uric acid. And eliminate the side effects that come with painkillers.
If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from gout, a handful of cherries a day might keep gout and flare ups away.
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Editor’s Note: Speaking of inflammation… We will release the November issue of Natural Health Dossier in a matter of days. It focuses on another unfortunate effect of inflammation – autoimmune disorders. Specifically, one that an estimated 2.1 million people suffer from. We’ll show you warning signs to look for… how to avoid years of doctor-hopping with incorrect diagnoses… and of course, natural and safe ways to actually treat the root of the problem – not mask the symptoms. Plus, discover our three-step “Lifestyle Prescription” to help squash inflammation, no matter what the cause. Subscribe to Natural Health Dossier today to get the issue sent directly to your inbox. Click here for more information and to get details on a free report we’d like to send you right away.
References:
1http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001459/
2http://naturalhealthdossier.com/2012/04/health-risks-of-over-the-counter-pain-relief/
3http://www.choosecherries.com/health/inflammation.aspx
4http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23023818
5http://jn.nutrition.org/content/133/6/1826.full
6http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/02/990201073255.htm