Black Cherry Juice Gout Remedy

Gout is a painful condition brought on by excessive levels of uric acid, which is typically flushed away in the form of urine, in the blood. Gout can cause a form of arthritis called gouty arthritis and can become a chronic condition. It is thought, however, that chemicals in black cherry juice can help treat the illness.

Gout Causes

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid. This can be due to overproduction of uric acid, an inability to purge uric acid fast enough, or certain foods that are high in a chemical known as purine, which creates uric acid when broken down. Rich foods, such as champagne, shellfish and duck liver contain high levels of purine. Renal failure and a sedentary lifestyle can also cause an onset of gout.

Gout Symptoms

Gout is first recognized through the excruciating pain it causes in the foot. Specifically, gout cause sudden burning, swelling, redness and stiffness. The affected area is often very sensitive to touch, due to inflammation of the tissue around the foot and toe joints. Pain can also occur outside of the foot and toes, including the ankle, fingers, elbow, wrist, knee and spine. Chronic gout can lead to the development of kidney stones.

Black Cherry Juice Chemistry

Although there are a number of ways to treat gout, one holistic method that has been touted is the consumption of black cherry juice. Cherries have been shown to reduce levels of uric acid in the blood--a serving of cherries a day can reduce uric acid levels by as much as 15 percent. These results are similar when cherry juice or dried cherries are consumed. The way cherries help treat gout is via a chemical known as anthocyanin. This chemical helps relieve inflammation. As for the health benefits of black cherry juice specifically, as opposed to other types of cherries such as tart cherries, studies show that there is no significant difference in effectiveness. In other words, all cherry juice provides the afflicted with the same relief.

Black Cherry Juice Dosage

If you are suffering from gout, you only need to consume small amounts of cherry juice to see a positive effect. If symptoms set in, consume 2 tbsp. of concentrated black cherry juice two times a day. Continue to do so until symptoms are relieved. If you do not feel relief within two days of cherry juice treatment, than you should find another method to treat your gout or see a medical professional. If cherry juice concentrate is too sweet, you can combine 2 tbsp. in a cup of water, or drink a glass of non-concentrated juice twice a day.

Making Black Cherry Juice

You can make your own black cherry juice rather than buying pre-concentrated juice or pre-mixed juice. To do this, buy a package of black cherries or purchase about a pound of cherries. Wash and pit all the cherries. Next, heat the cherries in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a few tablespoons of water. If you don't mind your cherry juice being extra sweet, you can use a simple syrup in place of water. Let the cherries simmer in the water, allowing the juice to separate from the fruit. After about 10 minutes of simmering, remove the pan from the heat and filter the juice into a cup. You can use a coffee filter to do this. What you are left is black cherry juice. Allow it to cool, and then consume.