Natural remedies for gout are increasingly becoming popular lately. This is because these are less expensive than drug based treatments and they actually work. Research has shown that cherries are very promising in gout management.
Cherries belong to the genus Prunus. The native range of the wild cherry can be found through most of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which were shown to reduce pain and inflammation in rats. Anthocyanins are very powerful antioxidants. These are found in concentrated amounts as pigments in berries. Anthocyanin pigments have the ability to protect against a multitude of human diseases. These belong to the flavinoid group of phytochemicals. Laboratory results have shown potential health benefits against aging, cancer, bacterial infections, and inflammation.
In gout, the overload of uric acid the body leads to the formation of minute crystal deposits in the joints. The formation of crystals causes joint inflammation or arthritis. Gout is a chronic condition and it is a progressive disease of the joints. The attacks are extremely painful with rapid onset of joint inflammation, pain, heat, and redness of the affected joint tissues.
Gout treatment involves medications that reduce inflammation. Prevention of future attacks is as important as treating acute gout attacks. To avoid attacks, make sure you have adequate fluid intake but reduce alcohol consumption. Weight reduction is another way to manage gout. Dietary changes and avoiding foods rich in protein and purines are necessary.
Pain relievers, NSAIDS, colchichine, allopurinol, and corticosteroids are the common gout medications. In addition to gout medicines, gout supplements have shown to aid in preventing gout attacks. Cherry extract has powerful anti inflammatory properties. Preliminary research suggests that eating around 20 cherries a day or around one cup can cut the risk of recurrent gout attacks by fifty percent. A gout supplement with wild cherry is an easy and convenient way to naturally manage gout, with equally excellent results.