Cherries And Cherry Juice For Arthritis Pain
Cherries and cherry juice have scientifically proven benefits for arthritis joint pain. Eating sweet or sour cherries or drinking cherry juice every day lowers inflammation in the body and reduces joint swelling and pain in arthritis, improving joint flexibility, mobility and functionality. Studies show sweet and especially tart cherries and cherry juice have strong anti-inflammatory properties, comparable to the pain-relieving effects of some NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Regular consumption of the fruit or fruit juice reduces inflammation markers in the body, including C-reactive protein and COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, nitric oxide, Interleukin 6 and 8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic benefits of cherries and cherry juice are primarily provided by pigmented antioxidants known as anthocyanins.
Knee Pain And Tart Cherry Juice
A double-blind study published in a supplement to the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism revealed that tart cherry juice might have a role in easing pain from osteoarthritis of the knee.
The study found that people who drank two bottles of tart cherry juice every day for six weeks had decreased pain scores compared with the group that drank a placebo. Each bottle of juice contained the equivalent of 45 tart cherries and a hefty dose of sugar 31 g.
Montmorency Cherry Extract For Muscle Soreness:
Q. I recently read about tart cherries on your website. I began taking Montmorency tart cherry extract in 1200 mg potency gummies. The results were amazing, in that my muscle and bone soreness subsided within a few days. I hope this will also help my blood sugar levels.
A. Thanks for sharing your experience. Montmorency tart cherries have been studied for exercise performance and recovery . These cherry supplements lower blood pressure modestly as well as improving end-sprint performance in elite athletes.
Research indicates that they may also be helpful for managing type 2 diabetes . However, gummies are often high in sugar. As a result, we dont know if they will help lower your blood sugar or if they might be counterproductive.
You May Like: How To Stop Arthritis From Progressing
Why Tart Cherries And Not Sweet Cherries
Tart cherries have a higher concentration of the phenolics and anthocyanins than sweet cherries. They are also slightly lower in sugar, so most research studies focus on the beneficial effects of the tart varieties. However, sweet cherries do also contain a significant level of anthocyanins. They may also have the potential to reduce inflammation and may help lessen the severity of other inflammatory conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Sweet Vs Tart Cherries For Arthritis
Both sweet and tart cherries have real benefits for the treatment of arthritis pain. However, according to existing data, tart cherries may just be slightly better for arthritis and inflammatory conditions in general. Studies indicate tart cherry varieties are generally higher in all anti-inflammatory components, including total phenolics, anthocyanins, quercetin, vitamin C and other biologically active components . However, if you only have access to sweet cherries or sweet cherry juice for arthritis pain management, then know itâs still a good option to consider.
Read Also: What Is The Normal Dose Of Methotrexate For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cherries Have Significant Anti
Oxidative stress plays an important role in some arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
In these types of arthritis, reactive oxygen species influence the degeneration of synovial fluid and other tissues in the joints.
The scavenging of these reactive oxygen species is crucial in order to prevent the degeneration of these tissues.
Cherries are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins, polyphenols, Vitamin C, melatonin etc.
Sour cherries are known to have very high antioxidant activity.
The polyphenols like quercetin, flavanones possess the ability to reduce oxidative stress.
These compounds work on enzymatic pathways that produce free radicals such as lipid peroxidation pathway by inhibiting them.
The anthocyanins also possess significant anti-oxidative capacity.
Melatonin, found in the cherries is oxidative stress reducing compound as well.
Cherries have been effectively able to reduce arthritis symptoms in the animal model by improving the anti-oxidative capacity in them.
Positive effects of treatment with cherry juice have also been seen in osteoarthritis patients.
Adding Cherries To Your Diet
If you have been diagnosed with gout and are considering incorporating cherries into your regular diet, you can try:
- Fresh or frozen tart cherries. Choose tart cherry varieties like Montorency or Balatonthey contain more anthocyanin antioxidants than sweet cherries .
- Cherry juice. Look for 100% unsweetened tart cherry juice.
- Cherry extract. Liquid, tablet, and powder forms of cherry extract are sold over the counter. Avoid products that contain additives or added sugars.
Recommended serving sizes are uncertain. Some studies recommend ½ cup of fresh cherries or 1 cup of unsweetened cherry juice per day. Supplements containing extract typically have suggested servings on the labels.
Products such as cherry brandy, pie filling, or syrup contain added alcohol and/or sugar and are not recommended to prevent gout and may actually increase the risk of a gout attack.
Because there are no definitive guidelines regarding the use of cherries to prevent gout, its up to individuals and their doctors to decide serving sizes and how to measure effectiveness.
A proven way to lower uric acid in the bloodstream is to avoid purine-rich foods.
You May Like: What Do You Do For Arthritis In Your Fingers
How Cherries Help Fight Arthritis
Generations of people have reported that cherries help keep painful osteoarthritis and gout flares in check. Now, scientists are putting this popular folk remedy to the test, with promising results.
Researchers have tested different amounts of several varieties of cherries in almost every form, from juice to pills. And though most studies are small and the findings preliminary, evidence of the benefits of cherries is growing.
Salmon Tuna Sardines And Mackerel
These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have found can decrease inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, eating a 3 to 4 ounce serving of these fish two or more times a week is recommended for protecting the heart and reducing inflammation.
While fresh fish can get pricey quickly, one tip to make it more affordable is by looking in the freezer section or buying canned sardines, salmon or tuna. Be sure to choose lower sodium options when purchasing canned items if you need to keep your sodium in check.
You May Like: Can Arthritis Cause Eye Problems
How To Use Cherry Juice For Joint Pain:
Q. Four ounces of tart cherry juice in the morning has alleviated the arthritis pain that I used to have in my hands. Ive been doing this for the last two years.
Ive recommended it to many people. Some dont experience relief from it, but many do. One friend uses cherry juice at bedtime to help her fall asleep.
Properties And Health Benefits
Tart cherry juice contains anthocyanins, which are anti-inflammatory compounds responsible for the red, orange, blue, and purple colors of fruits and vegetables. This substance may help to combat some chronic inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Many medications used to treat arthritis target inflammation as a way to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Tart cherry juice also has high concentrations of other polyphenols, including flavonoids. All of these nutritional compounds make tart cherry juice a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food and potential adjunct therapy for people with arthritis and gout.
The process by which anthocyanins help decrease inflammation may be by suppressing pro-inflammatory compounds in the body, such as cyclooxygenase, or COX. By this and other unknown mechanisms, tart cherry juice may help reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and other related joint pain disorders.
You May Like: How To Tell What Kind Of Arthritis I Have
Cherries Powerful Arthritis Pain & Inflammation Relievers
Eating cherries every day is one of the standard “must do” arthritis treatments . Here’s why the experts agree this is one of the best remedies for arthritis when done correctly…
Article by Troy Sawyer
The fact is cherries are a “tried and tested” arthritis pain and inflammation reliever. This healthy fruit has been consumed for centuries and used successfully to treat arthritis – along with gouty arthritis – for well over a hundred years. So rather than taking dangerous anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers, why not try eating some cherries instead!
Heres what health expert, Mike Adams, has to say about cherries as an authentic home treatment for arthritis
“I bet the big drug companies wish they had invented cherries theyve proven to be the most powerful medicine in the world for eliminating gout and reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis. If the public finds out the truth about cherries, after all, they wont need arthritis drugs anymore . As youll see in the collection of quotes about cherries, gout and arthritis , cherries are extremely safe, effective and fast-acting for eliminating swelling and pain.”
Andto whet your appetite, here’s a few of those timely quotes from some of theworlds most respected leaders and authors in the natural health field
Healing With WholeFoods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford
Unleash the Inner Healing Power of Foods by The Editors of FC& A
Miracle Medicine Foods by Rex Adams
The Wonder Fruit Cherry
In all things of nature, there is something of the marvellous
This brainy quote from Aristotle sums up the true meaning of the existence of life on the planet. Nature has the answers to the deepest agonies of the human mind and body.
This fact was known by our ancestors and now is being re-established through the help of science.One such miracle fruit that nature has gifted us is Cherry!
The brightly coloured, sweet and delicious fruit that originated in Europe and West Asia but has now found abode in most of the parts of the world has been known to have numerous health benefits.
It has been found to be having highly effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
As a result, it relieves pain and inflammation during gout and osteoarthritis.
Additionally, there is scientific evidence that proves that it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, acts as an anti-cancer drug, and helps induce sleep in patients suffering from insomnia.
Thus inclusion of cherry in the diet helps fight against numerous health problems in a natural yet effective manner.
Recommended Reading: Is Smoking Bad For Arthritis
Green Tea And Other Beverages
Many teas contain bioactive polyphenolic compounds that contribute significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit people with arthritis. A 2016 study of people with arthritis found that green tea supplementation improved disease activity. Another 2018 study found that green tea extract might control pain and improve knee joint physical function in adults with osteoarthritis.
Instead of sipping on soda, drink green or oolong teas, which are both made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Additionally, if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. If you do choose to have an alcoholic drink, opt for red wine, which may have anti-inflammatory effects.
| Beverages to Include |
|---|
| Red wine |
May Improve Symptoms Of Arthritis And Gout
Due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects, cherries may reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout, a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid that can lead to extreme swelling, inflammation, and pain in your joints.
Many studies show that cherries help inhibit oxidative stress and decrease inflammation by suppressing inflammatory proteins, which can help reduce symptoms related to arthritis.
Plus, they can decrease uric acid levels in your body, making them especially beneficial for those with gout.
A study in 10 women found that eating 2 servings of sweet cherries after an overnight fast lowered levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and significantly reduced uric acid levels 5 hours after consumption .
Another study in 633 people with gout demonstrated that those who ate fresh cherries over 2 days had 35% fewer gout attacks than those who did not consume the fruit.
Additionally, the study revealed that when cherry intake was combined with the gout medication allopurinol, gout attacks were 75% less likely than during periods when neither cherries or allopurinol were consumed (
Read Also: Is Coffee Good For Rheumatoid Arthritis
May Improve Sleep Quality
Eating cherries or drinking tart cherry juice may help improve your sleep quality.
These sleep-promoting benefits may be attributed to the fruits high concentration of plant compounds. Additionally, cherries contain melatonin, a substance that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle .
A study in 20 people showed that those who drank tart cherry juice concentrate for 7 days experienced significant increases in melatonin levels, sleep duration, and sleep quality, compared to a placebo .
Similarly, a 2-week study in older adults with insomnia found that drinking 1 cup of tart cherry juice before bed increased sleep time by 84 minutes .
However, these studies use concentrated cherry products. Its unclear whether eating fresh cherries before bed would have the same effect.
Ultimately, more studies are needed to better understand how consuming cherries and cherry products may benefit sleep.
Summary Cherries contain anti-inflammatory compounds and melatonin, which may help improve sleep quality in some people.
Lets Look At A Recent Study
In a study conducted at Oregon Health and Science University, 20 females with osteoarthritis drank 10.5-ounce bottles of either Montmorency tart cherry juice or a placebo beverage twice daily for 21 days.
Participants assessed level of pain at baseline and after the invention, and blood was drawn to evaluate several different biomarkers of inflammation. The tart cherry group experienced a significant reduction in one of the inflammation biomarkers, C-reactive protein.
They concluded that Montmorency tart cherry juice may be an effective way for osteoarthritis patients to manage their disease.
With millions of Americans looking for ways to naturally manage pain, its promising that Montmorency tart cherries can help, without the possible side effects often associated with arthritis medications. Im intrigued by the potential for a real food to offer such a powerful anti-inflammatory benefit especially for active adults.Kerry Kuehl, MD, DrPH, Oregon Health & Science University
Also Check: What To Do For Arthritis In The Thumb
Do Cherries Help Arthritis
cherrycherriescherry
Tart CherriesStudies show that these delicious, tart-sweet cherries can reduce pain from arthritis and post-exercise soreness. One study showed the fruit has the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food. Add it: Look for tart dried cherries and tart cherry juice.
Likewise, what fruits are good for arthritis? Fortunately, there are many foods that can ease inflammation and may help relieve some of the joint pain associated with arthritis.This article will look at 10 of the best foods to eat if you have arthritis.
Also to know is, how cherries help fight arthritis?
2. Fights inflammation and arthritis pain. Research shows that the antioxidants in tart cherry juice can reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis . A 2012 study showed that drinking cherry juice twice a day for 21 days reduced the pain felt by people with OA.
Are black cherries good for arthritis?
Black cherry juice is said to reduce inflammation and is used to treat arthritis and gout. Cherries have long been a folk remedy for gout and arthritis, and now marketers have jumped on the bandwagon with black cherry concentrates and extracts.
Other Options To Manage Arthritis Pain:
Cherries and cherry juice are far from the only option for people who want to control arthritis pain without heavy-duty medicines. Anyone who would like to learn more about nondrug approaches for controlling inflammation and easing joint pain may find our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis of interest.
Read Also: Do I Have Arthritis In My Hands
Cherry Health Benefits: Arthritis And Gout Relief
North America’s super fruit… the Montmorency Tart Cherry. What makes this ruby red fruit so great? Not only are they delicious in all forms, but they really pack a punch in terms of health benefits. The bright red color of the skin makes this fruit beautiful to look at, as well as being the source behind all of the health promoting properties.
Do Cherries Affect Arthritis
cherries
Tart CherriesStudies show that these delicious, tart-sweet cherries can reduce pain from arthritis and post-exercise soreness. One study showed the fruit has the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food. Add it: Look for tart dried cherries and tart cherry juice.
Secondly, what fruits are bad for arthritis? Busting three arthritis food myths
- Citrus fruits cause inflammation. Some people believe that they should avoid citrus fruits because the acidity is inflammatory.
- Avoiding dairy helps with osteoarthritis. There are also claims that avoiding dairy can help with osteoarthritis.
- Nightshade vegetables cause inflammation.
Consequently, do cherries cause joint pain?
Cherries contain anthocyanins, which have great anti-inflammatory properties. See What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods? Gout attacks are caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body, which crystallizes in the joints, causing intense pain.
Are black cherries good for arthritis?
Black cherry juice is said to reduce inflammation and is used to treat arthritis and gout. Cherries have long been a folk remedy for gout and arthritis, and now marketers have jumped on the bandwagon with black cherry concentrates and extracts.
Also Check: Why Does Psoriatic Arthritis Hurt So Bad
Benefits Of Eating Blueberries For Arthritis Pain
You may have seen it in a movie, on a television commercial, or heard it at your grandparents house at some point someone complaining of their arthritis pain. If you arent suffering from the painful swelling, inflammation, and joint pain yourself, it can be difficult to understand just how debilitating arthritis can actually be.
The disease is the largest reason for disability for adult age individuals in the United States according to studies. There is an estimate that more than 78 million people will be diagnosed with the condition by the year 2040, showing that the problem is a lot more prevalent than what you might think.
Treatment options for patients with arthritis vary from medication and surgery to more natural choices. With the number of people choosing non-conventional, holistic care for their arthritis and other health conditions, its no surprise that the idea of the foods you eat have come into focus. What you put into your body has a significant effect on the way you function. It has been determined blueberries help some people deal with their arthritic symptoms. Find out more about what they do and how they can help ease arthritis pain.