From the Guidelines
Cherries can be a useful complementary approach in managing gout, as they have been found to be negatively associated with gout and may reduce the frequency of acute gout attacks. According to the 2016 updated EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of gout 1, consumption of cherries is inversely associated with gout. The study suggests that eating cherries may reduce the frequency of acute gout, although the effect appears modest.
Some key points to consider when using cherries for gout management include:
- Cherries contain anthocyanins and other anti-inflammatory compounds that may help lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation 1.
- The recommended consumption is about 10-12 cherries daily or 8 ounces of tart cherry juice.
- Cherries should not replace conventional medical treatments, but rather be used as a complementary approach alongside prescribed medications like allopurinol, febuxostat, or colchicine.
- Other important gout management strategies include limiting purine-rich foods, maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and reducing alcohol consumption, particularly beer 1.
It is essential to discuss this complementary approach with your healthcare provider and maintain your prescribed medication regimen. The EULAR recommendations emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to gout management, including lifestyle modifications and urate-lowering therapy 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Cherry in Managing Gout
- Cherry consumption has been proposed to be efficacious in preventing and treating gout due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative bioactive compounds 2, 3.
- Some studies have demonstrated that cherry consumption can lower serum urate levels and inflammation, and reduce the risk of recurrent gout attacks 2, 4.
- A systematic review of six studies reported a positive correlation between the consumption of tart cherry juice and a decrease in serum uric acid concentration, and a reduced risk of gout attacks 4.
- However, another study found that tart cherry concentrate had no effect on serum urate or urine urate excretion in people with gout, suggesting that any potential effect of cherry on gout flares may not be mediated by reduction in serum urate 5.
Mechanisms and Management
- Gout is a complex disease involving purine metabolism, urate deposition, and gouty inflammation, and dietary management may play a role in its development and progression 6.
- Cherries may have anti-inflammatory properties, including reducing IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, COX-I and -II, and downregulating NFkB-mediated osteoclastogenesis, which could contribute to their potential benefits in managing gout 3.
- Further comprehensive trials or long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of cherry intake in treating patients with gout or hyperuricemia 4.