Gout pain sufferers, like many people with painful medical conditions, are continually bombarded with so called miracle cures. One of these “miracle” cures for gout centers around eating cherries. Here is why it is a myth…

Diet For Gout: Cherries Or No Cherries?

Before deciding on a diet for gout, it is important to understand the nature of this unique medical condition. Gout is a form of arthritis that results from uric acid in the body forming painful crystal like spurs in the joints. It typically affects men in their 40′s and 50′s.

Like any form of arthritis, gout is an inflammation, a painful swelling as it were. Usually, gout attacks the big toe but can affect other body parts as well. The condition is caused by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, which is worth emphasizing, because there is no miracle cure for a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. And very frankly, you should run away from anyone or anything that promises you otherwise.

Now, as for cherries and their reputation as a cure all for this painful condition. On their own, cherries, like most berries, are an excellent dietary choice. They are tasty, high in vitamins, and low in fat and calories. Yes, cherries also have some anti swelling properties, which is also true of most berries.

Adding cherries to your diet can be helpful if you suffer from gout. The key word is “can”. It is only one of many factors you will need to implement if you want to control your condition.

The Bottom Line

If someone were to ask whether or not to add cherries to their diet if they have gout, the answer would be “yes”. But don’t expect a handful of cherries to be a miracle cure. It won’t happen. Read the rest of this entry »