Q. I have had very good success using dried cherries to prevent gout. I began having gout attacks, mostly in my left foot, about 20 years ago. This surprised me because I was not on a rich man’s diet and rarely ate meat or rich foods. Abstaining from alcohol and trying to eliminate all foods containing purines did not work.
My uric acid levels were high, so my doctor started me on the drug allopurinol. It was not very effective and damaged my liver.
I had heard about the benefits of eating dried cherries and decided to give them a try. I also increased my water intake.
I have not had an attack of gout for at least three years. I put 15 Montmorency whole dried tart cherries on my cereal each morning. I’m not going to mess with success.
A. You are not the only reader who has had success with tart cherries against gout. For years, visitors to our website have reported similar benefits. Homer said,
“The tart cherry juice has worked for me. I have been taking a little each morning since 2009, and have had no problems at all. I am 81 years old and found out about it from a friend who has an awful time with gout.”
In one study, people with gout were 35 percent less likely to suffer an attack if they were eating cherries or taking cherry extract (Arthritis and Rheumatism, Dec., 2012).
We are always delighted when scientists confirm what the old wives have been saying for years. In this case, the investigators concluded:
“These findings suggest that cherry intake is associated with a lower risk of gout attacks.”
photo credit: stu_spivack cc cropped
