Seven ways to end joint pain, arthritis and gout using cherries

(NaturalNews) Gout and arthritis have two things in common. Each condition makes the body hurt, and they respond to the powerful nutrients found in cherries that eliminate pain. Cherries contain high levels of antioxidants and anthocyanins, nutrients known to relieve pain, inflammation and stiffness. Cherries belong to an esteemed group of super fruits including blueberries, acai, pomegranate, yumberries, cranberries and goji berries -- all providing exceptionally high amounts of these pain-killing compounds. Cherries are rich in polynutrients and anthocyanins, which give the fruit its rich, reddish-purple color -- the deeper the color, the higher the level of antioxidants. Raw or Cooked Whether they're raw or cooked, cherries in any form contain the same anti-inflammatory substances, according to the University of Michigan Health System. They reported that people consuming about 1/2 pound of cherries daily over a period of four weeks noticed significant joint pain relief. To be sure of getting the most from cooked cherries, include the cooking juices. Canned Count canned cherries in when including cherries in a regime of pain-relieving foods. The University of Michigan also included canned cherries in its review for helping to relieve aches and pains associated with musculoskeletal conditions. Keeping a couple of cans of tart cherries in the pantry ensures there will always be something in the house in the event supplies of other cherry products run low. This does not include maraschino, whose natural chemical makeup has been altered by preserving and adding sugar. Juice Some people swear by the healing effects of drinking tart cherry juice. Tart cherries are thought by some to have the greatest pain-killing power, and Montmorency cherries are considered the most popular sour cherry. Tart cherries are also rich in potassium, which may help the body create an alkaline-forming state, and protect against acidosis, which is a breeding ground for the formation of disease. Drinking six ounces of tart cherry juice daily is the approximate equivalent to 1/2 pound of raw or cooked cherries. Cherry juice can be diluted with water. Mixing black cherry juice and tart cherry juice provides sweetness, making the drink more palatable for some people. Powder Taking cherry powder provides a quick, portable, easy way to utilize the benefits of cherries. An animal study funded by the Cherry Marketing Institute in 2008 indicated that rats receiving dried cherry powder had greatly reduced levels of inflammation in their bodies. Additionally, when the cherry powder was fed mixed with a high-fat diet, the rats didn't build body fat or gain weight at the same rate as control animals. Concentrate Cherry concentrate is simply cherry juice with the excess water removed. It provides a super-punch of pain-relieving nutrients. As little as two ounces a day diluted with water may offer relief for aching joints and muscles and relieve the agonizing pain of gout. Look for organic cherry concentrate to ensure the absence of pesticides and other chemicals. Supplements A variety of supplements contain cherries including capsules, liquid extracts, and snack bars. Cherry supplements may not cure arthritis and gout, but like fresh and cooked cherries and cherry juice, they too offer another way to consume the important chemicals that provide relief for those suffering in pain. Some supplements contain high levels of quercetin and vitamin C as well as antioxidants and anthocyanins. A common daily dose of cherry extract is 2,000 mg divided into four doses throughout the day; however, it's best to consult a health practitioner before taking unfamiliar supplements. Sources for this article include: University of Michigan Health System: Gout http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-li... Wikipedia.org: Cherry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies; Joe Graedon, et.al; 2002 NYU Langone Medical Center: Cherries http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?Chun... University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/... University of Michigan Health System: Gout http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-li... Wikipedia.org: Cherry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies; Joe Graedon, et.al; 2002 NYU Langone Medical Center: Cherries http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?Chun... University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/... Produce Oasis: Montmorency Cherry http://www.produceoasis.com/Items_f... About the author: JB Bardot is trained in herbal medicine and homeopathy, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle. Stay informed! FREE subscription to the Health Ranger's email newsletter Get breaking health news + a LIFETIME 7% discount on everything at the NaturalNews Store Join two million monthly readers. Email privacy 100% protected. Unsubscribe at any time. Articles Related to This Article: • Miracle Cure for Gout and Arthritis Pain? Six Cherries a Day • 30-Day Supply of Cherry Concentrate Supplements for Every NaturalNews Reader in the U.S. • FDA tyranny and the censorship of cherry health facts (opinion) • Cherries Found to Be a Natural Sleep Aid • Cherries are an inexpensive natural remedy for pain • Natural Painkillers and Strong Antioxidants Found in Tart Cherries