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.
You will need to attack your condition from two fronts.
First, from an activity standpoint.
The vast majority of gout sufferers are overweight or even obese.
Exercise is a crucial factor in controlling this condition, and many others too, like high blood pressure for one.
Even if you are not fit enough for vigorous exercise, a daily walk of one mile is a great starting point.
The second point of attack is your diet.
The answer here is much the same for any medical condition, particularly weight loss.
Avoid fried and fatty foods, along with empty calories from salty snacks and alcohol.
Instead, introduce more lean cuts into your meals, along with green leafy vegetables and fruits.
Yes, even cherries! The key is to change your lifestyle, not rely on a miracle cure that doesn't exist.
The hardest part of conquering many medical conditions is changing your mindset.
Eliminate the thought of a miracle pill and focus on the task at hand.
Your body will thank you for it! Summary The best diet for gout is one that is balanced, high in fiber, and low in fat.
Cherries can be a good source of vitamins and minerals and they do offer some helpful anti inflammatory properties.
But don't be lured into the myth that eating cherries will cure your gout on its own.
It simply isn't true.
Rely on solid, practical advice to control your condition, even if it isn't what you want to hear.
Treating gout isn't easy, but it can be done with the proper mindset and lifestyle changes.