• Gout

Can Cherry Juice Treat Gout Flare-Ups?

Published: June 25, 2025
Updated: June 25, 2025
4 mins

If you're dealing with gout, you've probably heard a lot about cherry juice – especially tart cherry juice – as a natural remedy. Cherry juice is known for its tart flavor, but it may have more benefits than you’d think.

In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of tart cherry juice and what role it can play in alleviating painful gout symptoms. 

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness – often starting in the big toe. The condition is often triggered by high-purine foods, alcohol, dehydration, or certain medications. Managing uric acid levels is key to reducing the frequency of gout attacks.

Uric acid is a waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines – a substance found in many foods and beverages. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and exits the body through urine, but when levels get too high, crystals can form and trigger painful attacks.

How Does Cherry Juice Help Relieve Symptoms of a Gout Flare-Up?

The connection between cherry juice and gout goes back several decades. Research has shown that tart cherry juice may help reduce uric acid levels and inflammation, both of which play a central role in gout flares.

One of the key tart cherry juice benefits is its rich supply of anthocyanins – natural compounds that give cherries their red color and act as powerful antioxidants. These compounds may help lower inflammation and reduce oxidative stress, both of which contribute to gout attacks.

Anthocyanins have been shown to inhibit certain enzymes (like COX-1 and COX-2) involved in the inflammatory process, similar to how nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work.

Some small studies have found that drinking cherry juice for gout may help lower serum uric acid levels. While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, it's thought that the antioxidant activity in tart cherries helps the kidneys eliminate uric acid more efficiently.

Some health experts have found that patients who consumed cherry extract or tart cherry juice for gout experienced a reduced risk of gout attacks compared to those who didn’t.

Another added benefit of tart cherry juice is that it’s rich in antioxidants. This may help neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress – a factor that can worsen inflammation and joint damage in chronic gout sufferers. 

Other Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice

While gout relief gets a lot of attention, there are other benefits of tart cherry juice that make it a standout addition to your wellness routine.

Tart cherry juice and sleep

Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.

In clinical trials, participants who drank tart cherry juice for sleep reported improvements in sleep quality and duration. One study found that older adults who consumed tart cherry juice experienced longer sleep time and increased sleep efficiency. Better sleep may also play a role in managing gout, as poor sleep has been linked to increased inflammation and a higher risk of flare-ups.

If you struggle with insomnia or poor sleep, tart cherry juice sleep remedies may be worth trying – especially since they’re natural and generally well tolerated.

Muscle recovery and exercise performance

Athletes often turn to tart cherry juice benefits for its ability to support recovery after strenuous workouts. Studies have shown that drinking tart cherry juice can reduce muscle soreness and strength loss after exercise, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing post-exercise inflammation may be especially beneficial for people with gout, who often avoid activity during flares but can benefit from gentle movement during remission.

Heart health and blood pressure

There’s also some evidence that cherry juice benefits extend to cardiovascular health. Regular consumption of tart cherry juice may help lower blood pressure and improve arterial function, likely due to its high antioxidant content.

Since people with gout are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the heart-healthy effects of tart cherry juice may offer added protective benefits.

Who Should Not Drink Tart Cherry Juice?

While the tart cherry juice benefits are impressive, it’s not for everyone. Here are some tart cherry juice warnings to consider before adding it to your daily routine:

• People with diabetes or insulin resistance: Tart cherry juice contains natural sugars that can spike blood glucose. Always be sure to check the label and consult a doctor if you’re monitoring blood sugar levels.

• Those taking blood thinners: Tart cherries may have a mild blood-thinning effect. If you’re on anticoagulants like warfarin, speak to your healthcare provider before use.

• Individuals with IBS or sensitive GI tracts: Some people experience bloating or gastrointestinal upset due to the natural sorbitol content in cherries.

Where Can I Learn More About Healthy Eating Habits?

If you’re looking for more information on healthy eating habits to help you take care of your well-being, LifeMD has got you covered.

A team of medical professionals can guide you on healthy eating habits — all from the comfort of your home. 

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