Health Liberty: Gout, Diet and Black Cherries

Gout is a common type of arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid (sodium urate) in the blood, tissues, and urine. Uric acid is the end product of the metabolism of a class of chemicals known as purines. In people with gout, the body does not produce enough of the digestive enzyme uricase, which oxidizes relatively insoluble uric acid into a highly soluble compound. As a result, uric acid accumulates in the blood and tissues and, ultimately, crystallizes. When it crystallizes, uric acid takes on a shape like that of a needle and like a needle it jabs its way into the joints. It seems to prefer the joint of the big toe, but other joints can be vulnerable as well, including the mid-foot, ankle, knee, wrist, and even the fingers.

While dietary changes are absolutely necessary for long term control of gout, concentrated cherry juice can work wonders for helping a person get over the immediate and excruciating symptoms. The most noticeable effects I saw were when people consumed 1 ounce of concentrated cherry juice 3-4 times a day while symptoms lasted, then reducing to 1 ounce taken once a day for a week or so afterward. Daily consumption would be a good idea for people who have a history of gout. Cherry juice tastes great so it is a nice alternative to many other options.

Scripture for the teaching: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. ~Isaiah 53:4-5