Gout is a common form of arthritis, according to the CDC, that affects millions of Americans each year. According to Health Talk, it normally affects more men than women. As a form of arthritis, it can cause long-term pain and discomfort if left untreated. Some associate gout with alcohol consumption. Although there may be some truth to that, it has been proven that cases of gout can be found in individuals who have never consumed alcohol at all. Individuals who have a family history of arthritis will be at a much higher risk than those who don't. Using dried cherries is sometimes considered to be a “family” remedy. In reality, cherries are scientifically proven to help with gout. It's important to know your family history and what medical problems your close relatives may have been diagnosed with. The best way for you to mitigate these risk factors is to live a healthier lifestyle. Including dried fruits from Sunrise Fresh as part of that plan is also beneficial.
Cause and Symptoms for Gout
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid within the body. In most cases, it settles in the lower extremities, but it can be found in other areas of the body as well. Uric acid often becomes a problem when the kidneys can no longer keep with the demands of filtering it out. The more uric acid is present, the more severe your symptoms will be. Inflammation, debilitating pain, and stiffness are commonly reported as symptoms representing gout and other forms of arthritis. The best way to treat gout is to improve kidney function and strengthen the body's ability to heal itself through nutrition and positive lifestyle changes.
How Do Dried Cherries Help With Gout?
Yes! Dried cherries can help with gout! This is according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Consuming dried cherries, cherry juice, or concentrate daily may limit the number of gout flare-ups a person experiences over time.
The high concentration of nutrients found in dried cherries helps to support the body's immune system. By improving the immune system, the body is able to become more efficient and flush toxins from the system. As the body eliminates the toxins and contaminants, the kidneys begin to function more efficiently as well. Improved kidney function helps to eliminate uric acid in greater quantities. Less uric acids mean fewer gout flare-ups. Fewer flare-ups improve your quality of life and allow you to enjoy living life to the fullest!
How do Antioxidants Found in Dried Cherries Work?
Antioxidants work by attaching themselves to free radicals that invade the body and damage tissues. Free radicals enter the body in several different ways. Environmental pollutants, smoking (or other forms of tobacco use), exposure to strong chemicals, and even certain processes within the body. Antioxidants give up their electrons so they can attach to free radicals, effectively neutralizing them so they can no longer harm the body.
Dried cherries contain an abundance of antioxidants that can minimize the effects of free radicals throughout the body. By breaking the chain-like bonds that allow free radicals to attack other cells, antioxidants can effectively usher them out of the body where they can do no harm. Continued consumption of high-quality, dried cherries may actually be able to help reverse some of the damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties Found in Dried Cherries
In addition to antioxidants, dried cherries also contain polyphenols, an anti-inflammatory property. Polyphenols and other plant compounds are effective at limiting oxidative stress and the effect it has on the body. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, these polyphenols and plant compounds are abundantly found in dried cherries and are extremely effective at reducing inflammation, which is often the result of oxidative stress, chronic illness, or an injury. Since dried cherries have a higher concentration of these plant compounds, polyphenols, and antioxidants, you don't have to consume large portions to get the same results as eating them fresh.
Different Ways to Add Cherries to Your Diet
Sunrise Fresh dried cherries can be added to your diet in a variety of ways. The easiest way is to carry them with you as a snack or in trail mix. Throw in a few nuts and other Sunrise Fresh dried fruits and you have the perfect high energy/high fiber snack to get you through the day. Buy your dried fruits in bulk so you can make different blends each time!
Sunrise Fresh dried cherries can be used in many different ways. They can be added to pastries, granola bars, cookies, jams, jellies, salads, and pies or cobblers. No matter how you choose to use your dried cherries from Sunrise Fresh, you will always be guaranteed the most nutritious ingredients possible. From the natural sweetness to the firm texture, every bite is just as good as the first no matter how you choose to use them.
At Sunrise Fresh, our dried cherries are often used to provide a nutritional boost and provide benefits for self-care and the treatment of gout and other forms of arthritis. If you are suffering from gout, add a few of our Sunrise Fresh dried cherries to your diet on a regular basis. It won't be long before you’re reaping the rewards our all-natural dried cherries have to offer. At Sunrise Fresh, it is always “Just fruit... and nothing else!”
