Q. My husband was diagnosed with gout. After suffering through several bouts, he was prescribed allopurinol. The pain seems to have spread from his big toe to his ankle and now to his elbow.
At his doctor’s visit today, the doctor mentioned that some of her patients had success with dried cherries. What can you tell me about dried cherries?
A. Gout is associated with high uric acid levels. When uric acid precipitates into crystals it can cause excruciating joint pain.
Allopurinol lowers uric acid but has side effects such as rash, itching, digestive tract upset, liver enzyme disruption and even gout flare-ups. Cherries may also lower uric acid levels (Journal of Nutrition; June, 2003).
Although there have not been well-controlled trials of tart cherries for gout, many people have reported success. You can read their stories on our website, PeoplesPharmacy.com.
