CHERRIES MAY HELP FOR GOUT

A year long study of 633 U. S. adult gout sufferers who had attacks in the last 12 months found that 224 of them had eaten fresh cherries during the year. It was discovered that overall, eating fresh cherries over a given two day period was linked to a 35 percent decrease in the risk of having a gout attack during that period, compared to those not eating cherries.

The biggest reduction, though, came with eating fresh cherries while taking the anti-gout medication allpurinol. That combination was linked to a 75 percent reduction in risk.

Gout arises when uric acid crystals build up in the joints. The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, substances found naturally in the body but also in certain foods like organ meats, anchovies, mushrooms, and some seafoods.