Live Wire Sometimes an e-Alert unexpectedly strikes a nerve. That was the case with "Bowl of Cherries" (1/28/04), which examined different aspects of gout and how to cope with the painful symptoms. Immediately, the e-mails came pouring in with suggestions for natural ways to relieve the pain (which one HSI member described as something he would not wish on his worst enemy). And I've also found some additional information about cherries that might inspire you to pick up a bottle or two of cherry juice, even if you're not looking for ways to manage gout. "Gout: no known cure, and it's hereditary? Goodness. It's been known for years that gout is mainly caused by diet. Quit eating MEAT, drinking, etc., and the gout is so improved as to go by unnoticed." This advice comes from a member named K who has it partly right. By some estimates, as many as three quarters of all gout patients have inherited a genetic defect that inhibits the excretion of uric acid. Kidney failure and a high intake of diuretic drugs or diuretic foods (such as liver) can also cause this problem. The other precursor of gout - the excessive production of uric acid - is triggered by hereditary factors too, as well as obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. Obviously, if your gout stems from too much alcohol or a diet rich with diuretics, you can "cure" the condition by changing your habits. But for those who have inherited gout, there's no cure that can alter their genetic profile. When it comes to controlling the pain associated with gout, however, many HSI members have been there, done that, and were eager to share some of the methods that have worked best for them. Ernie writes: "You missed the best one… Celery seed will stop gout attacks, and it has many other benefits." Several other members also wrote to suggest using celery seed, which can be taken in extract form. And Ernie is correct about celery seed benefits; in addition to gout relief, celery seed is also reputed to reduce inflammation, calm muscle spasms and fight bacteria. Some animal studies have shown that it may help protect the liver as well. Another botanical that's reputed to reduce gout pain is extract of juniper, rich in antioxidant flavonoids. A member named Lee writes: "A friend who also has Gout suggested Juniper. It works well for me and relief is usually within a few hours! I take 2,500mg capsules 2 or 3 times the first day. I then take 1 cap. 3x/day until the pain is gone completely, rarely more that 3 days." The most unusual gout relief suggestion came from an Australian HSI member named Jan who details treatment that calls for a warmed cabbage leaf to be applied to the inflamed joint. Jan says, "Put a bandage on securely, put a sock on, and leave it overnight. In the morning the leaf will be really black (Uric Acid). I have many friends who have had real success with this." A little unconventional, but if it works, and if the only side effect is a soiled sock, who can argue? A visit to the chiropractor was so effective for a member named Kris that she categorizes it as a cure. She writes, "A good spinal adjustment from a good chiropractor will get the job done. My father had gout off and on for a long time. I finally convinced him to go to the chiropractor. He has not had any gout in over twenty years. Also, I was involved in an auto accident. Within two days I had gout. I went to the chiropractor and got an adjustment. That was twenty-two years ago and I have had no reoccurrence since." And rolling out the yoga mat might lead to relief, according to a member named CL who says, "I teach the Bikram Style of Hatha Yoga and I have seen many students heal their gout pain thru Yoga." In the e-alert "Pyc a Little, Talk a Little" (1/22/04), I told you about pycnogenol, a pine bark extract and a natural antioxidant that contains a variety of polyphenols that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Besides promoting cardiovascular health, pycnogenol may also help with gout, according to a member named Doug who posted this comment on the HSI Forum: "I have known of several people who have gotten relief from Gout by using pycnogenol. Cheaper than 2 pounds of cherries and more benefits besides." Which brings us back to cherries, which are actually more valuable than Doug may realize. In a recent article, natural medical physician Dr. Joseph Mercola listed a number of cherry benefits that go beyond gout relief. Dr. Mercola reports that cherries contain: - Isoqueritrin and queritrin, two powerful antioxidant flavonoids
- Ellagic acid, an anti-carcinogenic plant phenolic
- Perillyl alcohol, a compound shown to deprive cancer cells of protein
- Melatonin, another potent antioxidant
As I've mentioned in previous e-Alerts, melatonin aids sleep by improving the body's natural circadian rhythms. And cherries also contain bioflanoids, which may help manage migraine headaches. Obviously, those who suffer from gout can't go wrong with the cherry treatment. But as our members have testified, there are other natural treatments that may work just as well. To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute Sources:
"The Top Six Reasons Why Cherries are Naturally Good for You" Dr. Joseph Mercola, Sarah Potts, 1/17/04, mercola.com | 
