If you’re one of the millions suffering from painful arthritis symptoms, finding safe and effective relief can feel like an uphill battle. While medications carry side effects, emerging research shows that the powerful compounds in tart cherry juice could offer natural arthritis pain relief.
Studies have found that the anthocyanins and other nutrients in tart cherries can significantly reduce joint inflammation and stiffness for arthritis sufferers. Keep reading to learn the science behind cherries, get tips for using tart cherry juice to target arthritis, and see why this antioxidant-packed fruit should be a part of your inflammation-fighting diet.
What the Science Says About Cherries and Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic joint inflammation that damages cartilage and tissues. Research suggests that the anthocyanins that create cherries’ bright red color can help stop this inflammatory process.In one major study on tart cherries, 20 women with inflammatory osteoarthritis drank 10.5 ounces of tart cherry juice for 6 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in key inflammation markers, especially for women with the highest inflammation levels at the start.
Additional research found that anthocyanins derived from tart cherries act as COX-2 inhibitors, blocking the pathway responsible for pain and swelling much like OTC NSAIDs. Anthocyanins deliver this anti-inflammatory effect without the concerning gastrointestinal side effects of pain medications.
Choosing Tart Cherry Juice for Arthritis
To get the most arthritis pain relief from cherry juice, choose unsweetened varieties made from Montmorency tart cherries. This sour cherry cultivar contains higher levels of beneficial antioxidants compared to sweet cherry juice.
Find out more about FREE shipping on six bottle of 100% cherry juice concentrate.
Look for juice that is 100% pure tart cherry juice with no added sugars or ingredients. Concentrated tart cherry juice makes it easier to get a potent dose of anthocyanins in a small serving. Many tart cherry juice products provide a Nutrition Facts panel. Check out the label for our Fruit Advantage Cherry Juice Concentrate.
How Much Tart Cherry Juice for Arthritis Relief
Most studies showing arthritis benefits used intake amounts between 6 and 12 ounces of tart cherry juice daily. For the most severe joint inflammation and pain, studies used up to 3 servings or 24 ounces of tart cherry juice daily.To see results, some arthritis sufferers drink 4 to 6 ounces in the morning and again before bed. For painful flares, try 8 ounces 3 times throughout the day for faster relief. Freeze some concentrated juice in ice cube trays for a soothing treat to cool down hot, inflamed joints. Pair cherry juice with anthocyanin-rich berries, purple grapes, or deeply colored fruits and veggies.
Lifestyle Changes That Compliment Cherry Juice Therapy
Along with drinking tart cherry juice, making certain lifestyle adjustments can further reduce arthritis symptoms: Follow an overall anti-inflammatory diet - high in produce, nuts, fish, olive oil.Low in excess sugar, salt, saturated fat. Take anti-inflammatory supplements like curcumin, omega-3, and boswellia. Engage in gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga to improve joint mobility. Use stress-reducing practices like meditation, deep breathing, massage to lower inflammation. Maintain a healthy weight to limit mechanical stress on joints.
What lifestyle changes can reduce arthritis pain?
- Anti-inflammatory diet - Download the a free copy of the anti-inflammatory recipe book
- Supplements like cherry capsules, curcumin and omega-3
- Gentle exercise
- Stress reduction practices
- Maintaining healthy weight
The Takeaways on Tart Cherry Juice and Arthritis
- Contains potent antioxidants that fight inflammation
- Reduces joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Anthocyanins block COX enzymes like NSAID drugs.
- Choose unsweetened 100% tart Montmorency juice like our Fruit Advantage Cherry Juice