For Arthritis Sufferers, Life Is a Bowl of Cherries
Cherries have been receiving a lot of attention of late due to their beneficial effects on something that affects millions of people: arthritis. According to researchers, cherries contain anti-inflammatory properties that may work even better than over-the-counter drugs.
The Arthritis Foundation says that "drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water three times a day may be beneficial for some people with arthritis ... Cherries also contain varied antioxidants, including kaempferol and quercetin. These compounds, particularly quercetin, may have anti-inflammatory effects that are similar to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen ..."
Researchers have focused their attention on tart cherry juice. According to a 1999 study by Michigan State University researchers, tart cherries contain something called anthocyanins that prevent free radical damage and inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes better than some anti-inflammatory drugs that work as Cox inhibitors.
In order to inhibit Cox-2 enzymes, many anti-inflammatory drugs have to attack both Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. Unfortunately, Cox-1 protects the lining of the stomach. This is why so many people who take anti-inflammatories on a regular basis develop stomach problems.
It turns out that cherries contain flavanoids and antioxidants that have a protective effect on the stomach, minimizing the deleterious effects of inhibiting Cox-1 enzymes.
While there haven't been any studies done on humans, researchers believe there's strong enough evidence to add cherries to your daily diet. They certainly won't hurt you and they might provide outstanding relief from the pain of arthritis.
About the Author
Rachel Williamson is a contributing writer for Eat This! where she has written about the health benefits of cherry juice.
The Importance of Being Positive To Relieve Pain - Part 2
In a previous article I spoke about how a positive attitude can help you manage your arthritis pain. I suggested you get yourself a book on Positive Thinking. If you haven't got one yet, please do so. Most are not expensive and will certainly be of great benefit to you. Did you try my...
Cancer Awareness: The Facts About Pain Management
Managing Pain in Cancer Patients Besides the usual fears, the announcement that you or a loved one has cancer creates a frightening and complex situation concerning the pain the patient will suffer during treatment. No one wants to suffer unduly, so this pain has to be properly managed. The...
Migraine Headaches: Are Pain-Killing Drugs Too Dangerous?
Patients with migraine headaches seek over-the-counter pain pills by the multimillions. But are these migraine headache sufferers actually helping themselves or are they taking dangerous risks that they are unaware of? All drugs are dangerous. Before a person suffering with a migraine...