Can Eating Cherries Really Prevent Gout Attacks?
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This study gives solid evidence to something many patients have suspected for years: cherries can help lower the risk of painful gout flares. Both fresh cherries and cherry extract were linked to fewer attacks, with the best protection seen when patients also took allopurinol. While cherries are not a replacement for medication, they can be a simple and natural addition to a gout-friendly lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
✔ Cherry intake was linked to a 35% lower risk of gout attacks.
✔ Cherry extract showed similar protection, reducing risk by 45%.
✔ Combining cherries with allopurinol cut gout attack risk by 75%.
✔ Benefits appeared at about 2–3 servings in a 2-day period.
✔ Effects were consistent across men, women, obese and non-obese groups.