Do cherries lower uric acid?
Generally speaking, cherries can be helpful in lowering uric acid levels. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Cherries contain abundant bioactive components that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regarding the mechanism of lowering uric acid, inflammation and oxidative stress play significant roles in the development and progression of hyperuricemia and gout. When uric acid levels rise in the body, it can trigger inflammatory responses, and the antioxidant components in cherries can help alleviate this inflammation.
Cherries are rich in vitamin C, which can act on the kidneys to help regulate the metabolism of uric acid, making it easier for uric acid to be excreted from the body. After consuming cherries, kidney function related to uric acid excretion may be enhanced, thereby helping to lower uric acid levels in the body.
Although cherries can help reduce uric acid levels, they should not be consumed in excess. Overconsumption may lead to excessive intake of fructose, which is not conducive to controlling uric acid. Patients with hyperuricemia or gout, besides moderately consuming cherries, also need to pay attention to dietary adjustments. They should avoid or reduce intake of high-purine foods, such as seafood, pork liver, and pig trotters. Instead, they should increase consumption of low-purine foods, such as milk, eggs, and bananas.