Overview
Imagine not having the strength in your hands to comb your hair or brush your teeth in the morning. Many people who suffer from arthritis face this challenge daily. Arthritis is a painful and somewhat debilitating condition marked by inflammation, pain and weakness of the joints. While this disease is not reversible, there are steps you can take toward improving the symptoms of arthritis. Simple dietary changes, such as eating more bing cherries, may help.
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation in the joints, and it can include osteo or rheumatoid arthritis and gout. For osteoarthritis, inflammation occurs as a result of the degeneration of the joint. However, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your body attacks your own joints; it is an auto-immune disorder. Gout is another type of arthritis triggered by too much uric acid inside your joint.
Blood Markers of Arthritis
Arthritis is a diagnosable condition. If you suspect you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout, your physician can take a blood sample to look for substances in your blood that indicate an inflammatory response. Uric acid, c-reactive protein and nitric oxide can signify that your body is working to attack inflammation.
Bing Cherries and Arthritis
Bing cherries may be effective in reducing the markers of inflammation associated with the different types of arthritis. A study by the USDA Agriculture Research Service in 2004 analyzed the effects of bing cherries on arthritic inflammation. Ten women were recruited and told to abstain from berries, wine, fruits and vegetables for two days before the study, as these contain antioxidants and contain the potential to alter the result of the study. The day of the study, the subjects were fed a bowl of cherries for breakfast. Then, blood markers of inflammation associated with arthritis were analyzed. The most significant change was in the urate levels, a distinct marker of gout, which decreased significantly throughout the day. Other markers of inflammation, including c-reactive protein and nitric oxide, also were monitored, and also decreased following bing cherry consumption.
Recommendations
Bing cherries seem to reduce inflammation through the work of their antioxidants. These are molecules that neutralize free radicals or other molecules that have become oxidized and damage cells and DNA. Following a diet high in antioxidant-rich foods like cherries, other fruits, vegetables, nuts and tea can ease symptoms of arthritis by reducing inflammation.
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