Drinking one juice can ease arthritis pain, studies reveal

Adam Chapman & Ravi Meah & Rachel Cronin
·3-min read
Scientist
-Credit:BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images


The term "arthritis" refers to conditions that affect joints and the surrounding tissues. This common condition affects roughly 10 million people in the UK, with osteoarthritis being the most common form.

Osteoarthritis has many symptoms that can range from mild to severe, which impacts individuals differently and can make daily activities difficult.

While symptoms can "come and go" for some people, the NHS says: "Other people can experience more continuous and severe problems which make it difficult to carry out everyday activities."

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But making simple lifestyle changes can help ease the symptoms of arthritis. One such change could be incorporating tart cherry juice into your diet.

Making simple lifestyle changes can alleviate its painful symptoms
Making simple lifestyle changes can alleviate its painful symptoms -Credit:BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A study in the peer-reviewed journal Arthritis and Rheumatism suggests that the juice might alleviate joint pain from knee osteoarthritis. Participants who consumed two bottles of tart cherry juice daily for six weeks showed reduced pain scores compared to those who had a placebo, reports the Express.

Each bottle contained an equivalent of 45 tart cherries along with 31 grams of sugar.

In a separate study, researchers discovered that 20 women with osteoarthritis experienced reduced levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) – a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation – after consuming two bottles of tart cherry juice daily for 21 days. Lower CRP levels are linked to decreased inflammation.

If simple remedies don't work to alleviate arthritis symptoms, then a GP might prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), reported Surrey Live.

These medicines can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in those suffering from arthritis. Some NSAIDs come as creams (topical NSAIDs) that you apply directly to the affected joints to ease pain.

Drinking tart cherry juice can reportedly reduce inflammation caused by arthritis
Drinking tart cherry juice can reportedly reduce inflammation caused by arthritis -Credit:Cherry Marketing Institute via Getty Images

The NHS said: "They can be particularly effective if you have osteoarthritis in your knees or hands. As well as helping to ease pain, they can also help reduce any swelling in your joints."

Exercise can also help people of any age to lessen pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Regular activity that builds muscle and strengthens joints usually helps improve symptoms, even if it seems counterproductive to move your sore joints.

Weight loss, posture improvement and stress relief can also result from exercise. These factors can all help alleviate arthritis symptoms.

"Your GP, or possibly a physiotherapist, will discuss the benefits you can expect from an exercise programme and can give you an exercise plan to follow at home," the NHS advises.

What's the best type of exercise for osteoarthritis?

Simple exercises often work best for helping arthritis, according to Bupa. The private healthcare provider added: "Exercise can help to keep your joints working well and reduce your pain.

"It will also help to build up your muscle strength and improve your fitness. Keeping active can help to boost your mood too."

Bupa recommends the following types of exercise:

  • Strengthening exercises: you can use light weights, a resistance band, or your own body weight

  • Aerobic exercises to increase your heart rate and make you breathe faster. Examples include swimming, cycling or walking

  • Flexibility and stretching exercises to help improve the range of movement of your joints.

These simple lifestyle changes and exercise can be beneficial in easing the pain of arthritis.

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