Guest Blogger from USA Today - Could cherry juice be the new ibuprofen?

Could cherry juice be the new ibuprofen?

I admit, I reach for the acetaminophen and ibuprofen too often. Marathon training has taken a toll on my body and sometimes it’s easiest just reach for the extra strength pain relief caplets. That might be about to change. 

Tart cherry juice may be a safer way to treat muscle pain and inflammation than over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, according to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University.

The “Cherry People” over at Cheribundi, tart cherry juice company, sent me a box of a bunch of their juices. After lots of reading - I was - err.. my hips, legs, knees and ankles were - up for the cherry juice help.

I was even more inspired to put my faith in the cherries when I read the list of olympians, pro athletes and ultra marathoners who are faithful tart cherry juice drinkers. 

For the skeptics, some research just might back up the claims.

Malachy McHugh, the director of research at the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan says tart cherry juice reduced muscle pain and weakness after intense strength training as well as after a marathon. 

A study in the journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism links tart cherries to a 35-75% reduction in gout attacks.

American College of Sports Medicine’s journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise claims that tart cherries could help athletes
reduce muscle damage to recover faster from a tough workout.

So, let’s take a look at the nutrition facts of one regular 8 oz. bottle of Cheribundi tart cherry juice.

It’s about 90% cherry juice and 10% apple juice - the folks at Cheribundi say that apple juice is intended to help sweeten the juice without diluting the cherries.

I’ve been drinking the juice for about two weeks and I’ve noticed a serious decrease in my muscle soreness. I am reaching for the pill bottle significantly less. Plus - the cherry juice is delicious. 

The folks over at Cheribundi also have some other tart cherry drinks including teas. But for me, the price is a little to high to pay for diluted cherries - I’ll stick with the straight cherry juice. 

Luckily for you guys, I have a giveaway! Enter here to win a mixed case of Cheribundi.

What’s your go-to for muscle soreness after an intense workout?