Discover the Top Drink Recommended by Experts for a Healthy Gut

In recent years, gut health has become a focal point for many, especially with the concerning rise in colon cancer cases among younger populations. Gastroenterologist Joseph Salhab, MD, has highlighted a simple yet effective way to support gut health: tart cherry juice.

Dr. Salhab emphasizes the unique properties of tart cherry juice, noting, “This juice is really unique because, even as a juice, it has a really high anthocyanin and polyphenol content.” These compounds are crucial because they enable gut bacteria to produce anti-inflammatory substances, which can be beneficial for overall gut health.

A 2019 study published in the journal Nutrients supports these claims, showing that tart cherry juice’s “anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties” can help lower systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in older adults. This is significant for maintaining cardiovascular health alongside gut wellness.

Further research has explored the potential of tart cherry juice in alleviating inflammation for those with inflammatory gut conditions. A study published in the journal Life found that individuals with ulcerative colitis experienced a 40 percent reduction in calprotectin, a marker of gut inflammation, after consuming tart cherry juice twice daily.

Perhaps the most promising research comes from a 2023 study in Cancer Letters, which examined how the anthocyanins in tart cherry juice might inhibit tumor development in the intestines and the growth of human colon cancer cells. The findings suggest a potential role for tart cherry juice in reducing colon cancer risk, although more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Dr. Salhab personally consumes pure tart cherry juice made from Montmorency cherries, which is not from concentrate and contains no added sugar. He typically mixes a quarter cup of the juice with half a cup of ice water. The choice of Montmorency cherries is backed by science, as the Life study also used a Montmorency tart cherry beverage.

Montmorency tart cherries are widely grown in the U.S. and Canada, with Michigan being a significant producer. “More than 94 percent of Montmorency tart cherries consumed in the U.S. are grown in the U.S.,” according to the Cherry Industry Administrative Board.

Tart cherry juice has also gained popularity on social media, particularly in the “sleepy girl mocktail,” which combines the juice with magnesium powder and sparkling water. Dr. Salhab mentions that he drinks tart cherry juice at night to aid sleep, as it is a natural source of melatonin, a hormone known to regulate sleep.

A 2018 pilot study further supports this, showing that Montmorency tart cherry juice increased tryptophan levels and reduced inflammation, leading to an average increase of 84 minutes in sleep time for adults over 50. This underscores the multifaceted benefits of tart cherry juice, from gut health to improved sleep.

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