I have read numerous claims that lime, cranberry, and pomegranate juices are beneficial to gout because of their "alkaline forming" property. But I have not seen any study or testimonial that shows they are actually beneficial to gout. In the contrary people complained about cranberry juice triggered their gout. While lime, cranberry, and pomegranate juices have relatively high mineral content, they also have much higher acid content. That is why they are very acidic. (ph of lime juice is 2~2.8; cranberry, 2.3-2.5; and pomegranate, 2.9~3.2.) it is beyond my comprehension that acidic foods and drinks can have magical property to become alkaline. I would stay away from them if I had gout. You may like to read an old thread on similar discussion at: http://ehealthforum.Com/health/topic13502. Html .

this is first day my big toe has felt good for three weeks. i read where cranberry juice only brings on more gout. i drink 1/2 gallon a week, could this be the problem? thanks for your time.
robert schlorff
cameron,mo..

Glad your big toe feels good. Do you mean it could be the result of stopping cranberry juice intake?

Cranberry juice is very acidic, ph=2.3~2.5. For people whose kidneys are deficient in excreting acids, cranberry juice can cause the blood to become more acidic to trigger and prolong gout attacks.

There are medical tests for determining if the kidneys are deficient in excreting acids. You may be able to find out if cranberry juice causes your gout by alternatively drinking no cranberry juice for weeks and then drinking a lot of it for weeks . In case cranberry juice causes your gout, you may like to avoid cranberry juice, as well as, other low pH foods and drinks. pH of foods and drinks can be found using a simple Google keyword search "alkaline acid ph of food".