The Ultimate Drink For Gut Protection
No one enjoys dealing with an upset stomach, but concerns about gut health go far beyond avoiding discomfort. With colon cancer rates rising among younger adults, more people are prioritizing digestive wellness. That’s why many took notice when gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Salhab shared the drink he incorporates into his daily routine to support gut health. His beverage of choice? Tart cherry juice.
In a recent TikTok post, Dr. Salhab highlighted the unique properties of tart cherry juice, noting its exceptionally high levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols—even when consumed as a juice. These compounds serve as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, helping them generate anti-inflammatory substances within the digestive system.
He referenced a 2019 study published in Nutrients, which reported that tart cherry juice’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits led to reductions in both systolic blood pressure and LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol among adults aged 65 to 80.
Additional research is examining its effects on individuals with inflammatory digestive disorders. For example, a study published in Life in 2024 found that patients with ulcerative colitis who drank tart cherry juice twice a day experienced a 40% drop in calprotectin—a marker of intestinal inflammation.
Perhaps most intriguing is a 2023 study featured in Cancer Letters, which explored how the anthocyanins in tart cherry juice might slow the growth of intestinal tumors in mice and inhibit human colon cancer cell lines in lab settings. While more research in humans is needed, these findings suggest a potential role for tart cherry juice in colon cancer prevention.
Dr. Salhab personally opts for pure Montmorency tart cherry juice—free from added sugars and not from concentrate. He mixes about a quarter cup of juice with a half cup of cold water.
This specific type of cherry was also used in the Life study, and for good reason. Montmorency tart cherries are the most commonly grown variety in the United States and Canada, with over 94% of the U.S. supply grown domestically—primarily in Michigan, according to the Cherry Industry Administrative Board.
You might recognize tart cherry juice from its viral popularity in the “sleepy girl mocktail,” a trending nighttime drink that combines the juice with magnesium and sparkling water. Dr. Salhab also consumes it in the evening due to its natural melatonin content, which promotes better sleep.
A 2018 pilot study supports this benefit. It found that Montmorency tart cherry juice increased levels of tryptophan—a key amino acid for sleep regulation—and reduced inflammation, resulting in an average increase of 84 minutes in total sleep time among older adults with insomnia.
In short, tart cherry juice offers a wide range of potential health perks—from supporting gut health and reducing inflammation to possibly improving sleep and lowering colon cancer risk.
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