A study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism in September of 2012 showed that people with gout who ate cherries for two days had a 35% lower risk for developing acute gout compared to those not eating cherries. When consumed while on allopurinol the risk was lowered 75%. Cherry products lower uric acid, which is the end waste product of purine metabolism. High levels of uric acid cause arthritis, uric acid kidney stones, and kidney disease.