You already know how essential gut health is—especially with the alarming rise in colon cancer among younger adults. But if you’re looking for a simple, natural, and science-backed way to support your digestive system daily, you might want to pay attention to what gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Salhab drinks every single day.This isn’t a trendy wellness fad. It’s a proven beverage that can transform your gut health from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

• Tart cherry juice has the highest anti-inflammatory content of any juice, making it a powerful gut-friendly drink.

• Daily intake may help reduce colon cancer risk based on promising research.

• Choose pure Montmorency tart cherry juice—not from concentrate, no added sugar.

• Bonus: it naturally contains melatonin, improving sleep quality.

• You only need ¼ cup mixed with water to start benefiting.

Why Your Gut Will Love This Daily Habit

Every time you drink tart cherry juice, you flood your digestive system with anthocyanins and polyphenols—compounds that beneficial gut bacteria thrive on. These antioxidants don’t just pass through your body; they immediately support the microbiome by helping your good bacteria produce anti-inflammatory substances.

If you suffer from inflammatory gut issues, the effects can be dramatic.
A recent study found that people with ulcerative colitis who drank tart cherry juice twice a day experienced a 40% drop in calprotectin, a key marker of gut inflammation.

For anyone dealing with bloating, discomfort, irregular digestion, or chronic inflammation, this simple drink has the potential to be life-changing.

The Cancer-Fighting Potential You Should Know About

Here’s where things get even more interesting for your long-term health. Scientists have discovered that the anthocyanins in tart cherry juice may help prevent colon cancer.

Although research is still developing, studies on mice and human cancer cells show that these compounds can:

• Slow the growth of cancer cells

• Inhibit tumor development

• Reduce oxidative stress

So you’re not just drinking juice—you’re giving your body a daily dose of potential cancer-fighting protection.
With colon cancer rates rising among younger adults, adding this to your routine is genuinely one of the smartest and simplest steps you can take.

How to Add Tart Cherry Juice to Your Routine the Right Way

Not all tart cherry juices are the same.
Dr. Salhab recommends choosing:

✔ Montmorency tart cherry juice
✔ 100% pure
✔ No added sugar
✔ Not from concentrate

This is the exact type used in clinical studies and contains the highest concentration of beneficial compounds.

The perfect serving:

• Mix ¼ cup of tart cherry juice with ½ cup of cold water or ice water

• Drink anytime during the day

Many people prefer drinking it at night for an additional benefit…

You’ll Sleep Better, Too

If you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep, this drink may help more than you expect. Tart cherry juice naturally contains melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle.

Studies show that regular consumption can help you:

• Fall asleep faster

• Sleep more soundly

• Improve overall sleep quality

One study found that adults over 50 who drank Montmorency tart cherry juice gained an average of 84 extra minutes of sleep per night.
That’s because the juice boosts tryptophan availability while also reducing inflammation—two key factors in restorative sleep.

Making It a Daily Habit

You can find Montmorency tart cherry juice in:

• Health food stores

• Major grocery stores

• Online retailers

Since over 94% of Montmorency cherries in the U.S. are grown domestically (primarily in Michigan), you’re supporting local agriculture while supporting your health.

Remember, consistency matters.
You may not see results overnight, but give your body a few weeks to adapt and build up those anti-inflammatory metabolites. Soon enough, your gut, energy levels, and sleep quality will reflect the benefits.