Arthritis is a big issue for many people as they get older, and it’s also a time when many people seem to drink more coffee. But is coffee bad for arthritis? Unfortunately, that’s not an easy question to answer because there are many types of arthritis and different kinds of coffee. Studies show positive and negative effects of drinking this popular beverage, so keep reading as we take a closer look at this question and try to get answers that will help you be better informed.
Is Drinking Coffee Bad for Arthritis?
Unfortunately, scientists need to perform many more studies to get a conclusive answer about whether drinking coffee is bad for arthritis. Currently, many types of arthritis have had no research done to see how they interact with coffee, and the studies that have been done seem to have contradictory results. For instance, a few studies show that drinking coffee can contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Is Drinking Coffee Good for Arthritis?
Some studies show that coffee can help with arthritis due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the caffeine that it contains. Many types of arthritis cause inflammation in the joints that can cause pain and make it more difficult to have a full range of motion. People with rheumatoid arthritis find consuming caffeine to be especially helpful, despite the studies that suggest that it can help cause the disease. Coffee also helps lower the uric acid levels in the bloodstream, which can help reduce the risk of contracting gout, despite its diuretic properties that can increase it.
Is Coffee Good in Other Ways?
Besides its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce the amount of uric acid in the bloodstream, coffee helps increase energy. It also helps enhance cognitive performance and may also improve physical performance.
Is Coffee Bad in Other Ways?
Unfortunately, drinking too much coffee can negatively affect your health. Dehydration of the kidneys can lead to kidney and bladder stones. It can also lead to uncomfortable digestive issues, from diarrhea to constipation. Too much caffeine can also increase your heart rate, leading to cardiovascular issues and high blood pressure. Many people who drink too much coffee feel irritable and nervous. They may also experience tremors and have difficulty sleeping, especially after exceeding the recommended limit of 400 mg of caffeine daily.
What Other Foods Can Help With Arthritis?
Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids
One of the best ways to reduce inflammation besides caffeine is to consume omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are easiest to find in seafood, but you can also find them in tablets, beverages, and other supplements, so they’re easy to purchase and consume. They also provide several other health benefits, including helping brain function and improving the skin.
Drink Water
Proper hydration is essential every day, but it’s especially important if you have arthritis. Increasing your fluid intake can help reduce pain and combat the diuretic effects of consuming coffee.
Watch Your Weight
The heavier you get, the more likely you are to suffer from other health problems. The extra weight can also make it hard to move and put more strain on the affected joints, making the pain worse.
Stay Positive
Though it may be difficult during a painful flare-up, staying positive is essential to dealing with arthritis. Getting into a negative mindset may allow it to affect many other parts of your life, which can make the pain feel worse.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there have not been enough studies to determine whether coffee is good or bad for arthritis. It may increase the risk of certain types, like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, it can reduce the risk that you’ll develop gout. It can also be helpful by reducing inflammation, easing pain, and making it easier to use the joints. In most cases, a moderate amount of coffee each day should not lead to any problems and might even be helpful, but we recommend talking it over with your physician before consuming a large amount of it regularly. Until then, drink plenty of water with any caffeine, and try omega-3 supplements.
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Featured Image Credit: Towfiqu barbhuiya, Unsplash
