If you have arthritis, there’s a good chance you’ve asked yourself if your daily cup of coffee or the foods you consume are aiding or exacerbating your symptoms. It’s not always a straightforward response — diet and coffee can have surprising implications, depending on your approach.
Start with coffee. For a lot of us, it’s a familiar daily routine. But when it comes to treating arthritis, coffee is somewhat of a mixed bag. Some studies indicate that coffee’s antioxidants may protect your cells from inflammation and damage, which may provide some relief. On the other hand, there’s also evidence to suggest that excessive consumption of coffee may increase the risk of developing some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It ultimately just comes down to balance and knowing the right moderation for you.
If you have gout, an inflammatory form of arthritis, coffee may be more beneficial than detrimental. Research has indicated that consumption of coffee may help decrease the level of uric acid in the blood, which can decrease the occurrence of painful bouts of gout. The good news is that regular and decaf coffee both provide this advantage, so you can continue your coffee habit without too much concern.
And now, let’s discuss diet. What you eat each day can greatly affect the way you feel. Foods containing added sugars, processed meats, and some not-so-good oils tend to worsen inflammation, which could make your joint pain feel more unbearable. But moving toward an anti-inflammatory diet — one that’s full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish — can pay off. These foods are full of nutrients that will quiet inflammation and promote healthier joints.
Incidentally, mixing green tea, berries, and nuts into your food is also a good idea. They are packed with antioxidants and have been found to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Even ginger and turmeric are potent — not only do they contribute to flavor, but they also provide natural anti-inflammatory activity.
It’s also worth thinking about how your diet could interact with any medications you’re taking for arthritis. For example, caffeine might reduce the effectiveness of methotrexate, a common arthritis drug. Certain foods and drinks, like grapefruit juice, can also change how your body processes medication, so it’s important to stay aware and maybe check in with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Ultimately, arthritis is all about making what works for you. We are all different. By listening to how you feel after you eat some foods or have coffee, you can begin making decisions to make yourself feel your best and live comfortably.
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