Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease characterized by pain, swelling and limited range of motion of the affected joints. Individuals suffering from this condition are at higher risk to develop osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea is an extract of the plant medically known as Camellia sinensis, which has been researched for potential therapeutic benefits, including managing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. If you suffer from this condition and are considering taking green tea supplements, talk to your doctor first.
Research
According to the results of a study published in the March 2010 issue of "Rheumatology," green tea extracts have been found to reduce the inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. The research team from University of Michigan Medical School also believe they found the mechanism behind the efficacy of green tea in improving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, explaining that green tea is responsible for reducing the production of chemokine. Chemokines are proteins that promote inflammation in the body. Thus, by reducing inflammation, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can improve.
Dosage
For general health, green tea can be consumed as a tea, and the recommended daily dosage is 3 to 5 cups daily. For rheumatoid arthritis, alternative health care professionals may recommend higher dosages, usually in capsule or tablet forms, in order to achieve therapeutic effects.
Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Green tea contains significant amounts of caffeine and therefore may cause sleep problems if this supplement is consumed in the evening. Pregnant women should avoid green tea because excessive caffeine intake is linked with risk of fetal loss, low birth weight and premature delivery, according to Drugs.com. Green tea should not be used during lactation because caffeine will appear in the milk of breast-feeding women. Green tea may trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and you also have high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, you should use green tea supplements cautiously. This supplement may interact with herbs or drugs that have blood-thinning effects.
Considerations
Green tea may help improve your symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and destruction of the joints. Consult an alternative health care provider to find out your optimal dosage of green tea as well as other supplements that may improve your condition. Keep in mind that green tea supplements do not replace any medication you are currently taking and are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat rheumatoid arthritis or any medical condition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "Rheumatology"; Green Tea Extract Inhibits Chemokine Production, But Up-Regulates Chemokine Receptor Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts and Rat Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis; H. Marotte et al.; March 2010
- Drugs.com: Green Tea
