Is Caffeine Bad For Arthritis?

The many forms of arthritis are all characterized by pain, stiffness and inflammation at a joint. The precise causes of arthritis are unclear. Caffeine, the most commonly used stimulant, has been suggested as a possible risk factor by a 2006 study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology." It is not clear how caffeine may affect arthritis after it develops.

About Arthritis

Arthritis results as damage to a joint. In osteoarthritis, injury, wear and tear and other factor contribute. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where your immune cells infiltrate and damage one or many joints.

Arthritis is normally treated to minimize symptoms including pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function. If untreated, a joint could become disfigured and unusable. Your doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.

Dehydration and Cramping

Caffeine is commonly considered to be a diuretic, although this is not always true. A diuretic promotes loss of water through increased urination. Loss of body water from the diuretic activity of caffeine or other diuretics could deplete water from synovial fluid and cartilage that protects and lubricates your joints. According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. L.D., of the Mayo Clinic, caffeine only have significant diuretic activity when taken in large amounts, 500 to 600 mg or more per day. That's roughly equivalent to four to seven cups of coffee.

Stimulant Effect

Caffeine is widely used due to its stimulant effects. It works by blocking the effects of a neurotransmitter called adenosine. Adenosine keeps the rest of your neurotransmitter in check. By blocking the effects of adenosine, caffeine provides an elevated mood, increased energy and sharper focus.

Caffeine, however lightly, overcomes the natural checks and balances in your body. By using caffeine to work through fatigue, you may do increased wear and tear to your joints when your body would have normally told you to stop.

Stress

One neurotransmitter that caffeine indirectly elevates is norepinephrine, or adrenaline. Norepinephine, among other functions, activates your sympathetic nervous system -- your "fight-or-flight" response. This produces physical stress in your body. Over time, chronic stress can weaken your immune system, interfere with sleep and inhibit healing. This increases the risk of abnormal immune reactions and joint wear that are thought to be causes for arthritis.

Recommendations

Keep your intake of caffeine moderate. Drink no more than 2 to 3 cups per day. Get plenty of sleep -- try for seven to eight hours per night -- to prevent the need for stimulants and allow your body to recover from physical and mental stress. Drink water or tea when they are available as alternatives to coffee. Lowering your caffeine intake may be rough at first, but you'll have the rest of your life to enjoy your better health.