The term arthritis describes over 100 different conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. The most prevalent form is osteoarthritis, which afflicts about 27 million people in the United States annually, according to Johns Hopkins. Caffeine in coffee does not cause arthritis, but coffee is not exactly the healthiest brew you can choose. Seek advice from your doctor on altering your diet to alleviate arthritis.
Decaffeinated Coffee Linked to Arthritis
Coffee appears to be in the clear as a culprit regarding some forms of arthritis. For instance, a study published in the June 2007 issue of the journal "Arthritis and Rheumatism" found that long-term coffee drinking reduced the risk of gout. On the other hand, a study in the same journal in January 2002 found that drinking decaffeinated coffee increased the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Effects on Bone Health
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis often lead to the risk of bone damage. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen slow bone healing, and the steroid drugs commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone loss. Caffeine is a diuretic, which boosts loss of calcium in urine. Drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee puts you even more at risk for bone damage and osteoporosis.
Recommended Amount of Caffeine
If you find it hard to kick your coffee habit, speak to your doctor about a safe amount of caffeine to consume daily when you have arthritis. Usually, a safe amount falls at or under 300 mg daily, which is equivalent to about three cups of coffee, according to the McKinley Health Center. Even if your doctor gives you the green light to drink coffee in moderation, keep in mind that the effects of coffee vary from person to person. If you believe it makes your arthritis worse, it may be time to indulge in other nutritious beverages.
Better Beverage Options
Whenever possible, choose healthier beverages such as water, milk, green tea or vegetables juices without added sugar. Calcium in milk helps to offset any loss of this nutrient from drinking caffeine. Also, fruit and vegetable juices are loaded with nutrients such as antioxidants, which protects your body --- including your bones --- from free radical damage.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Arthritis
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine Consumption and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results from the Iowa Women's Health Study; T.R. Mikuls; January 2002
- National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases: What People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Need to Know About Osteoporosis
- McKinley Health Center -- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Caffeine
- Duke University: Caffeine
- Arthritis Foundation: NSAIDs Prevent Proper Fracture Healing
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