If you have arthritis, chances are you avoid products that irritate your condition, but knowing what products to avoid can be confusing because of conflicting medical reports. For years, scientists and nutritionists have debated whether caffeine provides health benefits or serves as a danger to people with chronic conditions like arthritis. The effects of caffeine vary depending on the person and arthritic condition, so ask your doctor what amount is safe for your condition.
Arthritic Conditions
Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects not just the joints but also the muscles, ligaments and bone tissue surrounding the joint capsule. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America, affecting 21 million Americans diagnosed with the chronic disease. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis, and both involve inflammation that damages the joints and surrounding tissues. There is no cure for arthritis, so physicians focus on pain control and joint damage prevention by prescribing pain medications, anti-inflammatory medicines and lifestyle changes, including the avoidance of foods and beverages that trigger arthritis flare-ups.
About Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural stimulant present in many foods, beverages and medicines. Although many different products contain caffeine, coffee is perhaps the most popular beverage that comes to mind when you think of caffeine. The amount of caffeine in coffee varies greatly, depending on the amount brewed and the strength of the coffee beans. Mayoclinic.com reports that an average 8 ounce cup of ground coffee can contain as much as 200 milligrams of caffeine. Sports and energy drinks also contain high amounts of caffeine, depending on the size and brand. Most healthy people can tolerate the amount of caffeine in two to four cups of coffee a day, but only you and your doctor can decide what amount is safe for you.
Risks and Benefits
A surprising study published in the October 2010 issue of “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” revealed that long-term coffee consumption may actually lower your risk for gout, a painful kind of arthritis. A previous study published in the July 2006 “Journal of Rheumatology” investigated the effects of caffeine consumption on the popular rheumatoid arthritis drug methotrexate. Surprising results showed that caffeine did not interfere with methotrexate’s effectiveness or increase RA disease activity. In fact, caffeine may help prevent some diseases. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health evaluated several studies and found that coffee drinkers have a reduced risk of developing diabetes and are not more likely to develop hypertension.
Important Considerations
Caffeine is a natural substance, but the popular stimulant can cause adverse reactions in some people. For example, you may feel restless, anxious and irritable if you are sensitive to caffeine's effects. You may not realize how much caffeine you have consumed if you combine caffeinated beverages with caffeine-containing foods and medications. Oftentimes, people with arthritic conditions have difficulty sleeping due to pain and inflammation, so avoid caffeine before bedtime. Discuss caffeine with your doctor and ask what amount of caffeine is safe for your arthritic condition.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Arthritis; July 2011
- Mayoclinic.com; Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda and More; October 2009
- MedlinePlus; Caffeine; June 2011
- “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition”; Coffee Consumption and Risk of Incident Gout in Women-The Nurses' Health Study; H.K. Choi et al.; October 2010
- “Journal of Rheumatology”; Dietary Caffeine Intake Does Not Affect Methotrexate Efficacy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; E. Benito-Garcia et al.; July 2006
- "The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide"; Don't Blame the Bean; February 2006
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