5 Things You Need to Know About Caffeine's Effect on Arthritis

1. Flip-Flops in Research

Seems like every other week a new story pops up about the health effects of caffeine, sometimes bad, sometimes good. The most current research suggests that there is no cause and effect relationship between drinking coffee and getting rheumatoid arthritis. In the case of osteoarthritis, research has mainly focused on bone loss, and so far, moderate coffee drinkers seem to be safe. So feel free to have that cup of coffee or tea today. But remember that moderation is the key. Just because no relationship has been established today doesn't mean it might not be there tomorrow.

2. Be Aware of Drug Interactions

Moderation is still called for if you're a coffee drinker who uses methotrexate. While research results have been mixed, there is some evidence that caffeine blocks methotrexate's prime function, which is to direct one of the body's naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents to inflamed areas. You may also want to limit your caffeine intake if you use acetaminophen to treat your arthritis symptoms, especially if you use the extra-strength variety that has caffeine as one of its ingredients. This excess of caffeine could lead to liver or kidney damage. Combining coffee and corticosteroids is also a questionable practice, as you may find it causes or increases your incidence of insomnia.

3. Coffee, the Good-Parts Version

Sure, coffee stains your teeth and might leave you sleepless, but it's not without merit. Antioxidants in coffee may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, gallstones, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. And in a surprising development, drinking four or more cups of coffee a day appears to lessen your risk of developing gout, an acute and exceedingly painful arthritic condition that attacks peripheral joints---especially the big toe.

4. Not all Caffeine Is in Coffee

We tend to equate caffeine with coffee, but many other beverages contain large quantities of it. For example, one cup of green tea has about 50 milligrams of caffeine and 80 to 100 milligrams of polyphenol, an antioxidant. Early research indicates that green tea benefits arthritis by reducing inflammation and slowing cartilage breakdown. Those studies were done on brewed tea, so dosages need to be established for capsules. But if you like tea, it's just as easy to brew a cup each day.

5. The Need for Sleep

Although coffee or other caffeinated beverages may have some benefits, too often they become our drug of choice when we feel tired. And no matter what new research favors or opposes the relationship between arthritis and the consumption of caffeinated beverages, there's just no question that caffeine is a stimulant that keeps you from getting a decent night's sleep. Sleep is good for everyone, but if you have arthritis in any of its myriad forms, it's absolutely essential that you get adequate rest. So if you want to drink coffee or tea, do so in moderation.