Short Answer: Coffee is controversial for arthritis. Because it has antioxidants and polyphenols, which can reduce inflammation, and caffeine, which can increase inflammation.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, which are the places where your bones meet and move.
In arthritis, your body’s immune system attacks your own joint tissues, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness and swelling.
This can lead to various health problems, such as reduced mobility, joint damage, disability and increased risk of infections.
One of the key factors in managing arthritis is diet.
What you consume can affect your inflammation levels, which can impact your arthritis symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage arthritis, you should consume anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish, and avoid pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, processed foods, sugar and alcohol.
Now, coffee is a popular beverage that is made from roasted and ground coffee beans.
People usually drink coffee to boost their energy, mood and alertness.
Coffee is controversial for arthritis because it contains both good and bad ingredients.
Coffee has antioxidants and polyphenols, which are compounds that can reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage.
Coffee also has caffeine, which is a stimulant that can increase your blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones.
One cup of coffee can give you about 95 mg of caffeine, which is 19% of your daily limit, and 0.6 mg of manganese, which is 26% of your daily needs.
Antioxidants and polyphenols can positively affect arthritis by fighting free radicals, which are molecules that cause inflammation and tissue damage.
Caffeine can negatively affect arthritis by interfering with the growth of cartilage and bone, which are essential for joint health.
Furthermore, coffee is a diuretic and a dehydrator, which means it makes you urinate more and lose water from your body.
Dehydration is bad for arthritis because it can worsen your inflammation, pain and stiffness.
Because, water is needed to lubricate your joints, flush out toxins and transport nutrients.
That’s why I suggest you limit your coffee intake to avoid dehydration, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Stick to one or two cups of coffee a day to minimize the negative effects of caffeine.
You can also drink decaf coffee, which has less caffeine but still has antioxidants and polyphenols.
Also, you shouldn’t drink coffee if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, anxiety or insomnia to prevent worsening your health conditions.
Because, caffeine can raise your blood pressure, heart rate, stress and sleeplessness.
You can buy fresh coffee beans or ground coffee in your local market or online.
Always choose organic, fair-trade and shade-grown coffee.
Because, these types of coffee are better for your health, the environment and the farmers.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark and dry place for up to a month.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing arthritis effectively.
I always recommend my arthritis patients to follow an arthritis-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.