By Previnex®
Ah, coffee. The common morning jolt and afternoon pick-me-up. But does this common daily ritual cause joint inflammation? Let’s look at coffee’s impact on inflammation, joint health supplements to support your joints, and beverages to avoid when you’re struggling with joint health.
Is Coffee Bad for Inflammation?
Joint inflammation can be caused by a myriad of things—poor diet, smoking, high stress, arthritis, infection, injury, and more.
Coffee’s Impact on Inflammation
While there are some properties in coffee that can benefit inflammatory diseases, there are some instances where coffee can actually make the inflammation worse. In particular, those who struggle with or are at risk of having osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can experience increased inflammation. In one study, it was shown that there is an association between coffee consumption and total osteoarthritis as well as self-reported osteoarthritis. Most specifically, coffee consumption impacted knee osteoarthritis. In a systematic review and meta-analysis looking at the impact of coffee, tea, and caffeine on rheumatoid arthritis, it was found that a higher intake of coffee was associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. This is due to the impact of coffee on inflammatory markers.
However, there are also studies that report contradictory results, showing that anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in coffee can actually aid in or decrease the risks of inflammatory diseases. In the studies that found increased caffeine increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, it’s possible that there were other lifestyle components causing higher inflammation that were not explored.
Read our blog on "What is the most powerful anti-inflammatory supplement?"
Beneficial Properties of Coffee for Certain Conditions
Coffee has powerful antioxidant properties. Regular, basic (and decaf) coffee contains a mix of active compounds: caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), cafestol, trigonelline, and kahweol. Some of the compounds in coffee are called polyphenols, which appear to stop free radicals from causing damage that can cause inflammation. Studies have shown that these compounds have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One study showed that consuming 32 or 64 ounces of coffee per day experienced an 8-16% reduction in inflammatory markers.
Why Do My Joints Hurt After Drinking Coffee?
Caffeine, in general, can contribute to inflammation and joint pain. Caffeine can cause migraines and headaches—especially if the body is withdrawing from caffeine. It can also cause back pain, given that caffeine can aggravate the adrenal glands; too much coffee can overstimulate the adrenals, and the body reacts poorly to protect them.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, in particular, are two arthritis conditions that can be aggravated by too much caffeine, as it can—in some cases—increase the inflammation in your joints.
When it comes to joint pain and caffeine consumption, two things are important to note:
- Individuals will react to caffeine differently.
- Dehydration plays a large part in joint pain.
Common symptoms of individual caffeine intolerance or sensitivity include anxiety, jitteriness, headache, restlessness, sleep issues, and stomach pain.
Staying hydrated keeps our bodies clear of toxins, which can decrease inflammation. So, when we’re dehydrated, it can cause a spike in joint pain and inflammation. Water encompasses up to 80% of cartilage, so not having enough water in your system can cause that cartilage to act up. Additionally, a small study done in 2016 suggests that being dehydrated can actually alter the way an individual perceives pain, so dehydration can make joint and muscle pain more noticeable and intolerable than when you’re hydrated.
How Do I Know if Coffee Is Causing Inflammation?
Since there are many causes of inflammation, there are a few notable signs to look for that can help you detect inflammation. If it’s more acute inflammation—like an injury—you may find:
- Discolored skin
- Pain in the area of the injury
- Swelling
- Skin that’s hot to the touch
- Reduced range of motion in that area
When it comes to chronic inflammation, some signs and symptoms are:
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Mood disorders
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Weight inconsistencies
- Frequent infections
In addition to doing a self-assessment and paying close attention to your body and what you’re feeling, you can also get regular labs and medical tests done to track your inflammation. Getting tests to measure your c-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count can tell you a lot about the inflammation in your body.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of inflammation and these symptoms persist even while taking over-the-counter medications, consulting your healthcare provider is likely the most beneficial next step.
What Should You Not Drink With Arthritis
There are a number of things you should avoid drinking if you have any type of arthritis:
- Sugary drinks
- Alcohol
- Coffee (avoid drinking more than 1-2 cups/day)
- Milk (some dairy can cause inflammatory reactions)
The Impact of Alcohol on Arthritis
Alcohol can cause both acute and chronic inflammation to flare up. Gout, in particular, is a type of arthritis that is directly impacted by alcohol consumption. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid, and alcohol increases the amount of uric acid your body produces. Therefore, alcohol consumption can both outright cause gout and make gout symptoms worse in those who already struggle with it.
While there is conflicting evidence about alcohol consumption and arthritis overall, it’s important to know your body and understand the symptoms you experience when you consume alcohol.
Sugary Drinks and Arthritis
Sugary drinks like soda or processed fruit juices can significantly increase your risk of arthritis. In one study, 1,209 adults ages 20-30 who drank fructose-sweetened beverages were proven to be 3x more likely to have arthritis than those who drank few to no fructose-sweetened drinks.
Sugar can increase your risk of developing—or worsen the symptoms of—rheumatoid arthritis in particular. In one survey conducted in 2017, it was found that 12.7% of people struggling with rheumatoid arthritis said sweets/sugar was a trigger for their symptoms. A systematic review done in 2018 found a link between excess sugar intake and chronic inflammation. So, if you struggle with inflammation or arthritis, it’s important to seriously monitor your sugar intake to avoid increased inflammation and pain.
Conclusion
Whether it’s avoiding sugary drinks, simply limiting your caffeine intake, or increasing your hydration, what you drink can have a profound impact on joint pain and inflammation. Another way to support your joints is by adding a high-quality joint health supplement to your wellness regimen! One in particular that has a mix of highly beneficial ingredients is Previnex Joint Health PLUS®. Combining NEM® and Boswellin®, Joint Health PLUS® provides both joint protection and relief. Grab your bottle today!
