Arthritis is a chronic disease which impacts 10 million people in the UK. It can affect people of all ages, but is most common in those between the ages of 40 and 50 years old, with women three times more likely to suffer from arthritis than men.
According to the NHS, symptoms include joint pain, restricted movement and warm and red skin over affected joints. Early signs of arthritis include morning pain and stiffness in the joints.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms seen in the UK. If managed poorly, the condition can negatively impact everyday life.
Fortunately, there are a number of drinks which could help reduce the painful symptoms that come with arthritis. Below is the three best drinks to help reduce Arthritis inflammation, as reported by The Mirror.
Water
If a person is dehydrated this will negatively affect arthritis symptoms. Hydration helps with a number of bodily tasks with well-hydrated cartilages helping to reduce the rate of friction between bones.
The result is an easier range of movement. "If there’s a magical elixir to drink, it’s water," said the Arthritis Foundation.
"Hydration is vital for flushing toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation.Adequate water intake can help keep your joints well lubricated and prevent gout attacks.
"Drinking water before a meal can also help you eat less, promoting weight loss."
Coffee
Coffee has been claimed to protect against gout symptoms in some patients. It contains antioxidant polyphenols, which helps to get rid of free radicals in the body.
The Arthritis Foundation said: "In general, the best rule of thumb is to drink coffee in moderation – no more than one or two cups of coffee a day.
"Watch your caffeine intake and be mindful of coffee and espresso drinks that are full of whipped cream and syrups that cause calories and sugar levels to skyrocket."
In two large studies starting in the 1970s, Finnish adults were asked questions about their medical history and smoking and drinking habits, as well as their coffee intake. After following the adults for about 15 years, the researchers used health records to determine the number of people who went on to develop rheumatoid factor or rheumatoid arthritis.
Both studies showed an association between the number of cups of coffee drunk daily and the risk of producing rheumatoid factor. In fact, one of the studies showed those who drank four or more cups of coffee each day were twice is likely to have the marker for rheumatoid arthritis.
Caffeine is also said to help stimulate the effects to help fight physical and mental fatigue that is common with rheumatoid arthritis.
Tea
Tea is one of the most-studied drinks when it comes to its benefits for arthritis patients. The Arthritis Foundation said: “Green, black and white teas are all rich in polyphenols – compounds from plants that have strong anti-inflammatory effects.”
"Green tea is generally viewed as the most beneficial of all because its active ingredient is a polyphenol known as epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG).
“Studies have shown it also helps preserve cartilage and bone, although there are no widespread controlled trials of it in people with arthritis.”
