Drinks to Help Your Arthritis

Millions of people suffer from painful, stiff, and swollen joints as the result of arthritis. And most people know what they should not do and what they should avoid in order to help reduce their flare-ups and minimize their symptoms. But what should we do when it comes to what we drink? Are there certain things that are better for joint health and that can help fight the effects of arthritis? The answer is yes, and here at the Pain Relief Institute, we recommend our patients try to stick to these beneficial drinks as much as possible:

Tea for Arthritis Relief

Tea is among the oldest drinks known to man other than water. It is also one of the most studied and widely used drinks when it comes to natural medicinal treatments. Green, black, and white teas are packed full of polyphenols – healing and regenerative compounds that offer anti-inflammatory effects when consumed on a regular basis. Green tea is often hailed as the best, but any naturally brewed tea can help balance minerals and keep us hydrated. Many teas can also help flush toxins from the body and reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.

Coffee for Arthritis Relief

Research has been back and forth over the last decade or so about the balance of benefits and risks associated with coffee consumption. That said, some studies show that coffee is high in the antioxidant materials known as polyphenols. This means coffee can help fight free radicals in the body and can help flush toxins out so they do not accumulate in the joints and cause problems like arthritis and gout. Still, it is best to drink one and no more than two cups of coffee a day to ensure you do not get any negative side effects from caffeine or other compounds in the coffee.

Milk and Arthritis

Unless you are sensitive to dairy and are lactose intolerant, there is no real reason to give up milk simply because you have arthritis and joint pain. Some researchers believe that the calcium in milk may contribute to joint disorders, but the evidence seems to rather indicate milk offer more benefits than not. Without calcium, bones and joints can become weaker and be more susceptible to breaks, fractures, and degenerative conditions that increase pain. We don’t advise drinking more than you normally would,, but there’s no need to give up milk, either.

Juices for Arthritis Relief

Many juices are good for the body in moderation because they provide the nutrients and minerals the body needs to stay healthy and balanced. The best juices for joint health include orange, tomato, pineapple, and carrot juices as well as grape, tart cherry, and cranberry. It is important to be sensible when drinking juice; it has a lot of sugar and can lead to digestive issues when too much is consumed. If you like grapefruit juice, be sure to speak with your doctor first as many medications have adverse side effects when grapefruit is also consumed.

Wine for Arthritis Relief

You may be surprised to find it on the list, but wine is good for more than just your heart. Red wine is packed full of a powerful antioxidant compound called resveratrol. This compound has proven anti-inflammatory effects including the relief of joint pain, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness. Studies have shown it can help reduce the severity of arthritis in major joints such as the shoulder, hip, and knee. That said, always remember to drink in moderation, and if you do not already drink wine, there are not enough benefits to warrant starting up now.

Water for Arthritis Relief

There is no such thing as a magical elixir to drink to keep us healthy. But if there was, it would be water. Hydration is vital for flushing toxins out of your body, reducing inflammation, soothing damaged joints, regenerating damaged cells, and providing relief from pain. Adequate hydration levels can help keep your joints well lubricated and offer additional protection against damage. Unless you have an underlying condition that makes it necessary, most experts agree fancy waters with added minerals and electrolytes are a waste of money.

To learn more, give our pain management clinic a call and let our team of pain relief experts help you find the arthritis relief you need!