‘Magical’ but simple drink 8 times a day could improve joint health
Rheumatoid Arthritis: NHS on common signs and symptoms
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Arthritis affects millions of Britons. Yet, small habits could lead to major improvements for people struggling with the condition. One such habit is to drink more water – which a leading arthritis charity describes as the closest thing to a “magical elixir”.
Arthritis comes in different forms that can affect people of all ages. It describes the swelling or tenderness of a joint and its main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness.
There are two main forms of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The way these conditions act on the joints is slightly different.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the gooey substance around the arthritic joint – called synovial fluid – becomes inflamed. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage is what becomes inflamed and damaged.
But both can be helped by drinking more water, which is known to slow down inflammation.
The arthritis foundation explained: “If there’s a magical elixir to drink, it’s water. Hydration is vital for flushing toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation.”
Water is also a vital part of synovial fluid – which helps to reduce friction between the joints by keeping them lubricated. This process can help to reduce inflammation due to friction.
The lubrication of the joints can also “prevent gout attacks”, suggests the charity.
Gout is another type of arthritis where you suddenly experience pain in the joints.
The arthritis foundation explained: “If there’s a magical elixir to drink, it’s water. Hydration is vital for flushing toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation.”
Water is also a vital part of synovial fluid – which helps to reduce friction between the joints by keeping them lubricated. This process can help to reduce inflammation due to friction.The lubrication of the joints can also “prevent gout attacks”, suggests the charity.
Gout is another type of arthritis where you suddenly experience pain in the joints.
“Drinking water before a meal can also help you eat less, promoting weight loss,” the charity adds. Excess weight is known to worsen symptoms of arthritis.
Water is also vital for helping cartilage cells grow. Most of the cartilage tissue, which is damaged in osteoarthritis, is made of water.
How much water should you consume per day?
Sonya Angelone, a dietician for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told the Arthritis foundation that eight glasses a day is the optimal amount.
But another dietician, who agrees with this recommendation, explains that the number can vary depending on changing factors.
The dietician Ashley Braun said: “The amount you need is influenced by the weather, your activity level, medications, and diet.”
Writing for verywell health, she explained that you should check with your healthcare provider first.
She said: “Some health conditions, such as kidney disease or heart failure, can impair your ability to physically tolerate this amount of water.”
Other dietary changes for arthritis
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help with arthritis too. You should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day – but more than five is preferable.
Fresh fruit and veg offer a cocktail of minerals and antioxidants that help with inflammation.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, berries including blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, and boysenberries all have anti-inflammatory benefits.
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