Do you enjoy a hot cup of coffee every morning? Then chances are you are constantly noticing this aromatic beverage in the news or hearing friends telling you about the latest report they saw about coffee.
We know. You stopped listening to these reports and studies over the years, because they all seem to contradict themselves. Some articles whirling through the Internet even contradict themselves, with headlines that say coffee is bad for your arthritis while the content of the articles conclude that risk factors are extremely low.
Livestrong.com says one study showed you'd have to drink 11 cups of coffee per day to increase risk for rheumatoid arthritis, and WebMD shows how many of the early studies connecting coffee intake to RA did not account for a myriad of other statistical correlations.
We also know that there are some health benefits to coffee, which has antioxidants that help protect cells.
(Browse our selection of arthritis-friendly coffee mugs and cups)
So what should you do?
Whether coffee is good or bad for you depends on your own circumstances and the advice of your doctor. Coffee can be a great morning pick-me-up for tackling your day (and hopefully leading to more exercise). However, if you are not sleeping regular hours, you may do well to back away a bit from the caffeine.
With arthritis, it's always important to listen to your body. If you are already overworked or experiencing high levels of stress, significant coffee consumption will almost definitely make that stress worse. And this will often go along with a worsening of arthritis symptoms.
Furthermore, an overwhelming number of news reports concentrate solely on RA. Other forms of arthritis are apparently less affected.
All in all, there is no clear consensus about the effects of coffee on people with arthritis, or whether coffee causes arthritis. There doesn't seem to be much to worry about. The main takeaway is the old adage: moderation is key. Caffeine is a "drug" after all, so drink responsibly!
Next time you reach for the coffee pot or head over to Starbucks, be sure to make your coffee experience hazard-free with our cups adapted for people with arthritis.
For instance, the raving reviews are in for the Granny Jo Dignity Mug. This is just like a normal ceramic coffee mug except for the fact that it features two large handles instead of one. It is a simple design meant to cater to your needs. We hope you enjoy it or one of our other handy coffee mugs. Just remember, as we said earlier, moderation is key!
Click here to share this article with all of your fellow coffee drinkers on Facebook!