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Winter Drinks May Harm Joints: Surgeon's Warning
2 Dec
Summary
- Popular winter beverages like tea and coffee can cause joint stiffness.
- Dehydration from hot drinks makes knee cartilage vulnerable and dry.
- Adequate water intake is crucial to balance caffeinated drinks for joint health.
As winter temperatures descend, a common habit of increasing tea and coffee intake may be negatively impacting joint health. Orthopaedic experts explain that while these hot beverages are comforting, they can contribute to dehydration, making the cartilage within joints more vulnerable. This can lead to increased stiffness and pain.
The cartilage in our knees, composed largely of water, loses elasticity when the body is dehydrated. This reduced shock absorption capacity can cause friction and discomfort. While caffeine itself doesn't directly harm cartilage, its mild diuretic effect exacerbates fluid loss when overall water consumption is insufficient.
To counter this, experts recommend maintaining a total daily fluid intake of 2 to 2.5 liters, balancing each caffeinated drink with an additional glass of plain water. Beyond hydration, regular mobility exercises and maintaining muscle strength are also vital for overall joint health during colder months.
