In the UK, more than 10 million people have arthritis or other similar joint conditions, though signs and symptoms can vary. As well as causing pain and stiffness, inflammation can cause permanent damage to a joint, so starting effective treatment early on can help to minimise damage. Could a certain beverage help in reducing both inflammation and symptoms associated with condition?
In a study published in the National Library of Health, green tea as a remedy for arthritis was investigated.
The study involved one-hundred and twenty subjects who had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at least ten years previously.
Patients were treated with infliximab, green tea, or a supervised exercise program for six months.
Disease activity markers as well as antioxidant activity of green tea extracts were estimated before supplementation using in vitro assays.
“Rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with green tea for six months alone or in combination with infliximab or an exercise program showed significant improvement in disease activity parameters, including C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, swollen and tender joints counts,” noted the study.
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It added: “The European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology scores revealed more clinical improvement in the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with green tea along with exercise compared with rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with infliximab or exercise combinations.
“This may have been due to the higher potential antioxidant activity of green tea.”
The study concluded that both exercise and green tea interventions appeared to be beneficial as nondrug modulates for rheumatoid arthritis disorders.
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Healthy weight for arthritis symptoms reduction
If you’re overweight, losing weight can really help you cope with arthritis.
The NHS states: “Too much weight places excess pressure on the joints in your hips, knees, ankles and feet, leading to increased pain and mobility problems.”
Regular exercise can also aid weight loss, while improving your range of movement and joint mobility, adds the health body.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting around eight million people, while rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 400,000 people.
Rheumatoid arthritis often starts when a person is between 40 and 50 years old, and women are three times more likely to be affected than men.
The NHS explains that living with arthritis can sometimes mean carrying out everyday tasks that can often be painful and difficult.
