Many people tend to increase the frequency of drinking tea and coffee as the temperature decreases. On the other hand, Dr Dushmant Chauhan-an Orthopaedic and Sports Injury Surgeon at MC-said that this may worsen a joint problem. In a video on Instagram, he shared that caffeine intake at excessive levels during winter can increase joint pain.
Dr Chauhan told me that there is an interesting relation between hot beverages and bone health. He said people drink more tea and coffee during winter, which can cause the synovial fluid lubricating liquid between two bones in a joint, to dry up. This makes walking, bending your legs, or doing day-to-day activities uncomfortable. Consequently, the friction between bones increases, leading to higher pain and discomfort.
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This could be one of the reasons why joint pain aggravates during winter, as a result of frequent intake of tea and coffee. The fluid in joints maintains their flexibility, and excessive intake of tea and coffee reduces this fluid, thereby increasing the pain. For people drinking less water and more drinks containing caffeine in winter, the caffeine accumulates in the body, leading to an imbalance in the joint fluid.
So, does this mean a person shouldn't have tea or coffee during winter at all? According to Dr Chauhan, it doesn't harm if consumption is in moderation. However, drinking enough water and keeping the body properly hydrated is required. Also, adding vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods to your diet could be good for avoiding discomfort and pain in joints during winter.
