Arthritis is an extremely common condition. Over 10 million people have arthritis in the UK, with inflammation of the joints and pain normal parts of sufferers’ daily lives. As there is no cure for arthritis, sufferers have to learn to live with many troubling symptoms. Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion are all common in people with arthritis. The constant struggle these symptoms cause can also result in fatigue, loss of appetite, and low mood.

Those with arthritis tend to look to heat compresses and ice packs to ease painful symptoms. Many also rely on the use of canes and walkers to take the pressure off tender joints.

Looking a little closely at what you eat and drink can help to relieve arthritis too. But there’s one wonder drink that’s yielding the best results – water.

Why water works

Water is well known for its lubricating qualities with this moisturising effects felt internally and externally. Here Everyday Health explains more about the role of water as a lubricant and shock absorber:

“Water does more than just quench your thirst and regulate your body’s temperature, it also keeps the tissues in your body moist. You know how it feels when your eyes, nose, or mouth gets dry? Keeping your body hydrated helps it retain optimum levels of moisture in these sensitive areas, as well as in the blood, bones, and the brain. In addition, water helps protect the spinal cord, and it acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints.”

The human body consists of approximately 60% water. The fluid lost through sweating and other bodily processes must be topped up regularly to ensure the body can undertake vital functions, one of which is moving joints.

Moreover, water enriches the already water-rich cartilage that your joints rely on. A healthy and well-hydrated joint will move with ease and without pain.

How it helps arthritis

Those already experiencing joint pain and limited movement due to arthritis can still look to water to ease troubling symptoms. As well as topping up the water levels required to maintain joint health, water flushes toxins from the body to enhance the fight against inflammation.

The flexibility and resilience of these joints and tissues can also be improved by the increased lubrication and cushioning drinking more water unlocks.

Contrary to popular belief, water relieves gout. Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals. Gout directly affects the joints resulting in tenderness, redness and swelling. Drinking more water prevents weight gain too, with the weight loss easing pressure on painful joints no-end.

Tips for drinking more

Drinking more water to ease arthritis symptoms is easy. Making a habit of hydration is the key to success so aim to time drinking with something you do regularly throughout the day. Many choose to drink with every meal and snack, whilst others opt to do the same after each toilet break.

Using apps and other tracking technology is another route to upping your intake throughout the day. Your reusable water bottle should become your best friend during your mission to drink more water, so take it everywhere you go.

It’s not just water that relieves arthritis, discovers more beverages to ease arthritis right here.