Drinking More Chai in Winter? AIIMS Expert Says It May Increase Joint Pain, Stiffness

As temperatures drop, most people resort to drinking more tea and coffee to keep their bodies warm, as it also boosts immunity against colds and offers mental calm against the winter blues with comforting aromas. However, be wary of its aftereffects on your bones and joints. According to Dr Dushyant Chouhan, orthopaedic and sports injury surgeon at AIIMS Raipur, too much tea can lead to increased joint pain. On his Instagram, Dr Chouhan highlighted a surprising connection between popular caffeine-loaded hot beverages and bone health. “Tea is hot, but it can ‘cool down’ your bones. It may sound a little odd, but let me explain the fact behind it,” he said. Dr Chouhan added that cold weather makes the cartilage inside your knees extremely vulnerable,

and added caffeine can only worsen the situation. “The cartilage inside your knees, the layer between two bones, can dry out. This increases stiffness in the joint and causes more pain when the bones rub together.”

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Caffeine is a risk factor for osteoarthritis

Experts say caffeine's effect on joints is extremely complex, as it can worsen osteoarthritis - by potentially harming cartilage and bone, and increase inflammation in many cases – thereby leading to stiffness and pain. Too much tea intake also spikes the risk of gout by increasing uric acid levels. Also, dehydration from excessive caffeine thickens joint fluid, known as synovial fluid, making joints feel stiffer. Experts say tea, loaded with antioxidants and other active compounds, protects your cells in your body from inflammation and tissue damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals play a major role in the development of numerous inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Other risks and side effects of caffeine in tea

While there are benefits to caffeine, there are more risks associated with it. High doses of caffeine in tea can lead to side effects like:

• Rapid heart rate
• Irregular heart rate
• Higher blood pressure
• Increased anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Digestive issues

Doctors say caffeine also acts as a mild diuretic, which means it stimulates salt and water secretion through urine, which could lead to mild dehydration. While tea in moderation has some health benefits, it can cause unwanted side effects and risks when consumed in excess. Caffeine intake over 400 milligrams per day could lead to Elevated heart rate, mild dehydration, and feeling jittery.

How much tea should you drink in winter?

Studies indicate that a safe amount of daily caffeine intake is about 400 milligrams or about three small cups of tea daily. And so, when you are adding up your total caffeine, always remember to include other sources of caffeine, which include coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, black or green tea, energy shots, and even chocolate.

What is the best way to enjoy tea in winter?

According to doctors, if you have arthritis, the best way to consume caffeine in moderation is often recommended, along with keeping yourself hydrated with water and other electrolyte-packed beverages and fluids. Added sugar in caffeinated drinks like tea only worsens inflammation. So it is best to have tea either without sugar or add natural sweeteners.