While hydration is not directly linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares, staying hydrated can help reduce inflammation and keep your joints lubricated.
It is important to keep your joints working as well as possible when you have RA or other joint-related conditions. Hydration is not directly linked to RA flares, but drinking enough water may help reduce inflammation and keep your joints lubricated.
Dehydration can also cause symptoms, so it’s important to try to stay hydrated to avoid flares.
Water helps cushion your joints, which RA and other types of arthritis affect.
Water can also help reduce inflammation in your body by flushing out toxins. Inflammation can cause joint swelling and discomfort.
Dehydration is a condition that occurs when your body does not have enough fluid. You may experience dehydration
- not drinking enough water
- being in hot weather for an extended period of time
- taking certain medications
- having certain conditions that impact fluid retention and loss, such as diabetes
- having a gastrointestinal illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, or urinating
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- thirst
- dry lips, mouth, and tongue
- lightheadedness
- dizziness
- fatigue
- peeing less often than usual
- dark yellow and strong-smelling pee
Drinking more water
RA can cause fatigue during flares, and you may avoid additional dehydration-related fatigue if you drink enough water.
Exercise is a common recommendation for managing RA symptoms. However, exercising in hot weather can make you vulnerable to dehydration. To avoid dehydration symptoms, make sure you drink water during and after exercise.
Drinking water alone will not manage RA symptoms. If you have RA, you need medication in order to stop or slow the progression of the condition.
The amount of water you need to drink every day depends on your individual needs.
RA does not impact water levels. However, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause water retention, so your hydration needs may change if you take these medications for RA symptoms.
In general, the amount of water you need daily is:
- 13 cups for men over 19 years old
- 9 cups for women over 19 years old
Tips for staying hydrated
- Drink water throughout the day, including before breakfast, at meals, and in between.
- Set reminders for yourself to drink water.
- Add other beverages to your daily routine, including tea, smoothies, and juices. Try to avoid beverages that are high in sugar.
- Use a few slices of fruit to add flavor to your water.
- Avoid sugary drinks like juices and soda, as their calories can also add up in your overall diet.
- Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go.
Replacing fluids your body loses when you use the bathroom and sweat is important to consistently maintain a healthy fluid level.
This means you should drink several glasses of water a day and add more to your routine if you’re exercising or in hot weather.
Talk with a doctor if you have a gastrointestinal illness that’s preventing you from keeping fluids in your body. Frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. You may need to drink more water or sports beverages to restore needed electrolytes in your body.
RA may be improved by engaging in lifestyle habits that provide health-promoting benefits, such as drinking enough water each day and following your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan.
Drinking enough water can help lubricate your joints and decrease inflammation, which can help reduce pain associated with RA.