Drinking tea and coffee frequently in winter can be dangerous

Bangla Press Desk:   The warmth of tea and coffee in winter mornings provides comfort to many. During cold weather, the body naturally seeks warmth, so many people drink tea and coffee repeatedly whenever they get a break.

However, doctors warn that drinking too much tea and coffee in winter is not good. This can cause sudden increase in pain and stiffness in various joints of the body. Due to the combined effect of winter weather and caffeine, some natural biological changes occur in the body, which increase the problem. Therefore, it is important to understand why joint pain increases in winter, why tea and coffee can increase it further, and what is the remedy for it.

In an Indian media outlet, Raipur-based orthopedic and sports injury specialist Dr. Dushmant Chauhan said that even though it is hot, tea and coffee can actually dry out the bones and joints. The cartilage of the knee acts like a cushion between two bones and is mostly made of water. Due to dehydration, its elasticity and ability to absorb shock decreases.

Many people drink less water in winter because they feel less thirsty. Instead, they drink more tea and coffee during social gatherings or during work. But tea and coffee are never a substitute for the water needed by the body; on the contrary, excessive drinking can further reduce the water from the body.

According to doctors, blood vessels naturally constrict in the cold and blood circulation slows down. As a result, it takes time for sufficient oxygen and nutrients to reach the joint tissue. In addition, since caffeine is a mild diuretic, the amount of urine increases, the body's fluid decreases. This causes the cartilage of the knee to dry out further.

When cartilage dries out, bone-to-bone friction increases, the knee becomes stiff, and the pain increases. The main reason for this is the cartilage problem caused by dehydration when you suddenly stand up in the morning in winter or after sitting for a long time.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. P. C. Jagadish said that caffeine does not directly destroy cartilage, but it dehydrates the body and increases joint problems. The fluid inside cartilage is essential to maintain its flexibility. Dehydration reduces lubrication, increases friction, and increases the risk of pain or inflammation. So the main problem is not caffeine—it's chronic dehydration that has inadvertently created it.He also said that those who regularly drink more than three to four cups of tea and coffee a day should drink at least two to two and a half liters of water every day. Otherwise, joint lubrication may decrease, leading to arthritis or long-term knee pain.

Less movement in winter also increases the problem. Many people sit at home and walk less. Staying in the same position for a long time and being in a cold environment causes the knee tissue to stiffen and increase pain. Therefore, it is not enough to just drink water in winter—regular light exercise, stretching, walking, cycling or water-based low-impact exercise is necessary.

At this time, eating more foods rich in vitamin D, calcium and omega-3 nourishes the cartilage and reduces inflammation. However, it is not necessary to completely eliminate tea and coffee in winter—only the amount should be controlled, water intake should be increased, and the body should be kept active. Only then can joint pain be reduced.

BP/TD