6 Benefits of Mineral Water for Arthritis, Inflammation, and Joint Pain
Updated February 7, 2024.
Arthritis is a chronic condition that results in inflammation of the joints, leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Inflammation can cause swelling, heat, pain, and sometimes loss of function, making even simple tasks and daily activities difficult.
Drinking mineral-rich water, packed with essential elements like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, copper, iron, and potassium, can be beneficial. These minerals are integral to maintaining the health of bones, heart, brain, and muscles. They're especially significant for bone health and can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting those with arthritis. Let's delve into how these minerals can aid in managing arthritis and inflammation.
» Learn which minerals are found in mineral water
1. Creates Synovial Fluid
Synovial fluid is a clear, viscous substance that lubricates the joints and reduces friction between bones. It also nourishes the cartilage by delivering nutrients and oxygen, helping to prevent joint damage. Water plays a vital role in the production of synovial fluid, which primarily consists of water. Dehydration can decrease synovial fluid production, leading to joint pain and stiffness.
Regular hydration with mineral water ensures an adequate supply of synovial fluid, keeping the joints lubricated and functioning well. Sulfur, present in water, is crucial for forming strong synovial membranes and replenishing fluids in the bursae.
Did You Know?
Arthritis causes the synovium to swell and thicken, leading to increased swelling and inflammation in the joints. That's why maintaining a good supply of synovial fluid through proper hydration reduces arthritic pain.
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2. Supports Cartilage
Water not only boosts synovial fluid production but also promotes the growth of new cells in cartilage tissues. Out of all the minerals you should get from water, magnesium is important because, aside from strengthening bones, it helps maintain joint cartilage.
Calcium is also essential as it facilitates the formation and upkeep of cartilage tissue, helping the body produce proteins like collagen and elastin that make up cartilage. Healthy cartilage, which protects joints and bones, can help minimize joint pain and thus alleviate arthritis.
» Learn what water you should drink for overall health
3. Betters Blood and Muscular Function
Water is fundamental to muscle function, as it transports the nutrients necessary for protein and glycogen structures, the foundation for muscle. Potassium, crucial for nerve, cell, and muscle function, along with proper muscle formation and maintenance, can relieve pressure from the joints.
Additionally, calcium in mineral water regulates blood pressure and prevents clotting, while iron, zinc, and copper are vital for blood function and renewal. Hydration thus improves circulation, ensuring joints receive the oxygen they need, reducing inflammation and pain.
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4. Flushes Out Toxins
Water keeps the liver and kidneys in top shape, aiding in toxin removal. The liver and kidneys work to eliminate toxins such as microplastics, ammonia, alcohol, and creatinine. Toxin build-up can increase inflammation in joints, leading to accelerated arthritis and increased pain.
Water assists the kidneys in removing waste from the blood and filtering the blood vessels that supply the kidneys. Proper hydration allows urine to flow freely, flushing out toxins. Iron plays a crucial role in supporting the liver in this detox process.
» How to remove microplastics from your water: Read our guide
5. Helps Excrete Uric Acid
Drinking sufficient water, enriched with potassium, aids the kidneys in uric acid removal. This is crucial as high uric acid levels can cause irreversible tissue, bone, and joint damage and lead to conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, and gout, a common form of inflammatory arthritis. Thus, drinking ample mineral water is one of the best ways to manage uric acid levels, reducing the risk of developing painful arthritis.
» Learn how to remineralize reverse osmosis water with our essential mineral drops
6. Aids in Weight Loss
Excess weight puts additional stress on the potentially leading to arthritis and causing inflammation and swelling in the joints, resulting in pain and limited mobility. The minerals in water can invigorate and detoxify the body, increasing urination and aiding in the elimination of excess fat.
Water is crucial for metabolizing carbohydrates and burning fat from food and drink, as well as stored fat. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on the joints, thus decreasing inflammation in the body.
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Hydrate to Mitigate Arthritis
Insufficient hydration can lead to joint pain, as when water levels in the body dip, the protective cartilage loses its sponginess. Proper hydration enhances the production of synovial fluid and maintains the shock-absorbing properties of cartilage. Drinking enough water is key for managing arthritis as it also helps flush toxins from the body, combating inflammation and reducing friction in the joints.
Quality of water is crucial for proper hydration because it ensures you're consuming safe water with sufficient mineral content. After all, the essential minerals found in drinking water are vital for the body's functioning and reducing joint and arthritis pain.