Does Drinking Water Help Arthritis?

Water provides a wide range of health benefits, but can it also help if you have joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout? The importance of maintaining hydration is supported by research, but there is limited information related to how your hydration status specifically affects your arthritis symptoms. So how does hydration impact arthritis?

Benefits of Drinking Water for Arthritis

Water makes up about 60% of the total body weight for adults.

It helps maintain:

• Fluid balance
• Energy level
• Digestive health
• Waste removal
• Regulation of body temperature
• Movement

These all tie into how it can benefit you if you have arthritis.

Production of Synovial Fluid

Synovial fluid lubricates, cushions, and protects the joints. Research shows that water is a necessary component of synovial fluid production, which is needed so that your joints can move properly and smoothly. A deficiency of synovial fluid can lead to damage and inflammation of the joints.

Encourages the Growth of Cartilage Tissue

About 80% of cartilage tissue is composed of water. The movement of water through the tissue transports nutrients between cells. This helps maintain healthy cartilage.

Flushes Toxins and Waste From the Body

Most waste products produced by the body's natural metabolic functions are processed through the liver and the kidneys to be removed from your body in the form of urine. Waste products and toxins are moved out of the body with the aid of water. A deficiency in your body's removal of waste products can lead to inflammation.

And, if you have gout, dehydration can contribute to the accumulation of substances like uric acid —which can lead to gout symptoms and gout flares.

Reduces Inflammation

Water helps reduce inflammation by maintaining your fluid balance. Research suggests that dehydration can trigger inflammation.

Staying hydrated also helps to reduce inflammation by preventing joint friction due to inadequate synovial fluid. Friction increases inflammation, so it is important that your joints don't become dehydrated.

Aids in Weight Loss

Research shows that drinking adequate water helps maintain a healthy weight by supporting digestive health, removing wastes, and reducing excess calorie intake. This is especially true if you are replacing a sugar-sweetened beverage with water.

Excess weight can exacerbate symptoms of arthritis, so trying to stay at your ideal weight can be beneficial if you have arthritis.

Decreases Stress

Dehydration is associated with an increase in cortisol, your stress hormone. Cortisol produces the “flight-or-fight” response, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure—and leaving you feeling more stressed.

While drinking more water won’t affect any of the stressors in your life, if you have been mildly dehydrated, drinking more water may help reduce excess effects of your stress hormones.

Can You Drink Too Much Water?

Yes, it is possible to drink too much water and cause an imbalance in your electrolytes. Excessive water intake can lower the levels of sodium in your blood, resulting in hyponatremia. This can cause symptoms such as head pain, muscle spasms, nausea, and fatigue.

Research shows that healthy kidneys are only able to excrete 800-1,000 milliliters (ml) of water per hour (27 to 33 ounces). It is important to spread your water intake throughout the day to avoid overhydrating.

A Word From Verywell

There is limited research assessing water's direct impact on arthritis, but your hydration status can affect your joint health in a number of different ways.

Staying adequately hydrated and reducing inflammation could help with preventing and managing arthritis and gout flares. Aim for about eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day and spread your fluid intake throughout the day.