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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does coffee exacerbate RA?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
California, CA
April 23
 · 
Reactions
A myRAteam Member

Alcohol does! I didn’t drink much, but I stopped every drop of alcohol and that really helps.

April 23
A myRAteam Member

Thanks I'll watch for any wine effect.

April 28
A myRAteam Member

I had the combination of the new diet and stopping alcohol stopping cigar smoking once in a while I would smoke a cigar all all the bad habits I could stop. My philosophy is try anything you can within reason and especially when it comes to diet smoking drinking alcohol or just one glass of wine affects me immensely the day after.

April 27
A myRAteam Member

That's interesting James. I don't drink much, so haven't noticed any effects, but maybe I should pack up altogether. Was the effect on you immediate or was it a gradual realization that maybe it was affecting you?
I don't find any difference with coffee then I have max one cup a day and two in Saturdays!!

Sugar and a lot of bread can exacerbate symptoms though.

April 27 (edited)
myRAteam

The relationship between coffee and RA is genuinely mixed — it really depends on the individual. Some people find it triggers flares, while others feel fine enjoying their morning cup.

Here's what research and myRAteam members suggest:

- Some myRAteam members report coffee as a flare trigger
- Others find it helpful for Show Full Answer

The relationship between coffee and RA is genuinely mixed — it really depends on the individual. Some people find it triggers flares, while others feel fine enjoying their morning cup.

Here's what research and myRAteam members suggest:

- Some myRAteam members report coffee as a flare trigger
- Others find it helpful for energy and mental clarity
- One study found decaffeinated coffee was linked to a higher risk of developing RA, while caffeinated coffee pointed to a lower risk
- Coffee contains polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that may actually benefit RA symptoms There's also a medication angle worth knowing about:

- If taking prednisone, caffeine may worsen insomnia, a known side effect
- If taking methotrexate, caffeine may actually help ease side effects for some people

The Arthritis Foundation recommends keeping coffee intake to 1–2 cups per day if you choose to drink it.

The best approach is to pay attention to how your body responds and chat with your rheumatologist if you're unsure. Everyone's RA journey is a little different!

April 23

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