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Caffeine and hypermobility are a combination that you may have been warned to avoid. On the other hand, do you rely on caffeine to get you through the day because your hypermobility makes you tired?
While caffeine can provide a much-needed energy boost, it can also have negative effects on the body. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between caffeine and hypermobility, and whether or not they make a good combination.
Is Caffeine Bad for Hypermobility?
Some people with hypermobility report that caffeine worsens their symptoms, particularly joint pain, and stiffness. This is because caffeine is a stimulant that can affect the central nervous system. The result of this is an increased heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.
Caffeine also interferes with sleep, which is crucial for managing hypermobility symptoms.
One study reported in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that 400 mg of caffeine affects the amount of sleep you get. This was the case even when it was consumed up to 6 hours before bed.
However, there isn’t currently any research that investigates the direct link between caffeine and hypermobility. So just how bad caffeine is for hypermobility is questionable.
Is Caffeine Bad for EDS?
This is a similar answer as before. The most common type of EDS is hEDS. Hypermobility is also common in most of the other types of EDS.
Therefore, while there is no specific research on the effects of caffeine on people with EDS, some people report that caffeine worsens their symptoms.
Caffeine and hypermobility may not go well together because:
- Caffeine increases the risk of headaches
- Caffeine heightens anxiety
- Caffeine causes an irregular heartbeat
- Caffeine causes nervousness
- Caffeine causes insomnia
Bear in mind that people with hypermobility are already at higher risk of these issues. Therefore, adding caffeine into the mix increases the likelihood of these problems occurring.
Is Caffeine Good for Hypermobility & EDS?
While caffeine may have some negative effects on hypermobility and EDS, it can also have positive effects. These include:
- Caffeine is a natural pain reliever and can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Caffeine can improve focus and concentration, which can be helpful for people who have brain fog.
- Caffeine boosts energy levels. Hypermobility causes tiredness, so a little energy boost is welcome during the day.
- Caffeine reduces the risk of developing serious illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
What Causes Hypermobility to Flare Up?
Hypermobility can be aggravated by several factors, including stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and dehydration.
Caffeine is another cause of flare-ups. However, not everyone with hypermobility will be affected by in the same way. So, you must to identify what triggers your symptoms and try to avoid or manage them.
Does Caffeine Cause Inflammation in Joints?
Caffeine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that regular coffee drinkers had fewer inflammatory markers than people who didn’t regularly enjoy a cup of coffee.
A recent study also found that adding milk to your coffee could fight inflammation twice as hard as it would without milk.
Despite all this, some people with hypermobility report that caffeine increases inflammation in their bodies.
This may be because of the way they consume their caffeine. For example, sugar is inflammatory and is one of the foods to avoid with hypermobility. As such, a sugary coffee or bar of milk chocolate will worsen symptoms.
What Helps Fatigue with Hypermobility?
Fatigue is a common symptom of hypermobility and EDS, and it can be difficult to manage.
Many people reach for caffeine for an energy boost. While this is one way to wake yourself up, it’s not the best thing to do when you’re hypermobile.
The Ehlers Danlos Society also warns against consuming caffeine, particularly before bed.
Instead, your body needs to rest and recover. Naps are recommended, as are healthy snacks for hypermobility.
You should also limit your activities and not overload yourself. For example, instead of cleaning your whole house, clean one room.
Is Tea or Coffee Better for Hypermobility?
While both tea and coffee contain caffeine, tea is generally considered to be gentler on the body. This is because tea contains other compounds, such as theanine, which can help to counteract the negative effects of caffeine.
Additionally, some teas, such as green tea, have their own anti-inflammatory properties.
Is Decaf Better for Hypermobility?
Decaf coffee and tea may be a better option for people with hypermobility or EDS who are sensitive to caffeine. However, it’s important to note that decaf coffee and tea still contain small amounts of caffeine, so it’s important to monitor your body’s response.
Are Caffeine and Hypermobility A Good Combination?
The relationship between caffeine and hypermobility is complex. While caffeine can have negative effects on the body, it can also have positive effects. It’s important to listen to your body and monitor your symptoms to determine if caffeine is a good choice for you.
So it turns out that caffeine and hypermobility aren’t such a bad combination after all. The key is to know your limits and listen to your body as some people’s hypermobility will react more negatively to caffeine than others.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-inflammation#effects-on-inflammation
