Sometimes aching joints are just telling you they're thirsty. Whether or not you have arthritis, water works by filling the spaces between joints.
The right amount for you could be more or less than the recommended eight glasses of water a day. When you exercise, if the weather is hot or your health condition requires more, eight glasses may not be enough.
If you drink many other fluids, the minimum amount of actual water you need to drink is two to three glasses a day. Water moves nutrients through your body, hydrates your joints and cells and increases metabolic activity.
Low-fat milk and calcium-fortified orange juice are good drinks. Two or three cups of green tea or one cup of fruit juice are excellent drinks.
Two cups of caffeinated coffee, soft drinks or tea count in your favor.
Sodas that contain phosphoric acid, which can prevent calcium from being absorbed, can increase your risk of osteoporosis, say researchers at the Cleveland Clinic.
Always drink alcohol in moderation, one or two glasses a day at most. Alcohol is dehydrating, which can decrease the amount of water in your body and decrease water's benefits.
About 20 percent of your fluid need is met by the foods we eat. The other 80 percent must be from beverages.
Remember that water is a pleasant drink. It's safe, inexpensive and always available.