There’s nothing quite like sipping on a cold and refreshing beverage on a hot summer day! For those managing chronic joint pain, there are a variety of summer drink options available to keep you cool and hydrated while also promoting better joint health. If you need a little inspiration, we have some of Dr. Dean’s favorite summer sip recipes made with joint-healthy ingredients to share here.
“When you are living with joint pain, it’s very important to be mindful of your food and beverage choices to help control inflammation,” says Dr. Dean. “For example, research suggests that sugar can increase the risk of chronic inflammation, which in turn can complicate existing joint pain. So, when it comes to summer beverages, I always recommend skipping the sugary stuff and creating your own healthier recipes at home.”
Morning Green Juice. If you have a juicer at home, summer is a great time to put it to use! I love to start my day with a green blend using ingredients like kale, celery, cucumbers, and green apple. You can even add a little turmeric, which is known to be a natural anti-inflammatory.
Cherry Spritzer. Tart cherry juice is loaded with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. To balance the tartness and give it some fizz, I mix it with plain sparkling water, pour it over ice, and add some orange and lemon slices.
Fruit-Infused Water. It’s important for those managing chronic joint pain to stay consistently hydrated throughout the day. But plain old water can get pretty boring! I’ll often recommend fruit-infused water to my patients as a way to add natural flavor without added sugars. You can mix and match your favorite fruits as well as herbs like mint and rosemary to create your favorite recipes.
Turmeric Ginger Lemonade. When it comes to natural ways to reduce inflammation, both turmeric and ginger are at the top of the list. Mix these with some homemade lemonade and mint for a super tasty and refreshing beverage. Get the recipe here.
“I always tell my patients that staying active and enjoying the summer is very important for their overall health and wellbeing as well as their joint health,” says Dean. “We don’t have to give up the little pleasures in life, like tasty summer drinks. Rather, we just have to make more mindful choices about ingredients so we can balance enjoyment with pain management.”
If you are living with chronic knee, hip or shoulder pain that’s preventing you from daily tasks and activities, you can complete the form below to request your free consultation with Dr. Dean to see if you are a candidate for AROmotion which has helped more than 2,000 patients stop their joint pain fast without surgery.