They say, “We are what we eat…” with a shrug. In the case of arthritis, if we eat yummy foods that cause or exacerbate joint inflammation, our joints become inflamed and painful -- with a chance of great harm to the tissue between and around the joint. But no one really discusses this -- it is easier to pop a pill or two than to make some difficult lifestyle changes. But read on -- some changes are worth the effort.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. “Inflammation” is a process in which white blood cells and immune proteins attack infections, bacteria and viruses. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system triggers its defenses to respond to a perceived threat when no actual threat is present. This causes damage to the body's own tissues. Symptoms of joint pain and stiffness typically worsen with age.
Mainly, there are two different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the bones begins to break down. Cartilage is a hard, slippery tissue that covers each end of the bones that make up the involved joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that initially targets the lining around and between the joints, the synovium. This type of arthritis can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint. The most common signs of these two arthritis types, all involving joints: pain; swelling; redness, and decreased range of motion.