renee.t.edge Inflammatory arthritis describes a group of diseases caused by an overactive immune system. The most common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness, due to the inflammation of the membranes inside the joints, synovial inflammation. Affected joints may feel warm, swollen, and tender. Inflammatory arthritis can also affect other tissues in the body, including the lungs, heart, eyes, skin, and other organs.
In someone with inflammatory arthritis, the immune response does not know when to stop. It turns on your body, attacking your own tissues instead of the foreign substance and causes continued inflammation. For this reason, inflammatory arthritis is known as an “autoimmune disease” − auto meaning “self” and “immune” because the immune system loses its ability to distinguish self from foreign.
Inflammation can be made worse by consumption of the following ingredients:
1. Added sugars- Think candies, cookies, sodas, etc.
2. Processed foods- These tend to be higher in sugar and stripped of needed nutrients.
3. Saturated and hydrogenated fats- Saturated fats are found in fatty cuts of meat and cured meats, but also in baked goods. Hydrogenated fats are found in fried foods, pre-made baked goods, and coffee creamers among others.
4. Alcohol-A drink every now and then is fine, however heavier consumption taxes the liver, which leads to inflammation and increased joint pain throughout the body.
Consider adding in the following foods:
1. Berries- Fruits such as blueberries and blackberries are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them great options to help with arthritis pain as well as satisfy a sweet tooth and avoid added sugar intake.
2. Fatty fish-Fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help prevent the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. One study found those who had the highest consumption of omega-3s had lower levels of two inflammatory proteins: C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6.
3. Green vegetables-Kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are known for their high levels of vitamin K, a nutrient that can decrease inflammation as well as help prevent cartilage damage associated with inflammatory arthritis.
What you eat can make a difference in how your body feels!
Follow along as we continue to explore diseases caused by inflammation.
Not sure if you may be dealing with Chronic Inflammation? Check out this prior blog post for more information- The Destruction of Chronic Inflammation
