Inflammation and Arthritis Flashcards
What is acute inflammation?
Our body’s natural response to illness, injury or infection and usually resolves on its own (eg. when cut finger, your body dispatches white blood cells to protect the area).
May feel swelling, heat, redness, and pain, but this process is critical to fighting infection.
What is chronic inflammation?
Chrissy added: Chronic inflammation: prolonged inflammation characterized by simultaneous tissue destruction and repair.
When the body tries to rid itself of harmful substances such as an infectious organism, an irritant, or a chemical toxin.
Chronic inflammation is associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, including a poor diet full of refined products, alcohol consumption, sedentary behavior, stress, and weight gain.
Most autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, RAs, lupus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and MS, also cause chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is associated with what medical conditions?
chronic diseases inclduing cardiovascular, metabolic (diabetes), renal
What are examples of high-inflammatory foods?
Red and processed meat, refined carbs (eg. white bread, white rice, snack foods, desserts), and sweetened beverages.
Anti-inflammatory foods contain antioxidants like carotenoids, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids, including…
tomatoes
olive oil
green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
nuts like almonds and walnuts
fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
whole grains such as quinoa, whole-grain bread, and oatmeal
fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and oranges
What disrupts the microbiome and gut health?
Generally, illness, poor diet, antibiotics, smoking, stress or obesity cause the microbiome to get out of balance.
What is a microbiome?
Microorganisms in our body.
What happens when our microbiome is out of balance?
It can affect all areas of our health, including impairing the immune system.
What is Arthritis?
Inflammation of one or more joints.
Can lead to permanent disability.
What are risk factors for osteoarthritis?
repetive joint use or injury, obesity/overweight, genes, older age, being a woman (man for gout), occupation (repetitive bending)
How is OA treated?
Increasing physical activity
Physical therapy with muscle strengthening exercises
Weight loss
Medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription drugs
Supportive devices such as crutches or canes
Surgery (if other treatment options have not been effective)
What are the 5 steps in the CDC’s self management of arthritis guidance?
- Learn new self-management skills
- Be active
- Talk to your doctor
- Manage your weight
- Protect your joints
