This week, Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Kathleen McKinnon about osteoarthritis and inflammation. Dr. McKinnon is a rheumatologist and Director of the Center for Vasculitis Care and Research at MUSC.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the US. Doctor Kathleen McKinnon is here to talk about osteoarthritis and inflammation. Doctor McKinnon is a rheumatologist, and she's Director of the Center for Vasculitis Care and Research at MUSC. Doctor McKinnon, tell us about osteoarthritis.
Dr. McKinnon: Well, osteoarthritis is commonly known as wear and tear arthritis, arthritis that tends to happen as we get older. And what this is, is when the cartilage or the cushioning of the joint breaks down and the bones of the joint can rub against each other. Osteoarthritis can also lead to formation of bone spurs that can cause pain by pressure on local tissues. We know that osteoarthritis can range from mild with minimal symptoms, to severe where normal activities of daily living are affected.
Conner: Explain the connection between inflammation and osteoarthritis.
Dr. McKinnon: Well, this happens in a couple of different ways. There is local inflammation at the level of the joint. The breakdown of that protective cartilage triggers an inflammatory response in and around the joint itself. And on a more systemic level, low level inflammation in the body caused by conditions such as diabetes and obesity, the body releases more inflammatory chemicals that can make the arthritis progress faster. The presence of this inflammation in the body is also associated with more pain and disability with arthritis, and ultimately may also predict mortality risk. So, this inflammation is important in a number of different ways.
Conner: I understand that our diet can even be a source of inflammation. So, what foods seem to increase inflammation in the body and may worsen symptoms for people who have osteoarthritis.
Dr. McKinnon: We know that foods associated with systemic inflammation include highly processed foods, things that you get in cans and boxes, highly refined carbohydrates like sugar, sugary drinks and foods, saturated fats, fried foods, and excessive amounts of alcohol.
Conner: Tell us more specifically about eating sugar and how that might trigger inflammation.
Dr. McKinnon: Well, this can be an important source of inflammation in the body. Eating sugar can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. It can trigger a stress response in the body. It can change how your gut functions and also promote fat storage. And all of these activities cause the release of more inflammatory molecules.
Conner: Tell us about an anti-inflammatory diet that is beneficial for people who have osteoarthritis.
Dr. McKinnon: So, an anti-inflammatory diet is really a holistic approach that focuses on whole, nutrient dense foods that can lower chronic, low grade inflammation in the body. So, some of the common anti-inflammatory diets that we talk about are the Mediterranean and Dash diets. So, the principles of an anti-inflammatory diet include a lot of fruits and vegetables, eating healthy fats like nuts, olive oil and seeds, including fatty fish, like salmon and sardines. Incorporating a lot of whole grains like wheat bread, brown rice and oats, and sources of lean protein like chicken, turkey, beans, lentils, soy proteins and eggs. And even herbs and spices can be added not just for flavor, but turmeric, ginger and garlic, for example, also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Conner: Doctor McKinnon, thanks for talking with us about osteoarthritis.
Dr. McKinnon: You're welcome.
Conner: From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
