Arthritis and Environmental Triggers - Is a Toxic Environment Increasing Your Pain?

At some time in our life we are all exposed to hidden environmental offenders that can trigger inflammation in our bodies. If you are exposed to an environmental agent such as an allergen, toxin, chemical, infectious agent or drug that causes unpleasant effects, those effects could be seen anywhere in your body as a variety of diseases and could even worsen existing illness. By removing harmful chemicals, food or infectious allergens, major improvement might occur in some long-term illnesses, like arthritis.

Arthritic Triggers in the Chemical World

Joint pains can be brought on by the overuse of joints, hidden infection, intolerance to certain foods and chemicals, as well as inflammatory disease. In inflammatory rheumatic disease, immune complexes are formed within the blood and then become deposited in the joint. These immune complexes are made up of numerous antigens and antibodies, which result from an allergic reaction either due to an infection or exposure to an allergen. The fluid that lubricates the joints becomes filled with these immune cells impacting the lining of the joints, in turn causing inflammation and eventually pain, swelling and tenderness. A number of the more common allergic arthritic triggers in the chemical world include:

artificial sweeteners
hair dyes
food dyes
nail polish
makeup
powders
fragrances
natural gas
chlorine
formaldehyde
paint fumes
products containing phenol
fabric softeners
insecticides
air fresheners
new carpet odors and new-car smells
scented candles
plug-ins
tobacco odors
odours emanating from soaps and shampoos and conditioners, as well as VOC [Volatile Organic Compounds]
smells from moldy, musty environments
sulphites (preservatives in some foods and alcohols)

Research has looked at the connection between inflammatory disorders and environmental exposures and has found that several people have an amazing recovery after removing several foods or avoiding chemicals in their diet. In addition, others improve dramatically by reducing or avoiding chemicals in their environment.

There are times when the body learns to handle toxins, therefore making it difficult to link the symptoms to the causative agent. In this case it is best to avoid the suspected offending substance for a long period so that re-exposure to it causes an immediate reaction from the body. Sometimes, it is only necessary to remove one or two items from your environment to see a remarkable improvement in your symptoms.