The new book, Think Like a Freak, by Steve D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner recommends people set aside time to think. Many of us run through life without devoting specific time to actually contemplate. As a multiple sclerosis patient dealing with painful arthritis, I have taken their challenge and have been thinking about the knowledge I have gained in the past 18 months of research for www.MSsymptoms.me.

MS is exacerbated by inflammation. Arthritis pain is linked to inflammation. So what causes inflammation? If we know the causes and the relief of inflammation could we curtail the progression of multiple sclerosis and the joint damage resulting from arthritis?

The Arthritis Foundation is an excellent informal resource on the subject of inflammation. In short, diet is a huge factor in the level of inflammation one experiences. Almost everything they suggest not eating are the foods I love, especially cheese. Darn. Even too much exercise can cause increased inflammation. I guess the marathons are out. I’m not crying tears over that but the cookies are hard to pass up.

Steve and Stephen, the Freak Thinkers, point out that stress is another cause inflammation. Food for thought!