I won't keep you in suspense; there is a link between arthritis and the liver developing problems. But before I continue, let me caution you NOT to use this article in the place of a qualified medical professional's diagnosis. Just use this in compliment to a doctor's advice and treatment. Now that's out of the way, let's look at why there is a link between arthritis and liver problems.

Not All Arthritis Applies

Arthritis is an umbrella term that covers over one hundred conditions and diseases that all involve painful joints (ankles, wrists, neck, knees – not the cannabis type of joints). One of the most common types of arthritis is called rheumatoid arthritis (sometimes shortened to RA in medical jargon).

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered a disease of the body's immune system. Instead of just destroying any invading bacteria, the body starts destroying everything – including the body. This is where the link between rheumatoid arthritis and liver problems comes in. The liver acts as the body's filter, and plays a big role in the body's immune system.

What About Arava?

Another link between arthritis and the liver giving you trouble is with some of the stronger medicines taken for arthritis pain. All prescription drugs have the dangers of nasty side-effects – and so do herbal remedies. However, a lot of people have gotten relief from man made drugs or herbal remedies, but you should be aware of any potential links between arthritis drugs and liver problems.

Arava is an arthritis drug that has made the headlines and news stories in the past few years for being a direct link between arthritis sufferers and their liver problems. Avara (generic name leflunomide) can make the liver become very unhappy with long-term use. When the liver stops filtering, then all of those toxins stay in your body. If you are on any really strong arthritis drug, you need to periodically go for liver enzyme tests.

No Foie Gras, Please

In 2007, researchers have found a link between developing arthritis and eating the liver pate' of geese or ducks (called foie gras). This gourmet food has been found to contain mutated proteins that can lead to many diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Foie gras can predispose your body to amyloid development.

The actual chemical reactions from this University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine are very hard to foloow. However, the end result is that there is a link between arthritis development and eating liver pate from inhumanely fattened ducks and geese.