In our gut we have a microbiome- a huge community of bacteria living together providing an unbelievable benefit to the functions of our body. One of their functions is dealing with inflammation. The bacteria in our guts produce a molecule known as lipopolysaccharide. After this molecule is produced, it leaves the gut and travels around the body causing low-grade inflammation.
One such area that it can cause inflammation is in the joints, leading to an increase in cartilage destruction, joint space narrowing, pain perception and osteophyte severity. (*Note osteophytes are the little fragments associated with joint degeneration).
What decreases the production of this lipopolysaccharide molecule? FIBER.
Fiber is the main source of short chain fatty acids which feeds our good bacteria which decreases inflammation and also decreases pain signaling due to the gut-brain axis.
All of this translates to more fiber = less inflammation = less pain. Pretty amazing right?