Episode 15: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#15 Social Inflammation: How Relationships Impact Arthritis

Are your relationships inflaming your joints? This week, host Emily Johnson explores the powerful, often invisible connection between your social environment and chronic pain.

Drawing on the latest research in psychoneuroimmunology, Emily explains why 'Social Inflammation' is more than just a feeling, it is a biological reality. From the way chronic conflict triggers pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, to the physical 'heat' of shame and the metabolic cost of self-censoring, this episode reveals how your immune system responds to emotional safety.

Emily shares her personal insights on the importance of authenticity, explaining why 'owning your truth' is a physiological necessity for anyone living with an inflammatory condition. Whether you’re dealing with 'biological incongruence' or looking for the anti-inflammatory power of a safe hug, this episode offers a roadmap to regulating your nervous system through connection and boundaries. And, how powerfully nourishing the right relationships can be.

Topics covered:

• The Nervous System & Biological Threat: Understanding the HPA axis and why your body can’t tell the difference between a predator and a difficult conversation.
• The High Cost of Self-Censoring: Why 'keeping the peace' might be fueling your flares through biological incongruence.
• What is Social Inflammation? The science of how rejection and conflict 'turn on' pro-inflammatory genes.
• Support as Medicine: The role of Oxytocin in counteracting cortisol and relaxing 'muscle guarding.'
• The Power of Boundaries: Practical tools like the 'Exhale Hack', box breathing, and choosing proximity to peace.

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

References: PMC5442367 (Social Inflammation), PMC2820143 (HPA Axis and Inflammation), PMID: 24769019 (Oxytocin and Inflammation), PMC4391341 (Stress and IL-6), PMC5314421 (The Cost of Emotional Suppression)