An interesting side effect of very low carb diets, is that they can significantly decrease inflammation. Many patients experience a significant decrease in arthritis (bone and joint) aches and pains, after just a week or two of very low carb dieting. It’s not uncommon for patients to decrease or discontinue non sterioidal anti-inflammatory medication within a month. The anti-inflammatory effect of very low carb eating, helps keep many patients on a low carb diet, because they just don’t hurt as much. If you suffer from chronic arthritis pain, stop all dairy products (no milk, no yogurt, no cheese – eggs are okay), and limit your carbohydrate intake to no more than 10-20 grams per feeding for 2-3 weeks. The bet is you’ll hurt less.