Another condition that is often treated by using turmeric is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a very common chronic illness found in older people. The inflammation associated with this condition can cause severe pain, fever, joint stiffness, numbness, and anemia. Since turmeric has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, it can greatly improve the quality of life for someone who suffers from inflammation-related problems such as rheumatoid arthritis. The reason that turmeric works so well at combating inflammation is because of its great ability to protect the body from infections. A bacterium known as Mycobacterium avium can cause inflammation in the body. The bacterium can become activated through many different causes, such as injury or poor nutrition. When the body is not receiving enough nutrients, it is less likely to fight off infection, which then allows infections to move into the tissues. When turmeric is added to your diet, it can help you to kill off the bacteria that causes arthritis, along with other health problems. Another reason that turmeric can make arthritis better is that it can boost the immune system. When the body is healthy, it is better equipped to fight off infection. Because inflammation can allow foreign materials to enter the body and cause infections, having a good supply of anti-bacterial antibodies is crucial to preventing inflammation related problems.