I had been living my life for nearly four years with no cartilage in my hip, bone scraping bone, bone spurs forming and joint thickening.

The food additive carrageenan -- also known as E 407 -- is used by the food industry as an emulsifier and thickening agent in numerous finished products.

Over time, the valve thickens and stiffens, making the heart work harder to pump blood effectively around the body.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a setting agent in making jams and jellies, which is why they thicken readily with minimal cooking.

The condition affects the skin and muscle in the palm of the hand, causing it to thicken and become less flexible.