Major Joint Pain Riddle SOLVED!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 6, 2017
Q: This may seem like a silly question. I’ve been taking collagen for my joints for years, and just started using a different supplement brand. The new label says I should take it with a meal – but I’ve never had to do that before. Does it even matter?
— Elizabeth R.
Dr. Scott: Actually, that’s not a silly question at all. In fact, there’s quite a bit of debate in the health community on when and how you should take collagen supplements.
That probably accounts for the different labels.
Luckily, there’s an easy answer to your question. But, before I dive in, let me take a moment to explain just how important collagen supplementation can be for our health.
Our ancestors ate a ton of collagen. They drank it in their bone-broth soups, and got tons of collagen when they ate all parts of an animal.
Us, not so much.
Our diets are almost completely devoid of collagen.
Collagen is made up of the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine.
When we are young, our bodies manufactured plenty of collagen, but as we grow older that production falls off dramatically. Some scientists estimate we lose 10 to 20 percent of our collagen by the time we reach 40 years old.
There are many reasons why you should make sure you are getting enough collagen in your diet:
- Skin, hair, and nail health. Collagen helps prevent wrinkles.
- Joint health. Our joints are mostly made of collagen and work better when we consume more collagen.
- Supplementing with collagen reduces leaky gut syndrome – a digestive condition that leads to higher inflammation.
- Supplementing with collagen has been shown to boost metabolism.
- Collagen is an important part of our brain and has been shown to improve mental health.
Now that we know why we should be taking collagen, what about that question: when should you take collagen?
There’s actually a good body of research showing that it doesn’t matter, despite all the debate.
If you take collagen with a meal or first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, the results are the same: your body is happy to use that collagen to make healthy skin, joints, guts, and brains.
Just do whatever works for your schedule.
So, how do you make sure you are getting enough?
Dr. Scott’s Collagen Production Plan
- There are food sources of collagen, including gelatin and bone broth.
- Sulfur containing veggies such as onions and garlic all help to increase your own collagen production.
Those tips will help, but I believe supplementing is necessary to make sure you are getting enough collagen. I prefer products that break down the collagen into absorbable and useable fractions called collagen peptides.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
P.S. Want me to answer your question next? Email me at askdrscott@livingwelldaily.com
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...
“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early
One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...