Mailbag! DROP the Arthritis Meds and Try This Instead

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 10, 2021

I’m battling with osteoarthritis in my hips. Could you recommend some exercises or supplements to help with pain and mobility?

–Wendell from Lexington, KY

*****

This is a great question because you hit on the two BEST ways to help reduce arthritis pain: exercise and supplements.

Wendell, you’re not alone. Statistics show that one in five people over the age of 18 have some form of arthritis.

You probably know arthritis occurs when the cartilage between your bones and joints wears down. Without a good cartilage buffer between the bones, they rub against each other – and that’s where the pain comes from.

Arthritis is painful, but the worst thing it does is destroy mobility.

Ironically, slowing down makes the pain worse and before you know it, you’ve stopped moving altogether.

And this starts off a whole chain of anguish: your muscles shrink, you gain weight, you feel more isolated, you’re more prone to depression, and you stop doing things you enjoy.

So let’s stop that progression and put it in reverse.

Let me show you how.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Your mainstream doc will tell you to lose weight to take pressure off of your joints—and in this case, he’s right. But there’s a bigger reason to drop those extra pounds. Fat produces chemicals called adipokines that increase inflammation throughout your body which makes arthritis pain WAY worse.
• Eat healthy. The pathway to healthy eating is plenty of low-sugar veggies and good quality proteins. Eat as much cold-water fish (like salmon) as your budget and tastes will allow: these fish contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation. Supplement if you don’t eat enough fish.
• Stop processed foods. Keep away from too much sugar, processed foods, and throw away anything with vegetable oil in it. Oils like corn, soy, sunflower, canola… all increase inflammation. The only three oils you should eat are olive oil, coconut oil, and butter.
• Bone broth. This powerful liquid contains the amino acids proline and glycine that help rebuild cartilage. Add it to as many foods as you can. There are even powdered bone broths you can mix into hamburgers, lasagna, spaghetti sauce that makes them taste better and gives you joints the nutrients they need.
• Exercise. The best way to exercise is to bike, stationary bike, or take a water exercise class. If you can, walking is great too. Simply stretching is another great way to lower pain as is (surprisingly) lifting weights. Moving is key, however you choose to do it.
• Supplements. The best herbal supplements for arthritis are turmeric, ginger, and boswellia. Take glucosamine and chondroitin as well as bromelain (an enzyme that reduces inflammation) between meals.

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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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.

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