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
Red Meat Once Again Given a Clean Bill of Health
If you’re old enough, you’re ALSO lucky enough to recall a time when red meat wasn’t considered the enemy. Up until the mid to late 1950s, it was understood that red meat wasn’t JUST mouthwateringly delicious… it was ALSO a valuable source of nutrition. And saturated fat wasn’t the bogeyman it was suddenly being portrayed...
Blood Sugar Problem Often Goes Overlooked
“Everyone talks about high blood sugar. What are tricks for low blood sugar?” – Tom Hi Tom, A common cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is taking too much insulin or another glucose-lowering drug. These drugs reduce blood sugar, but they can cause it to drop TOO low depending on… when you eat, how many...
[ALERT] Poor Sleep Can RUIN Your Golden Years
We tend to take sleep for granted. Well, until we’re no longer getting ENOUGH of it, that is. It’s not unusual to start having sleep issues as we age. In fact, it’s SO common that folks often chalk it up to “getting older” and they ignore it. But that’s dangerous. And not just because you...
Belly Troubles? Skip the Pill, Try THIS
Seasons EATINGS! It’s a few weeks into the holiday season, and I ALREADY feel as stuffed as a Christmas Turkey. And I don’t know about you… but all the rich food has MY tummy giving me a bit of trouble. Anyone can get indigestion from time to time, of course. But if there’s no known...
BELLY Secret Dials DOWN Blood Pressure
A staggering 40 percent of the world’s population has high blood pressure. And all of those folks are at a significantly higher risk for developing related conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Doctors typically treat high blood pressure with drugs. But these meds have some disturbing side effects. So, if they can be...
“Mini Pleasures” Method BOOSTS Brain Power
Maybe it’s the midafternoon slump when your mind starts to wander… Or perhaps it’s that fuzzy-headed feeling you get when burning the midnight oil. Whatever the cause, your brain power is fading fast. If you’re like many folks (including me), that’s when you head to the coffee machine. But caffeine isn’t the only way to...
Common Habit Sends You to An EARLY Grave
Sitting is DEADLY. Yes, I know that sounds extreme. But it’s also true. Sitting for long periods forces your body into a position that isn’t natural. Do it too long, and it harms your health. Too much sitting reduces circulation, weakens bones, tightens muscles, triggers blood sugar issues, and, ultimately, SHORTENS your life. And you…...
5 Cortisol Calmers SLASH Stress NATURALLY
Wait… the holidays are supposed to be relaxing, right? So, why is it they often feel anything BUT? From now until New Years can feel like a footrace you’re about to lose. Now that we’ve made it through Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday the pressure is REALLY on. And all that stress doesn’t just...
Mailbag: The TRUTH About Massage and Acupuncture
“What’s your take on massages? Acupuncture? Are they worth the hype? I can’t imagine they’d do that much for your health.” – Pete As with many things, massage and acupuncture ARE effective when used for the right conditions. Massage therapy has many proven health benefits, including… lowering stress, relieving muscle pain and tension, improving circulation,...
New Study Drives ANOTHER Nail into Statin’s Coffin
Statins are the MOST commonly prescribed drug in the United States. They’re taken by MILLIONS to lower cholesterol and prevent heart attack and stroke. But a new study published in the British Medical Journal links these drugs to elevated blood sugars and a raised diabetes risk again. That’s right… AGAIN! Because the Food and Drug...