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
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...