23. Arthritis Unlocked: Lifestyle Hacks to Beat Pain and Avoid Surgery

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Welcome to Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, an evidence-based podcast with Miles Hassell MD. In this episode, we tackle osteoarthritis and how lifestyle choices can help prevent or alleviate its effects. Dr. Hassell provides practical advice on reducing pain, improving mobility, and possibly avoiding joint replacement through exercise, weight management, and a Mediterranean-style diet. Whether you're dealing with arthritis or looking to maintain healthy joints for the future, this episode is packed with actionable tips to empower your health journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Movement is Medicine: Regular, varied exercises like water walking, tai chi, and resistance training can reduce stiffness, improve function, and lower surgery risks.
2. Weight Loss Matters: Shedding even a few pounds significantly reduces joint stress and pain.
3. Diet is Key: Avoid refined carbs, prioritize fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, and consider natural sources of calcium and probiotics.
4. Supplements for Joint Health: A three-month trial of glucosamine sulfate, MSM, gelatin/collagen, and niacinamide may provide relief for some.
5. Long-term Benefits: Lifestyle changes can reverse type 2 diabetes, normalize blood pressure, and even reduce cancer risks, underscoring the power of daily habits.

References: Katz et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association. 2021 Feb 9;325(6):568–78 Gay, C et al. Educating patients about the benefits of physical activity and exercise for their hip and knee osteoarthritis. Systematic literature review. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2016. 59(3):174-183 OA prevention. Osteoarthritis Action Alliance. 2021 Jonas WB et al. The effect of niacinamide on osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Inflamm Res 1996. Jul;45(7): p. 330-4 Zaharia OP et al. Reduced muscle strength Is associated with insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients with osteoarthritis, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2021. 106 (4), 1062–1073 Jonas WB et al. The effect of niacinamide on osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Inflamm Res 1996. Jul;45(7):330-4 Phytomedicine 10(1):3-7, 2003, cited in IM News 1 Nov 2003:19 Pavelka et al. Efficacy and safety of piascledine 300 versus chondroitin sulfate in a 6 months treatment plus 2 months observation in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Clinical rheumatology. 2010 29(6):659–670 Vasquez A. Reducing pain and inflammation naturally -- part 3: Improving overall health while safely and effectively treating musculoskeletal pain. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition. 2005 Apr; 28(2):34–44 See more about the patient story Dr. Hassell shared: https://goodfoodgreatmedicine.com/news/04_05_23.pdf In his practice, Dr. Hassell recommends his patients use this osteoarthritis cocktail (daily) as a 3 month trial: Glucosamine 1500mg daily MSM 3000 mg daily Gelatin 1 sachet daily Niacinamide 1000mg daily So what do I do? Ten tips from the pages of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th edition Consider daily exercise a prescription. Take 30 minutes or more daily to decrease your waistline, reduce heart disease risk, and improve mood and libido. Add small doses to your routine like 10 jumping jacks every time you brush your teeth (pp. 27 & 72-73). Eat a wide variety of vegetables (p.37) Eat whole, intact grains (pp. 39-40, 66, & 99) Eat whole fruit (pp. 11, 36-37, & 96) Cook with extra-virgin olive oil (p. 41) Eat oil-rich fish, 2-7 servings per week (pp. 11 & 41-43) Eat raw nuts, seeds, beans, & lentils (pp. 11, 38, 41-42, 103 & 105) Have some cultured dairy (full fat plain yogurt, kefir, etc) daily (pp. 47-49 & 118) Eat modest amounts of unprocessed meat, poultry & eggs (pp. 11, 41-42 & 44-45) Enjoy wine (< 5 ounces daily) (pp. 11 & 58) Minimize or avoid: Sitting (get out of your chair and move your body every hour or so), sugars, sweet drinks, white flour, and processed foods (p. 20).