“Grandma’s Remedy” for Joint Pain

If you’re dealing with arthritis, you’re no stranger to pain. 

And you’re likely no stranger to pain pills, either. 

But before you invest in a lifetime supply of NSAIDs — or worse, steroids or immunosuppressive drugs — I always encourage my patients to try natural alternatives first. 

They’re almost always safer — and often just as effective. 

Today I want to tell you about a solution you might not have tried yet — but a double-blind, placebo-controlled study proves it’s one you’ll want to have in your arsenal. 

And one all grandmothers will definitely approve of.  

They say chicken soup is good for the soul — but it’s great for your joints, too. 

Especially when the chicken soup is made with bone broth, which is one of the most bioavailable sources of collagen. 

In addition to being the most abundant protein in your body, collagen supports the cartilage that helps cushion your joints. 

Your body produces less collagen as you get older, causing your joints to become more prone to arthritis and other injuries. 

But supplementing with collagen can help. A lot. 

In a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers tested 2.5 grams of hydrolyzed chicken collagen type II against a placebo in people experiencing joint discomfort. 

Of the 28 different types of collagen, type II collagen makes up 50 percent of your joint cartilage. 

After just four weeks, the collagen group experienced a 37 percent reduction (improvement) in their WOMAC score, compared to only a 14 percent reduction in the placebo group. 

The WOMAC is a widely-used measure used to assess pain, stiffness, and function in patients with arthritis. 

And by week 8, the collagen group saw a nearly 50 percent reduction (improvement) in their scores, compared to 31 percent in the placebo group. 

This led the researchers to conclude that collagen type II is effective at reducing pain and stiffness in the joints, and improving mobility in people with joint pain. 

Researchers believe collagen attacks joint pain because it accumulates in joint cartilage and stimulates the production of chondrocytes, which are specialized cells found in your cartilage. 

And because collagen is also important for skin health — and collagen supplements have been shown to improve wrinkles and dry skin — this is one supplement that can help you look and feel younger. 

Two for the price of one is always a win in my book.