Essential Plants for Joint Physical unease, with Dr. Carlijn Wagenaar

Eat plants for joint discomfort? A large, new research paper supports that! On a recent episode ofCauses or Cures, I sit down with Dr. Carlijn Wagenaar to unpack thePlants for Joints (PFJ)research—real studies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) that tested a plant-centered way of living. Not just eating plants for joint discomfort, but meals + movement + restful slumber + emotional strain tools + weekly aid. We get specific about what changed: disease activity, inflammatory markers, body ache, and function. Who enrolled & how long:Adults with RA or OA entered a structured PFJ program for a defined period (think weeks to a few months).How it was evaluated: RA:standardized disease activity scores + systemic inflammation markers in blood. OA:validated physical unease and function scales (can you move, climb stairs, do daily life). The point wasn’t a perfect eating lifestyle—it was adoable routinetested like a clinical intervention. Meals:more plants, more often—fiber-rich mains, whole grains, legumes, colorful produce, nutritious fats. Movement minimums:achievable walking + simple strength. Restorative sleep nudges:regular wind-down, light/caffeine timing. Mental tension tools:brief, repeatable practices (breath work, micro-breaks). Weekly aid:check-ins and troubleshooting so people didn’t white-knuckle it alone. This wasskills over willpower—not a handout that says “good luck.” RA: clinical disease activity moved in the right direction, and inflammatory markers improved. Some participants reported changes within weeks. OA: improvements in body ache and function—the stuff you feel getting out of a chair or walking the dog—plus advantageous shifts in related metabolic measures for some. Dr. Wagenaar gets into the biology and theories as to why following a plant-centered mindful lifestyle helps with both RA and OA on the podcast. She also talks about where they are talking “plants for jointsâ€� next! Dr. Carlijn Wagenaar is a physician-researcher in the Netherlands and part of the team behind Plants for Joints. Explore their newly launchedPlants for Healthsite for program details and resources. If someone you know is struggling with RA, OA or joint physical unease, definitely share this with them. ********************************************************************************************************* Other recent Causes or Cures Podcasts or gems from the blog: What if a blood test could find cancer YEARS before first symptoms? The Parasite that Eats You Alive. Screwworm in the News! *********************************************************************************************************