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Updated on August 31, 2023
Osteoarthritis is one of the oldest known diseases and a leading cause of disability. Scientists have even uncovered evidence that osteoarthritis has been around since the time of the Neanderthals (1). And today, this painful condition impacts more than 32.5 million adults in the US alone (2, 3).
In this article, you’ll learn what osteoarthritis is, how it’s different from osteoporosis, how it relates to gut health, and more.
Osteoarthritis (also called OA, degenerative arthritis, or degenerative joint disease), is the most common chronic joint condition that exists. It occurs when the cartilage (the strong, flexible connective tissue that cushions the ends of bones) begins to deteriorate (4).
This wearing down of connective tissues results in dull, achy, bone-on-bone pain in the hands, fingers, hips, knees, shoulders, neck, and lower back.
Some typical osteoarthritis symptoms include the following:
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include older age or post-menopause, being female, injured joints, repetitive joint stress through sports or a job, genetics, or carrying extra weight.
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Have you ever heard of the gut-brain connection? Well, now there’s something called the gut-joint connection.
While there are many potential causes and risk factors for osteoarthritis, recent research indicates that your gut microbiome (i.e. all of the tiny bacteria that make up your gut) may play a major role in osteoarthritis pain (5).
Obesity has been linked to osteoarthritis pain for decades. Doctors and scientists alike assumed it was the excess weight that put additional stress on the joints. However, the new research we’re seeing suggests otherwise: That the connection between obesity and osteoarthritis may have everything to do with your gut health—not the excess weight—instead.
Here’s how the scientific study unfolded…
Mice were fed a high-fat diet similar to that of a human fast food-based diet and became obese and diabetic in just a few weeks. In that process, their gut bacteria totally changed. Several inflammatory bacteria were found in the newly obese mice’s colons, and in turn, inflammatory symptoms showed up throughout their bodies (6).
These obese mice (with unhealthy gut bacteria) went on to have osteoarthritis symptoms that progressed much faster than the mice who maintained a healthier weight. Maybe that’s not so surprising, but the striking part is that when the obese mice were regularly fed a prebiotic (types of plant fibers that help promote healthy gut bacteria), their inflammation and joint symptoms went away—even when they remained overweight. Just by taking a prebiotic, their joint health was right on par with the thinner mice.
In this research, the common denominator for joint pain wasn’t about weight at all. Instead, it was inflammation caused by poor gut health. Could the same be true for humans?
More research is needed to uncover more links between osteoarthritis and gut health. But one thing we’re certain of is that it’s well worth the effort to maintain a healthy gut!
Summary: Based on this 2019 study, the mice who were obese had more unhealthy gut bacteria than the mice who had a healthier body weight. This unhealthy gut bacteria is thought to be the cause of inflammation in their bodies, resulting in the rapid deterioration of their joints (6).
If you want to improve your gut health and your osteoarthritis symptoms at the same time, start supplementing with collagen peptides and a probiotic daily.
Research has started to connect the dots between collagen and gut health, with early research indicating that it could specifically help people with osteoarthritis (7, 8). The main way collagen peptides alleviate osteoarthritis is by “healing and sealing the gut”, which creates a protective barrier for healthy gut bacteria to thrive (9, 10). Collagen also has anti-inflammatory effects thanks to its abundant levels of glycine, an amino acid that has a pain-relieving effect on joints (10, 11).
By supplementing with collagen peptides, you’re doing three things…
Then there’s the need for a probiotic and prebiotic supplement. As you know from the animal study above, when the obese mice were regularly fed a prebiotic (types of plant fibers that help promote healthy gut bacteria), their inflammation and joint symptoms went away—even when they remained overweight. That means that just by taking a prebiotic, their joint health was right on par with the healthy mice!
This is exactly why NativePath Probiotic includes a prebiotic formula in its unique 10-strain blend: To support healthy digestive balance, replenish intestinal microflora, promote regularity, and now, to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis.
With 10 unique super-strains & 82 billion CFUs to support healthy digestion, regularity, & nutrient absorption while easing gas & bloating.
Gut-joint connection is important. From what current research is showing, we can see that a healthy gut may be the missing link to preventing worsening osteoarthritis symptoms. By taking gut-health supplements like collagen powder and a probiotic/prebiotic capsule, you’re able to give your body what it needs to alleviate osteoarthritic symptoms.
Both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis have the potential to wreak havoc on your bones and impact your mobility, but they are very different conditions. Osteoarthritis causes joint pain due to degeneration of cartilage, while osteoporosis is caused by the loss of bone mass over time.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by flare-ups, which create a burst of increased joint pain. They can last anywhere from 1 to 2 days to over a week. It’s important to reach out to your doctor as soon as you think you may be experiencing a flare-up so that they can help you curb the worst of your symptoms. Many people manage flare-ups with medications and home-based remedies.
You can help prevent osteoarthritis flare-ups and potentially slow its progress by 1) maintaining a healthy gut with a prebiotic supplement and a collagen supplement, 2) moving your body daily, and 3) by eating whole, nutrient-dense foods.
If you have osteoarthritis, certain lifestyle habits can help keep you healthier and your symptoms milder. Try gentle stretching exercises to improve your range of motion. Eat a nutritious, anti-inflammatory diet high in flavonoids, and do what you can to maintain a healthy weight. Consider boosting your routine with supplements like prebiotics, krill oil, green tea, ginger, and collagen. Some people help manage their osteoarthritis with remedies like physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
Claire Hannum is a New York City-based writer, editor, wellness seeker, and reiki practitioner. Her writing has appeared in Self, Health, Prevention, and over a dozen other publications.
NativePath has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Chad Walding nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.
