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Exploring the Benefits of Plant-Based Diets for Osteoarthritis with Dr. Dirkjan Van Schaardenburg

In this continuation of the conversation with a leading rheumatologist from the Netherlands, the focus shifts towards the Plants for Joints Osteoarthritis Trial. The trial targets individuals with osteoarthritis, demonstrating significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function through a plant-based diet. He discusses the study results, comparing them to standard treatments like semaglutide, the challenges of funding non-pharmacological interventions, and the growing acceptance of dietary recommendations among rheumatologists. He emphasizes the potential of lifestyle changes in managing chronic conditions and shares anecdotes of patient success stories. The episode highlights the importance of dietary changes in medical practice and encourages listeners to consider a plant-based diet as a viable option for managing osteoarthritis.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Dirkjan Van Schaardenburg and the Osteoarthritis Study
00:35 Overview of the Osteoarthritis Study Results
04:06 Comparing Lifestyle Changes and Medications
05:17 Dr. Dirkjan Van Schaardenburg Dietary Recommendations
07:52 Challenges and Successes in Research Funding
10:36 Long-term Effects and Patient Anecdotes
16:42 Global Dietary Shifts and Implications
25:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.

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In the first episode of a two-part series, the Plants for Joints trial is explored, focusing on whether a plant-based diet can alleviate arthritis symptoms. A study participant shares his positive experience with dietary changes on his rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Dirkjan Van Schaardenburg, a seasoned rheumatologist, discusses how lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and exercise play a crucial role in managing arthritis. Promising results from the Plants for Joints trial show that a whole food plant-based diet, alongside proper lifestyle changes, can significantly reduce disease activity markers, comparable to modern drug treatments. The conversation also covers the metabolic mechanisms behind diet and arthritis, along with historical studies that laid the groundwork for current research.

00:00 Introduction to the Plants for Joints Trial
00:41 Personal Testimony: Life Before and After the Trial
01:16 Challenges and Commitment to a Plant-Based Diet
01:56 Remarkable Improvements and Quality of Life
02:43 Recommendations for Others with Rheumatoid Arthritis
03:21 Interview with Dr. Dirkjan Van Schaardenburg
06:25 Understanding Metabolic Factors and Inflammation
10:04 Historical Studies on Diet and Arthritis
13:29 Details of the Plants for Joints Trial
18:25 Results and Impact of the Trial
26:40 Compliance and Lifestyle Changes
29:52 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Support the show

A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

In this episode, the weight loss series delves into the connections between obesity and chronic pain, and the benefits of weight loss on reducing chronic pain. The episode discusses a detailed analysis of a study conducted in New Zealand that revealed the effectiveness of a whole food plant-based diet in achieving significant weight loss and improving health outcomes such as cholesterol levels, waist circumference, and medication usage emphasizing the diet's comparative advantages and its practical application in reducing pain associated with conditions like obesity and fibromyalgia.

00:00 Introduction to Weight Loss and Chronic Pain
00:57 Exploring Diets for Weight Loss
02:09 Whole Food Plant-Based Diet Study
02:54 Study Methodology and Participant Criteria
04:59 Dietary Intervention Details
08:15 Study Results and Analysis
14:44 Comparing Weight Loss Interventions
19:40 Whole Food Plant-Based Diet and Fibromyalgia
22:29 Fibromyalgia Study Results
26:35 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Support the show

A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.