Is the "Lotion" in Your Knees Corrosive?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide (more prevalent in older adults). It happens when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that allows nearly frictionless joint motion. Eventually, if the cartilage wears out completely, bone will rub on bone.

But OA is not just "wear and tear." It is chronic, systemic inflammation accelerated by the backlog of a high dietary acid load (the amount of acid-producing substances in the diet) - primarily from ultra-processed foods and too much incompatible protein. Foods that are high in protein, phosphorus, and low in potassium, calcium, and magnesium tend to have a higher dietary acid load.

This corrosive internal environment degrades your cartilage, no matter how much you exercise. OA most commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine.

We know we need weight control, motion, and strength to avoid knee, hip, or other less common joint replacement. But if you want to be Young At Any Age, you must address the backlog inside your body.

The Ultimate Goal:

• Reduce Mechanical Load (The common advice). Foods high in dietary acid load include animal products (fresh red meat); seafood products (cod, sardines, mussels, salmon); dairy products (cheese, milk, butter); poultry products (chicken, turkey, eggs); as well as processed foods high in sodium and certain refined grains like wheat. Carbonated drinks like soda also have a high acid load. In contrast, fruits, vegetables, and legumes generally have a lower or even negative (alkalinizing) acid load.

• Clear the Backlog (The science of feeling younger, longer). This involves a combination of psychological and biological factors that are partly attributed to the link between feeling younger and attitudes that encourage healthier behaviors for extending healthspan.

Your joints are proof: What's the point of living longer without better health? My upcoming book, Young at Any Age: How to Feel Younger, Longer, is about clearing this backlog to reclaim your energy and movement. Stay tuned!