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23. Osteoarthritis Unlocked: Lifestyle Hacks to Beat Pain and Avoid Surgery

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Release Date: 12/27/2024

42. Are Red Dye, High Fructose Corn Syrup, and Fancy Tests Health Distractions? show art 42. Are Red Dye, High Fructose Corn Syrup, and Fancy Tests Health Distractions?

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode of Walk Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD unpacks the common health “distractions” that steal attention, money, and energy from what really matters for your well-being. From the sugar wars (high fructose corn syrup vs. cane sugar), to food dyes, celebrity health fads, and fancy but questionable medical tests, we explore how to separate hype from evidence. Key Takeaways: High fructose corn syrup and cane sugar are equally harmful—what matters is cutting refined sugars overall. Food dyes aren’t the main problem—we shouldn't be eating the ultra-processed...

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41. Your letters: Listeners Avoiding Surgery show art 41. Your letters: Listeners Avoiding Surgery

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode, Miles Hassell, MD answers heartfelt listener letters about gallbladder disease and knee pain—sharing real-life stories of patients who successfully avoided major surgeries through lifestyle medicine. From tackling gallstones with diet and exercise to managing osteoarthritis without knee replacement, Dr. Hassell highlights how small, consistent changes—like removing sugar, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, incorporating probiotic foods, and staying active—can dramatically improve health outcomes. Key Takeaways: Gallbladder health: Slow weight loss, high-fiber foods...

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40. The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods and Your Child’s Health show art 40. The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods and Your Child’s Health

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD, an internal medicine physician from Portland, Oregon, dives deep into one of the most important responsibilities of parenthood—feeding your kids well. He tackles the real-life challenges families face in a world dominated by ultra-processed foods, marketing traps, and busy schedules. Learn how simple, home-cooked meals can drastically improve your child’s mental and physical health, prevent chronic diseases, and build lifelong habits. From breakfast hacks to family cooking tips, this episode is a practical and inspiring guide for every parent. Key...

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39. The Truth About Vegetable Oils show art 39. The Truth About Vegetable Oils

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down the often misunderstood world of cooking oils. From olive oil to avocado oil, he explains which fats support long-term health—and which ones belong in the trash. Key Takeaways: Extra virgin olive oil is the only widely available oil with strong evidence supporting real health benefits. Avocado, canola, and other industrial oils are ultra-processed, taste terrible without the help of BigFood processing techniques, and lack nutritional value.  Avocados are good food though...thinly sliced, they top any meal or snack nicely. Don’t be...

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38. Constipation: Fix It Naturally – No Pills, Just Real Solutions show art 38. Constipation: Fix It Naturally – No Pills, Just Real Solutions

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Are you or someone you know struggling with constipation? In this episode, Dr. Miles Hassell MD of GreatMed.org explores the real impact of constipation on health and quality of life—and how to fix it without relying on Big Pharma. What You’ll Learn: The health risks and causes of chronic constipation  Lifestyle-based solutions that are safer and more effective than over-the-counter meds The role of fiber, fluids, probiotics, and movement in restoring colon health Practical tips: foods to eat, supplements to consider, and travel-friendly strategies Why addressing constipation is a...

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37. Make Your Own Ozempic show art 37. Make Your Own Ozempic

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Is there a better, safer, FREE alternative to Ozempic (and other GLP-1 drugs)? In this episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD reacts to the growing buzz and shares a time-tested, evidence-based 3-step plan that outperforms popular weight loss drugs in the long run. As GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro surge in popularity, Dr. Hassell offers critical insight into their risks—like muscle loss, pancreatic complications, and long-term unknowns—while proposing a practical, natural alternative for lasting weight loss and better metabolic health. Key...

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36. Cancer Treatment: Include Exercise to Improve Survival show art 36. Cancer Treatment: Include Exercise to Improve Survival

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

What if a free, side-effect-free therapy could significantly improve your cancer survival— and even help prevent recurrence? In this episode, we explore the powerful, research-backed role of exercise in cancer prevention and treatment, centered around the recent CHALLENGE trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Here is the link to that study: Dr. Hassell shares groundbreaking findings showing that moderate, consistent exercise significantly reduces cancer recurrence and mortality — particularly in colon cancer survivors — when added to conventional treatments. More...

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35. Fight Cancer with Every Meal: The Power of Home Cooking show art 35. Fight Cancer with Every Meal: The Power of Home Cooking

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In Episode 35, we sit down with Miles Hassell, MD—internal medicine physician, author, and advocate for lifestyle-based health interventions—to explore the transformative power of cooking at home. Drawing from both clinical experience and personal practice, Dr. Hassell shares evidence-based insights into how preparing your own meals can support cancer survivorship, improve long-term health outcomes, and reduce the burden of chronic disease. Summary: Dr. Hassell emphasizes the crucial role that home-cooked, whole-food meals play in cancer prevention and recovery. He unpacks the science...

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34. The Power of Muscle: Strength Training for Real Life Health (Part 2) show art 34. The Power of Muscle: Strength Training for Real Life Health (Part 2)

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Ep 34 – The Power of Muscle: Strength Training for Real Life Health Part 2 In this powerful follow-up episode of Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, Dr. Miles Hassell and Jennifer Smith of Starting Strength Beaverton dig deeper into the mindset behind fitness—and how strength training can be a surprising antidote to loneliness, mental fatigue, and life’s hardest decisions. Key Takeaways: “Everything we do, we do twice—first in our mind, then in action.” Jen explores how mental preparation is just as vital as physical strength. Decision fatigue is real—but strength training helps...

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33. The Power of Muscle: Strength Training for Real Life Health (Part 1) show art 33. The Power of Muscle: Strength Training for Real Life Health (Part 1)

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Some experts insist we should ditch the dumbbells and pick up a barbell. Are they right? Welcome to Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of strength training—not just for fitness, but for long-term health and independence.  Whether it be dumbbells, barbells, a toddler, or heavy backpack, add any kind of weight-bearing exercise every day for muscle mass benefits. Our guest, Jennifer Smith, owner of Starting Strength Beaverton, shares her personal journey into barbell training and how it became her calling to...

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More Episodes

Welcome to Walk, Don’t Run to the Doctor, an evidence-based podcast with Miles Hassell MD. In this episode, we tackle osteoarthritis and how lifestyle choices can help prevent or alleviate its effects. Dr. Hassell provides practical advice on reducing pain, improving mobility, and possibly avoiding joint replacement through exercise, weight management, and a Mediterranean-style diet. Whether you're dealing with arthritis or looking to maintain healthy joints for the future, this episode is packed with actionable tips to empower your health journey.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Movement is Medicine: Regular, varied exercises like water walking, tai chi, and resistance training can reduce stiffness, improve function, and lower surgery risks.
  2. Weight Loss Matters: Shedding even a few pounds significantly reduces joint stress and pain.
  3. Diet is Key: Avoid refined carbs, prioritize fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, and consider natural sources of calcium and probiotics.
  4. Supplements for Joint Health: A three-month trial of glucosamine sulfate, MSM, gelatin/collagen, and niacinamide may provide relief for some.
  5. Long-term Benefits: Lifestyle changes can reverse type 2 diabetes, normalize blood pressure, and even reduce cancer risks, underscoring the power of daily habits.
References:
Katz et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association. 2021 Feb 9;325(6):568–78
Gay, C et al. Educating patients about the benefits of physical activity and exercise for their hip and knee osteoarthritis. Systematic literature review. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 2016. 59(3):174-183
OA prevention. Osteoarthritis Action Alliance. 2021
Jonas WB et al. The effect of niacinamide on osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Inflamm Res 1996. Jul;45(7): p. 330-4
Zaharia OP et al. Reduced muscle strength Is associated with insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients with osteoarthritis, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2021. 106 (4), 1062–1073
Jonas WB et al. The effect of niacinamide on osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Inflamm Res 1996. Jul;45(7):330-4
Phytomedicine 10(1):3-7, 2003, cited in IM News 1 Nov 2003:19
Pavelka et al. Efficacy and safety of piascledine 300 versus chondroitin sulfate in a 6 months treatment plus 2 months observation in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Clinical rheumatology. 2010 29(6):659–670
Vasquez A. Reducing pain and inflammation naturally -- part 3: Improving overall health while safely and effectively treating musculoskeletal pain. Nutritional Perspectives: Journal of the Council on Nutrition. 2005 Apr; 28(2):34–44
 
See more about the patient story Dr. Hassell shared:
 
In his practice, Dr. Hassell recommends his patients use this osteoarthritis cocktail (daily) as a 3 month trial:
Glucosamine 1500mg daily
MSM 3000 mg daily
Gelatin 1 sachet daily
Niacinamide 1000mg daily
 
So what do I do?
Ten tips from the pages of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th edition
Consider daily exercise a prescription.  Take 30 minutes or more daily to decrease your waistline, reduce heart disease risk, and improve mood and libido.  Add small doses to your routine like 10 jumping jacks every time you brush your teeth (pp. 27 & 72-73).
Eat a wide variety of vegetables (p.37)
Eat whole, intact grains (pp. 39-40, 66, & 99)
Eat whole fruit (pp. 11, 36-37, & 96)
Cook with extra-virgin olive oil (p. 41)
Eat oil-rich fish, 2-7 servings per week (pp. 11 & 41-43)
Eat raw nuts, seeds, beans, & lentils (pp. 11, 38, 41-42, 103 & 105)
Have some cultured dairy (full fat plain yogurt, kefir, etc) daily (pp. 47-49 & 118)
Eat modest amounts of unprocessed meat, poultry & eggs (pp. 11, 41-42 & 44-45)
Enjoy wine (< 5 ounces daily) (pp. 11 & 58)
Minimize or avoid: Sitting (get out of your chair and move your body every hour or so), sugars, sweet drinks, white flour, and processed foods (p. 20).