Dr. Nirat Nibber
Naturopathic Doctor, Medical Advisor and Brand Educator with Advanced Orthomolecular Research (AOR)
Arthritic conditions cause pain, mobility problems, and diminished quality of life. Targeted natural approaches to bone and joint health can help.
Bone and joint health are essential for living an active life. However, one in five Canadians suffers from arthritic conditions, while one in eight suffers from a musculoskeletal problem, and over 1.4 million are affected by osteoporosis.
Risk factors for developing arthritic conditions
| Your diet | Injury or trauma |
| Being overweight | Wear and tear |
| Lifestyle choices | Aging |
Hormones are another factor that can influence arthritic conditions, especially for women experiencing menopause. The estrogen hormone – known to help protect bones and joints – typically declines during this time, making women more prone to developing osteopenia and osteoporosis conditions.
Taking proactive steps to fortify our bones and joints early on helps to prevent these problems as we age. “It’s much harder to correct the situation once we’ve already seen deterioration, so lifestyle choices we make when we’re younger will be much more impactful later on,” says Dr. Nirat Nibber, Naturopathic Doctor, Medical Advisor and Brand Educator with Advanced Orthomolecular Research (AOR). AOR is a natural health supplements manufacturer based in Calgary, Alberta.
Lifestyle choices can include weight-bearing exercises and a diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins D and K2. Supplementation is another lifestyle choice. “Supplementation may not be necessary for everyone, but they can benefit people who can’t get these essential nutrients from their food, such as people on restricted diets or people with malabsorption problems,” says Dr. Nibber.
What to look for when choosing a supplement
When choosing a supplement, the first thing to consider is your age. “An older person with an existing bone or joint condition may need a more therapeutic approach with higher doses and higher bioavailability, whereas a younger person may wish to use something simpler as a preventative strategy,” says Dr. Nibber.
The second consideration is the patient’s specific bone or joint issue. “You want an individualized approach that’s targeted to your problem, with the right form, dose, and ingredients,” the doctor adds.
Finally, know what you are getting. “I always recommend using brand name companies that have a lot of transparency, because it’s really important to be aware of any potential allergens, especially with formulas that have so many different ingredients”, says Dr. Nibber.
How supplements can play a role in healing joint injury
Injury is a common cause of joint pain. When injury occurs, the body’s immediate response system kicks into high gear to reduce damage by increasing swelling, redness, and fluid build-up. However, if this inflammation becomes chronic or persists over time, it can block long-term healing.
Supplements can play a role in recovery. “Healing often occurs in stages, so lots of natural anti-inflammatories and natural analgesics for pain relief would be the first stage,” says Dr. Nibber.
“After that, it’s about rebuilding the materials in the joints space, through things like hyaluronic acid, collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin to help recover the tissues and bring them back stronger than before,” the doctor adds.
Across its broad array of natural health products and therapies, AOR seeks to transform scientific research into evidence-based solutions, while also working to promote greater industry transparency. “We really want to elevate the whole industry and empower people to make good health decisions with trustworthy information,” says Dr. Nibber.
To this end, AOR actively participates in research and collaboration with universities and research institutions. “We want to make sure that traditional and well-revered therapies like Ayurvedic or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) get the appreciation they deserve, but we also recognize this needs to be validated within the scientific community,” the doctor notes.
