Spring is approaching: let's take care of our joints

Updated on 2026-03-17

Summary: Spring is approaching: let's take care of our joints

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are two widespread joint disorders linked to inflammation, but they differ in the timing of pain onset: osteoarthritis mainly causes stiffness on waking or after inactivity, which improves with movement, while arthritis causes inflammatory pain present even at rest.

To reduce inflammation and protect joints, several habits are important: staying well hydrated to keep cartilage supple, consuming omega-3s (oily fish, flaxseed, chia, walnuts) to support mobility and reduce inflammation, and using anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, ideally combined with black pepper and a fatty substance for better absorption. It is also advisable to limit certain foods that can aggravate inflammation, such as alcohol, gluten, dairy products and sugars, while remaining physically active to preserve joint mobility.

Finally, some targeted joint supplements, such as OsteoMove by Natural Factors can help relieve osteoarthritis-related pain and support healthy cartilage.

1. Understanding arthritis and osteoarthritis

Arthritis and osteoarthritis are two common joint disorders linked to inflammation. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints, where pain can be present even at rest. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is associated with the wear and tear of cartilage, and manifests itself mainly as stiffness and pain after a period of inactivity, which tend to diminish with movement.

2. The importance of hydration

Good hydration is essential for healthy joints. Cartilage acts like a sponge and needs water to maintain its suppleness. If we don't drink enough, it can become stiffer, leading to pain. To make the water more appealing, add fruit, fresh herbs or ginger.

3. Anti-inflammatory food and nutrients

Certain nutrients help reduce inflammation and support joints. Omega-3s, found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, help reduce pain and improve mobility. Turmeric is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties thanks to curcumin, but to be properly absorbed, it should be consumed with black pepper and a fatty substance such as olive oil.

4. Lifestyle habits and supplements for joints

Reducing consumption of pro-inflammatory foods such as alcohol, gluten, dairy products and sugars can help reduce inflammation. Regular physical activity is also essential for maintaining joint mobility. Finally, certain targeted joint supplements, such as OsteoMove by Natural Factors can help relieve osteoarthritis-related pain and support healthy cartilage.

About the author

Lynn Goneau, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive health
• Hormonal health
• Stress and fatigue
• Memory and concentration
• Weight management

Frédéric Bisson, radio host at 104.7 FM

Host of the 104.7 FM radio station on the Cogeco network. Frédéric Bisson has hosted L'Outaouais Maintenant from 3 to 5 p.m. every weekday since February 27, 2023.

Transcription

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

This week with Lynn Goneau, we're going to talk about what ails you, and sometimes it's throbbing, it lasts, you don't know, you have attacks, it passes, it comes back - arthritis, osteoarthritis, pain, joint stiffness, ailments that also affect, it must be said, millions of Canadians. And now, with the end of winter approaching, we're spending more time outdoors, getting more active again. We're going to talk about the problems, but also about the natural supplements that exist to alleviate these ailments as much as possible and get back to enjoying raking and clearing the driveway. Hello Lynn Goneau.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Hello Fred.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

All these diseases I've named are inflammation-based.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Indeed, these are inflammatory diseases. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints, and osteoarthritis is the beginning of cartilage wear, but it evolves into chronic inflammation. The easiest way to distinguish osteoarthritis from arthritis is when the pain is felt. In osteoarthritis, stiffness and pain are felt mainly when waking up or after a long period of inactivity. But the pain generally diminishes with movement, whereas, conversely, in arthritis, the pain is of inflammatory origin and is present even at rest, without moving or when you move, it's always there.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

This inflammation interferes with the natural movement of the joint. And that's where you'll find the pain, the stiffness, the inflammation.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

And things to do that are super important. Hydration, it sounds trivial, but hydrate. It's basic because your cartilage is like a sponge without water. It dries out, then becomes rigid. That's when it hurts. And when you don't drink enough, you accumulate inflammatory waste products. That's when you can end up with a lot of pain.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

And I was told once at the hospital, sir, half the people who come here have a hydration problem. It makes the heart beat fast. It makes them hurt somewhere.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yeah, I get a lot of customers who tell me it's a bit flat there. Then I tell them to add fruit or vegetables or fresh herbs to your water. It gives it a nice taste. It makes you want to drink it. Here's a simple example. I'll take a two-liter pot because that's about the amount we like to consume per day. Then I'll add some cucumber. I'll put that in my jar, then I'll consume it during the day, then to have a little more punchy taste, which is also interesting for management. I can add either strawberries or raspberries, then I have to marry that with basil or mint, even ginger. It's delicious. It's really, really good.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

You have to prepare it. But more and more, there are waters with little natural flavors. I find it simpler.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Fred, yes, but it's so easy to put a slice of lemon in your water, isn't it?

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

I had a doctor who said you lack omega-3 too. That's why you have inflammatory pain.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Omega-3 is important. It's really effective in reducing joint pain and improving mobility. It's just a bonus that helps reduce inflammation of the arterial walls that cause heart disease. It's important to get it every day in your diet or as a supplement, because the more inflammation you have, the more omega-3 you need. There are dietary sources. So the best sources are oily fish, salmon, mackerel, sardines, which are really high sources. You can also get a little in flaxseeds, chia or unsalted, unroasted nuts. If you eat fish that day, don't take a supplement. But if you're not someone who eats fish every day, it's important to take a supplement.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Now you're talking about turmeric, I imagine.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, it's renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to a small molecule called curcumin. The problem is that turmeric is very poorly absorbed by the body. When consumed alone. For it to be effective, it must always be combined with black pepper, which improves absorption, and with a fatty substance such as olive oil.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

In the frying pan when we sauté our meat or vegetables, we make sure there's oil in the bottom, then we put the turmeric in there.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

You can do that, or simply put it in a cup of hot water. Turmeric with a little pepper, then you can add ginger, then you can eat it like that. There are several ways.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

It's important to try to eliminate inflammatory foods.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes Fred, the biggest triggers are alcohol. Gluten, dairy products, sugars, these are all the biggest triggers. Of course, abstaining from these will reduce your inflammation.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Moving too. It's important.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

It's very important. And as my mother, who just celebrated her 100th birthday, would say, move before it rusts, she tells me, she tells me, she does it herself.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Yes, well, what do you suggest for a supplement?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Okay, so I want to talk about the Natural Factors line. It's a very well-known Canadian company that offers a whole range of products targeted at joint health. Then my favorite, the product called OstéoMove extra fort. It's a joint care product.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Why is that?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Well, actually, it helps relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and helps protect against the deterioration of cartilage, which helps maintain and develop bones. Interestingly, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin. These are two ingredients often used for joint comfort, and they work very well.