On the Causes or Cures Podcast:

On a recent episode of Causes or Cures, I sit down with Dr. Carlijn Wagenaar to unpack the Plants for Joints (PFJ) research—real studies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) that tested a plant-centered lifestyle. Not just eating plants for joint pain, but meals + movement + sleep + stress tools + weekly support. We get specific about what changed: disease activity, inflammatory markers, pain, and function.

🎧 Listen to the episode here!

What was actually studied (plain English)

Who enrolled & how long: Adults with RA or OA entered a structured PFJ program for a defined period (think weeks to a few months).
How it was evaluated:

RA: standardized disease activity scores + inflammation markers in blood.

OA: validated pain and function scales (can you move, climb stairs, do daily life).

The point wasn’t a perfect diet—it was a doable routine tested like a clinical intervention.

What “plant-centered” meant in real life

Meals: more plants, more often—fiber-rich mains, whole grains, legumes, colorful produce, healthy fats.

Movement minimums: achievable walking + simple strength.

Sleep nudges: regular wind-down, light/caffeine timing.

Stress tools: brief, repeatable practices (breath work, micro-breaks).

Weekly support: check-ins and troubleshooting so people didn’t white-knuckle it alone.

This was skills over willpower—not a handout that says “good luck.”

What changed (the primary outcomes)

RA: clinical disease activity moved in the right direction, and inflammatory markers improved. Some participants reported changes within weeks.

OA: improvements in pain and function—the stuff you feel getting out of a chair or walking the dog—plus helpful shifts in related metabolic measures for some.

Dr. Wagenaar gets into the biology and theories as to why following a plant-centered lifestyle helps with both RA and OA on the podcast. She also talks about where they are talking “plants for joints” next!

Who is Dr. Wagenaar?

Dr. Carlijn Wagenaar is a physician-researcher in the Netherlands and part of the team behind Plants for Joints. Explore their newly launched Plants for Health site for program details and resources.

If someone you know is struggling with RA, OA or joint pain, definitely share this with them.

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Other recent Causes or Cures Podcasts or gems from the blog:

What if a blood test could find cancer YEARS before first symptoms?

The Parasite that Eats You Alive. Screwworm in the News!