Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A widely circulated Facebook post claims that Dr. Deepak Chopra warns against treating joint-related issues using standard medication therapy in an interview. After performing a fact check, we discovered that the video is false.
The Claim
In a widely circulated promotional Facebook video, Dr. Deepak Chopra in conversation with news anchor Chitra Tripathi recommends against using standard medication to treat joint issues, especially for middle-aged patients experiencing any kind of joint discomfort. The video emphasises that allopathic physicians only prescribe drugs to relieve symptoms; they do not address the underlying reason. In the end, the video offers a one-time, all-natural remedy for anyone with joint pain.
After extensive research, we discovered claims on social media about several misleading products, including a herbal oil for joint discomfort, an at-home teeth scaler, and a universal herbal soap. We thoroughly verified these claims to ensure accuracy.
Fact Check
Is it accurate to say that Dr. Deepak Chopra is against standard therapies for joint health?
No, absolutely not. A marketing piece for a natural joint pain reduction product feature uses the format of a fictitious conversation with well-known news presenter Chitra Tripathi and Dr. Deepak Chopra. We were able to identify the video as a deepfake since Dr. Deepak Chopra (MD, FACP), who is the world pioneer in Integrative Medicine and Personal Transformation, a Clinical Professor of Family medicine and Public health at the University of California, San Diego, and a Senior Scientist with the Gallup Organisation, was cautioning against the conventional management of joint-related problems and advocating a herbal solution for the condition. It should be noted that no such interview exists!
We also performed the Google Reverse Image search using the keyframe from the viral video. Our research led us to Dr. Deepak Chopra’s “A Proposal to World leaders for Global Peace and Prosperity – Part 1” video, which was posted on The Chopra Well on February 22, 2022.
Additional evidence pertaining to audio showed that their voices were fabricated. We observed that the two speakers’ lip movements in the video did not correspond with the background audio track. Consequently, the widely circulated video had undergone digital editing.
Another significant issue that questions the legitimacy of the post is the lack of clarity on the products being promoted. Additionally, none of the links in the post provided any information about the product. Any page about a medicinal product should ideally include details about the kind of formulation, the percentage of each component, how it is to be used or applied, any adverse effects or contraindications, and the licences granted by the relevant regulatory bodies.
What effect does ageing have on joint health? Is it possible for a product to reverse its detrimental impact on joint health?
Joint health is the state in which the joints are in full health and efficiency. The body’s ability to move and support itself depends heavily on its joints. While there are several factors that may negatively affect the joints, ageing is a significant one. As people age, changes may occur in their bone density and structure, muscle mass, cartilage, and synovial fluid. In addition to ageing, other contributing variables include heredity, poor posture, injuries, being overweight, living a sedentary lifestyle, and having a medical condition.
It is critical to acknowledge that age-related joint degeneration is complicated and that there is not a single product that can completely reverse the effects of ageing on joint health. This is because ageing is a physiological process that is beyond our control. While certain recommended supplements may provide temporary benefits, they are unlikely to completely reverse the negative effects of ageing on joint health. In an effort to preserve cartilage, recent studies are examining the potential of pharmacological interventions to regulate the ageing processes of cartilage-forming cells.
Please be aware that issues associated with joint health require a comprehensive approach. This incorporates several approaches, such as focused exercise regimens, healthy lifestyles, and medically advised therapies. It is imperative that you consult your physician before using any of the online products. Hence, such products should be approached with caution.
Are over-the-counter products the only options for treating joint-related conditions?
No, not at all. This is due to the fact that a multimodal approach is necessary to address joint-related conditions. The main emphasis here is on early identification, appropriate monitoring, treatment, and preventive actions.
Symptomatic alleviation is typically the first step in treatment once the underlying cause has been determined. In the more advanced phases of the illness, the doctors offer prescription medicines, surgical procedures, and physical therapy, as part of individualised treatment regimens.
It is impossible to effectively address any joint-related issue without adequate weight control. Proper weight management requires adhering to a regular exercise schedule and implementing a balanced diet. This is attributed to the fact that being a higher-weight person places an undue amount of strain on joints, aggravating pre-existing conditions and increasing the risk of acquiring new ones, like osteoarthritis. Regular exercise also strengthens the surrounding muscles of joints, making them more flexible and improving joint function. However, a low-impact fitness programme is recommended, and you should begin it only after consulting your doctor.
A vital part of managing joint-related issues in addition to medication and physical therapy is maintaining good posture. This could entail reducing joint strain while sitting or standing by utilising ergonomic gadgets or assistive technologies. Remember that it is crucial to have professionals oversee all of these implemented procedures.
When we asked Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Saransh Gupta if random products were beneficial for joint-related issues, he advised that bone mass peaks at thirty years old. People with lower bone mass are more likely to develop osteoporosis in their later years. Thankfully, a wide range of dietary and lifestyle choices, including calcium, proteins, zinc, magnesium, vitamin K2, and vitamin D, all contribute to the maintenance and growth of healthy bones. Sir further advises avoiding alcohol, consuming carbonated beverages, and maintaining a high-salt diet for optimal bone health.
Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, a sports and exercise medicine consultant and FIFA-AFC Medical Officer from Dharwad, Karnataka, also advises against taking over-the-counter products. He clarifies that although they might reduce discomfort for a short while, they don’t provide sustained relief for the underlying condition.
Thus, achieving overall joint health mobility for a higher standard of living is encouraged by adopting preventative measures in addition to receiving the appropriate medical attention.
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