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Combine Exercise With Nutritional Supplements to Relieve Your Inflammation

You’ve heard it a million times: Exercise can help you manage Gaucher disease symptoms. But what you may not realize is that combining physical activity with targeted nutritional supplements can significantly enhance muscle health and reduce inflammation.

Exercise and nutritional supplements work together to create a powerful approach toward improving muscle health and reducing painful inflammation for people with Gaucher disease. “The combination of these strategies provides remarkable benefits,” says Dr. Robin Ely, MD, Clinical Director of the National Gaucher Foundation.

The Perennial Problem of Inflammation in Gaucher Disease

Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism, but chronic inflammation poses a major challenge for individuals with Gaucher disease. It typically contributes to joint pain, fatigue, and systemic complications.

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) addresses glucocerebrosidase deficiency and helps control inflammation. But for many people with Gaucher disease, joint pain persists even after ERT.

Emerging strategies focus on improving muscle function through targeted exercise and dietary supplementation to help reduce inflammation and enhance quality of life.

Muscle health and inflammation

Muscles play a vital role in managing inflammation by secreting anti-inflammatory molecules that act like hormones to counter systemic inflammation. Conversely, excess white fatty tissue makes inflammation worse. Building muscle mass can shift the body’s balance toward a healthier inflammatory response, supporting muscle, joint, and bone health.

Certain dietary supplements, such as Urolithin A, work in tandem with these strategies by improving mitochondrial function in cells. Improved mitochondrial efficiency reduces cellular stress and inflammation.

The Exercise Prescription: How to Reduce Inflammation

Exercise is a key factor in managing inflammation, but the type of exercise—and how consistently you do it—is what matters most. Dr. Ely recommends beginning with gentle stretching and then introducing strength exercises.

Stretching and flexibility

Stretching, including yoga and dynamic stretching, can help reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility and circulation. In our March 2025 blog post, Suzanne Krupskas, PT, shared several stretches appropriate for people with Gaucher disease.

Dr. Ely also recommends stretching techniques that target the fascia—the web of connective tissue that wraps around and supports muscles, bones, and organs. When it becomes tight or restricted—often because of chronic inflammation—it is called fascial tension. Fascial tension can limit mobility and cause persistent pain. Stretching that leads to fascial release can reduce symptoms.

What is fascial release?

Fascial release methods, such as Rolfing or structural integration, may ease by improving blood flow and reducing tension, Dr. Ely explains. “These techniques help ‘uncoil’ the fascia, improving circulation and flexibility while relieving pain. Better circulation delivers essential nutrients to muscle cells and the gut mucosa, improving nutrient absorption and cellular health.”

She recommends looking for certified Rolfing professionals experienced in addressing chronic inflammation or mobility challenges. Ideally, they should be knowledgeable about Gaucher disease and affiliated with organizations such as the Rolf Institute®.

Strength training

Strength training builds muscle. Muscles release anti-inflammatory substances called cytokines, and you don’t have to lift heavy weights to benefit.

Start with light resistance bands or bodyweight exercises such as squats or wall push-ups. You may need to modify some of the exercises you do. Consult your physical therapist or other health care providers for guidance.

Cardio in moderation

Cardiovascular exercise is, of course, good for the heart and provides an excellent warmup for stretching and strength. It doesn’t have to be intense. Short walks or swimming improve circulation without overtaxing joints.

Better circulation, better muscle health

Exercise improves circulation, ensuring oxygen and essential nutrients reach muscles. Inactive or weak muscles exacerbate chronic inflammation and can harm brain health. Active muscles, however, release molecules—such as myokines, which help counteract systemic inflammation, explains Dr. Ely. 

Supplements Optimize Muscle Function

Certain supplements work alongside exercise to support muscle and fascial health and reduce inflammation.

Based on her extensive research (see references below), Dr. Ely recommends the following:

  • Beta-Hydroxybutyrate: A ketone body that reduces muscle breakdown and supports energy production.
  • Creatine: Improves muscle strength and recovery during resistance training.
  • Fortetropin: Derived from fertilized egg yolks, Fortetropin supports muscle growth via bioactive compounds like myosin-binding proteins.
  • Urolithin A: Enhances mitochondrial function and may increase muscle mass. Exercise amplifies these effects.
  • Vitamin D3 + K2: Essential for bone and muscle health; combats deficiency linked to inflammation. Dr. Ely warns that the standard vitamin D reference range (20–40 ng/mL) may be too low. She recommends levels between 55–95 ng/mL based on emerging research.

Where to buy

Dr. Ely shared sites that sell some of her recommended supplements:

  • Amazon: Sundhedsliv Urolithin A supplement
  • BioTrust: Calcium B methyl hydroxy butyrate/creatine
  • Yolked: Fortetropin

Note: Research into certain supplements, including urolithin A and egg yolk extract, continues to evolve, and not every physician understands the ways supplements reduce inflammation. Always consult a medical practitioner who is knowledgeable about nutritional information. Dr. Ely is available to answer questions; email her at robin@gaucherdisease.org.

Strategically Combine Exercise With Dietary Supplements

Combining targeted exercise with evidence-based nutritional supplements is a powerful strategy for individuals with Gaucher disease to alleviate inflammation and enhance muscle health. As we discussed, exercise stimulates the release of anti-inflammatory myokines, and  supplements such as Urolithin A enhance mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation at the cellular level.

Improved circulation ensures efficient delivery of nutrients, which supports cellular repair and muscle health, maximizing the benefit of both exercise and nutritional supplements.

Where to Begin

Here are some tips for getting started on this combined approach:

  • Start slowly: Start with one or two key supplements (e.g., vitamin D3+ K2 + creatine) and track progress.
  • Consistency matters: Some daily movement is more beneficial than occasional intense workouts.
  • Stay motivated: Connect exercise to personal goals, such as playing with grandchildren, maintaining independence or reducing reliance on pain medications. Find an exercise partner or group if you struggle with motivation.

Small, consistent steps can lead to significant long-term benefits, including reduced inflammation, increased mobility, and reduced pain.

How the National Gaucher Foundation Can Help

If you or a loved one lives with Gaucher disease, the National Gaucher Foundation is here for your family. We offer resources to optimize your health with Gaucher disease and connect you with the support you need.

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