You don’t have to look too far to find out that collagen has never been more popular in the healthcare industry. Instead of just being seen for its aesthetic purposes, the full power of this protein is finally being understood. The truth is, collagen is an important building block and is the most abundant protein found in our bodies.
We know collagen is primarily composed of essential amino acids that our bodies need for most essential functions. It is found in our bones, muscles, skin, tendons and digestive system and simply put, it is the glue that holds us together.
Because of its many health benefits, people are now asking what the best ways are to add collagen into their diets. Foods like bone broth and wild salmon are some of the best ways to naturally add collagen to your diet. Other foods like leafy greens, citrus, eggs, soy, tomatoes, bone broth, pumpkin seeds, avocados and garlic are also excellent sources.
Collagen can also be easily added to the diet as a powder supplement, most commonly referred to as collagen peptides. I recommend and use Deep Marine Collagen. This way I know that I am getting enough to make a difference in my health.
Increasing collagen can provide countless health benefits to your overall well being. Here are some of the many areas of health that collagen can improve and why I recommend making sure my patients add this to their daily health routines.
Healthy Skin
Healthier and younger looking skin is considered the number one benefit of collagen. Collagen production decreases as we age, which we notice as more wrinkles show up and our skin is looser with, perhaps, a dull look. Boosting collagen levels can:
- help increase smoothness of the skin
- help keep skin plumped and resilient
- help skin cells renew and repair as they should
- As we age and our skin becomes thinner, cellulite can no longer hide and is more easily seen. Since collagen can help with the skin’s elasticity, it also helps reduce cellulite.
Hair and Nail Strength
Collagen protein is the key to stronger hair and nails. Weak, brittle and even slow-growing hair results from the body not getting the collagen it needs. Some studies show that adding collagen into your diet can possibly reverse signs of hair loss.
A Healthy Gut and Better Digestion
Our diet today significantly lacks in collagen, because we usually eat only the muscle meat and stay away from the nutrient rich bones. This is why bone broth has become so popular in the grocery stores.
Healthy connective tissue lines our entire digestive tract. Since collagen plays a role in building and maintaining healthy connective tissue, it may be beneficial in healing the gut lining. If you suffer from digestive issues, adding collagen to your diet can help heal your gut by:
- breaking down proteins and soothing your gut lining
- healing damaged cell walls and infusing them with healing amino acids
- glutamine, an amino acid found in collagen, can help in healing leaky gut syndrome by preventing inflammation of the gut wall
- help with the absorption of water to keep things moving in the digestive tract and out of the body
Stronger Joints and Reduction in Joint Pain
Glycine, one of the amino acids found in collagen promotes the growth and function of joints, tendons, and ligaments. Since collagen levels start reducing with age, tendons and ligaments start moving less easily and our joints can even swell or feel stiff.
Increasing collagen in the diet, can help reduce joint pain and get those aching joints gliding and moving easily again. Collagen can even help reduce the risk of joint deterioration.
Metabolism Regulation
Collagen is a pure protein that is easy to add to your diet. It can help regulate the body’s metabolism, because it is a protein that is absorbed quickly in the digestive tract. Collagen can also help add lean muscle mass to your body, which burns more calories than fat. A crucial part of remaining healthy as you age is to retain muscle mass, as it helps support posture and healthy bones.
Helps with Workout and Recovery
Collagen can help strengthen and support your connective tissues and joints during and after your workout. The amino acids glycine and proline found in collagen help:
- fight inflammation
- repair tissue and help tissue stay strong and resilient
- reduce recovery time after exercise
- shorten healing time of sports-related injuries
Lower Stress and Better Sleep
Collagen contains high levels of the amino acid, glycine, which helps decrease stress and promotes better sleep. Many people find it helpful to take collagen just before bed to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Collagen also helps improve memory and reduces daytime drowsiness.
As more evidence continues to emerge about collagen, the more popular this protein will become. The medical community is only beginning to understand its potential and benefits. Over the next few years, doctors and researchers will be better able to unlock its potential to increase overall health and wellness.
