Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It accounts for about 30% of the body’s total protein. Collagen is the primary building block of the body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, and other connective tissues. It’s also found in the organs, blood vessels, and intestinal lining.
What Does Collagen Do?
Collagen’s main role is to provide structure, strength, and support throughout the body. Its specific roles include:
a) Helping fibroblasts to form in the dermis (middle skin layer), which helps new cells grow.
b) Playing a role in replacing dead skin cells.
c) Providing a protective covering for organs.
d) Giving structure, strength, and elasticity to the skin.
e) Helping the blood to clot.
What Degrades Collagen?
As one ages, collagen levels decrease. Certain lifestyle habits can promote the degradation of collagen in the body and they include:
a) Smoking decreases collagen production. It damages collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and slow wound healing.
b) Consumption of refined carbs which attach to proteins to form advanced glycation end products. These molecules damage nearby proteins and cause collagen to become weak, dry, and brittle.
c) Exposure to ultraviolet light reduces collagen production and caused collagen to break down more rapidly. Ultraviolet sunlight causes wrinkles.
Health Benefits of Collagen
a) Skincare: Wrinkles loosen the skin, and stretch marks are the result of low collagen. Collagen consumption, however, can help improve overall skin care resulting in firmer and smoother skin.
b) Joint protection: Collagen functions much like the oil in a car engine; it helps ligaments, tendons, and joints to glide smoothly. Less collagen can result in swollen, stiff, and painful joints.
c) Leaky gut protection: A leaky gut can allow toxins to pass from the digestive tract into the rest of one’s body. Collagen can help seal the intestines and heal the leaky gut. Collagen helps in the case of inflammatory bowel disease ameliorating digestion issues.
d) Liver health: Glycine helps protect your liver from toxins and can help repair any liver damage.
Best Types Of Collagen
There are 28 different types of collagen found in the human body, but there are five common types that come in different forms and from varied sources.
a) Fish Collagen. This is a type of collagen protein derived from fish, specifically fish skin, scales, and bones. Fish collagen is bio-available as it comes from such an abundant marine source. Supplementing with fish collagen has been shown to greatly benefit the skin and promote good overall health.
b) Egg Shell membrane. Eggshell membrane collagen is in the membranes of hen eggs. Although eggshell membranes appear thin and delicate, they are surprisingly strong and resilient and contain type I, V, and X collagen.
How Much Collagen Should I Take?
A 2.5 – 15-gram daily dose of collagen appears to be safe and effective. The amount one should take, however, depends on the particular supplement and why you are taking it.
Self-Care Tips:
As discussed our bodies produces less collagen as we age and continue to decline by about 1% every year after age 45. Keep in mind however, that other things tend to deplete our natural collagen to include pollution, smoking, and sun damage. These may all lead to increased wrinkle formation and sagging skin.
There is always the option of getting fish collagen pill or liquid forms. People add fish collagen to foods or to their normal beverage. Many add collagen powder or liquid to their morning, coffee, smoothies, or teas.
Try to avoid collagen that contains “natural flavors, soy fillers, and dairy preservative. Lastly, try to increase concentrations of copper, magnesium, and vitamin C, as well as foods like blueberries and blackberries as we get older. These tend to give additional support to joints, skin and hair as we age.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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