You have seen it on the shelf at Whole Foods, watched influencers blend it into their smoothies, and maybe even heard your acupuncturist rave about it. Collagen is being added to your favorite health foods and drinks, topical beauty products, and even blended into your iced coffee at your local coffee shops (S/O to Coffee Dose on 18th St. in Costa Mesa). Maybe it is time to give it a try.

The Benefits of Collagen

The benefits of taking a collagen supplement are extensive because collagen is found and used all over our bodies. Collagen production naturally declines by the age of 35, which can have all sorts of negative affects on the body. By the time you are 40, collagen begins to deplete faster than your body can reproduce it. By the time you are 60, over half of your body’s collagen is depleted.

Other factors that affect levels of collagen in our body outside the natural aging process include:

Smoking
Pollution
Genetics
Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin C, B3, Copper and Iron)

Studies Show Collagen is Good for Hair, Skin and Nails

Studies show that collagen strengthens and improves the appearance of your hair, skin, and nails. This vital protein has become famous for its ability to promote a youthful glow that we usually only see in women when they are brewing another human. This study published in 2014 in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology tested the affects of collagen peptides on skin elasticity in women ages 35-55. The women who took the collagen had measurable improvement in skin elasticity within 4 weeks of taking the supplement.

Collagen Supplement for Joint Pain

Collagen has also been proven to ease joint pain related to cartilage deterioration. As the joints age the cartilage that provides them support wear down. Collagen supports the elasticity of cartilage and other connective tissue in the body. It will help prevent and treat pain associated with degeneration and arthritis of the joints. This study published in 2015 in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture concluded that collagen peptides are potential therapeutic agents for the management of osteoarthritis and maintenance of joint health.

Collagen Peptides for Building Muscle Mass

People that consume collagen may also notice themselves climbing the leader board on their Peloton or earning more splat points in their Orange Theory class. Collagen is found in the muscle tissues of your body. When you supplement or eat foods rich in collagen it can have a positive impact on your ability to build muscle mass.

If You Drink, Collagen Supplementing Can Help Reduce Alcohol Liver Damage

Regular consumption of collagen peptides can improve overall liver health. Glycine is the main amino acid found in collagen. Glycine can synthesize the powerful antioxidant Glutathione. Glutathione is used in IV/hydration clinics and in pill form to aid in detoxification to protect cells and body tissues. Studies have found that glycine can help reduce alcohol induced liver damage.

Collagen and Bone Growth

The bones that form the structure of your body are another place where we find collagen. We can thank collagen for giving our bones the flexibility to do our back bends in yoga class. Hydrolyzed collagen works to stimulate bone-building cells called osteoblasts. Studies have shown that osteoporosis can be prevented and even reversed through supplementation of collagen.

Collagen Peptides Promote a Healthy Gut

One last place you can find collagen in your body is your gut. Collagen helps support and strengthen the protective lining of your digestive tract. People diagnosed with leaky gut syndrome or irritable bowel disease struggle with chronic bloating and fluctuations in bowel movements that can be improved by increasing collagen intake. The improvement in the lining of your digestive tract will decrease the particles that pass into the bloodstream causing chronic inflammation and weakening overall immune function.

Quick Look at the Health Benefits of Collagen:

1) Repairs leaky gut

2) Strengthens hair, skin, and nails

3) Prevents and treats joint pain

4) Weight management

5) Protects your heart

6) Supports bone repair

7) Improves liver function

Interested in learning more about supplements like collagen that can improve your health and wellbeing? Book online today. Part of your acupuncture treatment is discussing your overall health to get to the root of the issues that are holding you back from being your best self. If you have questions about whether a supplement might be good for you, don’t hesitate to ask!

What is Collagen Good For?