Collagen: The Body's Glue That Holds Everything Together

..... Is collagen part of your health and nutrition routine? If it isn't, it should be - here's why.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and although we do make our own collagen, as we age we begin to make less of it, actually by age 40 - we make 20% less of it!! Bah!!

Collagen is structural protein, mostly made up of amino acids, that that makes up the structure of our cells and tissues. It is found in our connective tissue, cartilage, skin, bone and joints, hair and nails. It provides structural support to tissues and plays important roles in cellular processes including tissue repair, immune response, cellular communication, and cellular migration - a process needed for tissue maintenance. With the decline in collagen production we begin to see wrinkles, sagging skin, joint dysfunction and loss of bone strength.

The medical profession use collagen and collagen based materials to treat burns, wounds and diabetic ulcers - see how important this stuff is??

Although aging is inevitable, along with collagen loss; there are also environmental and lifestyle factors that speeds up the process. Smoking cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure and a diet high in fat, sugar and that's ultra processed all interfere with collagen production in the body.

Another fun fact - there are 28... yes 28 known types of collagen. Type 1 collagen accounts for 90% of the collagen within the human body.

Best sources for ingesting collagen? Animal sources - period. If someone is selling you vegan collagen, it's a farce. Vegan supplements for collagen simply help the body boost it's own production using plant based proteins, but it is actually NOT adding additional collagen to your system. There are parts of animals that are more concentrated with collagen, such as the skin, ligaments and joints.

If you're anything like me, I prefer not to chew away at animal skin, and pig knuckles - so I opt for collagen supplements. My go to is collagen in a liquid form, as it's more bioavailable than powders. There are SO many brands out there on the market, and they are not all made the same!! I've tried a few different ones- powders I find difficult to digest, and in my personal experience is difficult to mix out.

Not to pin any particular brand, but when I find a brand I like - I stand by it. GLOW by Tranont is an amazing, liquid collagen - that has been hydrolzed (broken down) type 1 collagen - remember this one is 90% of the collagen in our bodies - it's easy to digest, and easily absorbed by the body. It contains other compounds including Biotin - a B vitamin needed for healthy nails and skin, Hyaluronic Acid - which moisturizes and smooths the skin, helps boost collagen levels in the body, L-Citrulline is a precursor to natural collagen - boosts nitric oxide in the body, helps increase circulation to where all the nutrients need to go. It contains a superfood antioxidant blend - which protects your body from environmental damage and oxidative stress at the cellular level, and of course additional Protien - especially as a woman over 40, it's so hard to get adequate amounts of protein in our diets and is essential for tissue repair, lean muscle mass, hormone balance (hello peri-menopause), and weight management. This stuff has a total of 21g of protein per serving. OMG right??

If you want for info on this great collagen product - go to www.tranont.com/svasthafitness

So let's talk about the benefits of this often forgotten protein our body needs.

The most popular use for collagen supplements is to support skin health. Taking hydrolyzed collagen improved skin hydration, elasticity and reduce appearance of wrinkles. Like mentioned before - collagen needs to be hydrolyzed for the body to use it. It's not something that will magically happen over night, but after about 8 weeks - I'm sure you'll start to see a difference.

Collagen has benefits for bone health. Hello - peri-menopausal women - are you listening? Every year over 40, we are losing bone mass and density, and puts us a risk for osteoporosis and osteopenia. Collagen has been shown in several different researches, that over a period of time - will increase bone density (Healthline, 2022). It is also good for tendons and cartilage. I am no doctor - and I advise you to speak with your doctor first - but from personal experience, collagen intake has improved my osteoarthritis in my knee, reduced pain and that "crunching", and increased my range of motion. I can say the same for my husband who for most of his 51 year old life has been a hockey goalie and umpire - collagen has eased the stiffness in his knees and hips, and has increased his range of motion.

Collagen, although NOT a weight loss supplement, does helps with weight management because of it's high protein content. It also leaves you more satiated, and combined with a healthy diet, and strength training, will assist in changing body composition.

Although there are not too many known adverse effects for taking collagen, I do recommend speaking with your doctor if you have underlying conditions, or if you are taking medications before taking it. Read the ingredients, and make sure there aren't extra fillers, sugars or other ingredients that could potentially interact with medications, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

And one more thing, help yourself to an extra serving of fruits or veggies. Collagen will aid in great skin health, but your diet is the most important factor for maintaining health - inside and out!!

xoxo

Amanda