Collagen

Your skin connective tissue contains special cells called fibroblasts that create collagen. They can make collagen as long as they have plenty if glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Your body cannot produce these amino acids on its own so it depends on your diet for its supply. As we age the body makes less collagen and our structural integrity decreases, resulting in wrinkles and joint weakness. Many cream and powdered products that incorporate collagen advertise that they can revitalize skin by increasing collagen levels in the body. However, regular collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin. Any benefits that these products produce are most likely due to their moisturizing effect, but they do not directly increase collagen production. Aside from aging, some things that speed up the depletion of collegian are a high sugar diet, smoking, some autoimmune disorders, and genetic changes. A great way to get those amino acids, and my personal favorite, is through hydrolyzed collagen, which has been broken down into smaller fragments so it is more bioavailable. I add Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) to my morning coffee, it is tasteless and quickly dissolves. Proline can be found in eggs, meat, cheese, and cabbage. Vitamin C supports collagen formation and you can get plenty by eating oranges, strawberries, peppers, and broccoli.

It is important to take care of our collagen because it helps us is so many ways:

> It forms a flexible network, connecting tissue and providing strength and flexibility. It acts as a sort of platform that holds everything together so other cells can rebuild. This helps to increase resilience to injury and pain.

> It fights off bacteria, which helps to keep wounds sterile.

> It can incorporate with surrounding tissue, helping to close a wound.

> Your gut bacteria breaks collagen down into short chain fatty acids that seal the cell lining of your intestinal wall in order to prevent gut issues.

> Thanks to its high glycine content, collagen has sleep-promoting qualities. Collagen can help people with sleep trouble nod off more quickly and have less daylight sleepiness the following day.

> It is also beneficial to memory function, which is another indicator of improved rest.

> Collagen is the main protein that your body uses to heal, from acne to a torn Achilles' tendon.

> By percentage, here is a look at the role that collagen plays in our body.

SKIN - 75%

TENDONS - 85%

TENDINOUS MUSCLES - 6%

BONES - 90%

JOINT CARTILAGE - 70%

LIGAMENTS - 70%