Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body and is present in everything from muscles and bones to blood vessels and the digestive system. In simple terms, collagen is the glue that holds the whole body together, making it no surprise then that increasing your collagen levels will bring a number of health benefits to your body.
Connective Tissue and Joints
As the body ages, collagen production levels begin to slow down, which is why the joints in the body often feel stiff and swollen. Collagen has a gel-like structure that coats the bones, which then allows the body to move freely without any pain or restrictions. Studies have shown that increasing the amount of collagen within your body can bring back agility to the joints, tendons, and ligaments while reducing any arthritic-like symptoms.
Reduces Wrinkles and Boosts the Skin
Collagen is key when it comes to firm and tight skin, and, as collagen levels drop, skin becomes looser, and wrinkles and fine lines begin to appear. In addition to reducing wrinkles, collagen has also been proven to have a number of other skin-boosting effects, from enhancing moisture, smoothness, and elasticity to protecting it from both UVA and UVB damage.
Promotes Hair Growth
Your hair needs three things in order for it to properly grow and thrive, and these are keratin, minerals, and collagen. Collagen also contains a number of the amino acids needed to produce keratin, making it doubly important. One of these amino acids is lysine, which has been proven to be able to reduce 5-alpha reductase, a huge contribution to male pattern baldness.
Prevents Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which toxins are able to pass through the digestive tract due to damaged cell walls. Collagen is able to really help with this, as it heals these walls by infusing them with amino acids while breaking down proteins and soothing the lining of the gut. It is believed that a number of different illnesses can actually be traced back to an unhealthy gut, which is just one reason why collagen is so important. In addition to healing the gut, collagen also helps the intestines to better absorb water, which keeps everything moving through the body at a much more consistent rate.
Reduces Anxiety
Collagen contains an amino acid called glycine, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning that it is a chemical in the brain that stops it from feeling stressed. Anti-anxiety medications target these same neurotransmitters, but collagen is able to do this completely naturally, calming the brain down and balancing emotions.
While collagen is produced naturally by the body, these supplies begin to dwindle with age, which is why elderly people often experience many of the issues that are related to a lack of collagen. To ensure that your body is producing an optimal amount of collagen, make sure that you are caring for it in the best way possible, and consider taking a collagen supplement if you are worried.
