Collagen: why take supplements?

First of all, collagen is a dietary supplement that has gained its popularity largely by becoming known for joint recovery..⁵

What are the needs of joint health?

Have you ever observed what a cat or dog does after lying down for a long time? The first thing when he gets up, he stretches. Stretching is also essential for us. Taking the time to stretch strengthens muscles and improves the condition of connective tissues (which also promotes the circulation of vital fluids).

Practicing stretching helps us become aware of our body and better perceive our strong points, our weak points, as well as our areas of tension. Because, in everyday life, our occupations distract us from feeling our vital needs. It is therefore important to take the time to stretch.¹

Finding time to stretch

Each muscle has a different stretching range. When stretching, identify the contracted areas and take the time to work them well, taking care not to cause pain. All you need to do is dedicate 10 minutes a day and several days a week to see the positive effects..¹

The benefits of stretching

• Maintains flexibility and mobility of the body, making it more toned
• Lengthens and strengthens muscles while improving posture
• Relieves and prevents many common back and neck pains
• Prevents injuries, pain and tension after exercise, and warms up the muscles
• Improves joint mobility and realigns joints, ensuring their proper functioning
• Improves skin tone, texture and suppleness
• Reduces physical tensions linked to work and allows you to relax¹

In short, stretching can have a rejuvenating effect on the elasticity of muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and skin in addition to improving the circulation of synovial fluid in the joint cavities and blood circulation..^{1, 2}

Collagen destruction factors

Another important fact about joint health is the chronic inflammation that accompanies degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (inflammation that leads to oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals that are destructive to connective tissues and collagen).

Thus, inflammation, pain and deterioration of the joints set in little by little and can become chronic. These diseases, called “autoimmune diseases”, trigger the immune system without the presence of foreign substances and attack its own tissues, including collagen..^{2, 5, 6}

It is important to reduce pain and soothe chronic inflammation through diet by reducing consumption:

• sugar
• red meat
• hydrogenated oils
• dairy products
• foods containing gluten
• foods from the nightshade family (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc.)

Research has proven that a diet rich in omega-3 or wild fish such as salmon or omega-3 from plant sources such as flax or hemp oil can reduce inflammation.

Antioxidant-rich foods such as turmeric, ginger, rosemary, hops, and fresh fruits and vegetables of all colors, preferably organic, are phytonutrients that protect against free radicals and help reduce collagen and tissue damage caused by chronic inflammation..^{3, 5}

Bone broth: a source of collagen

Bone broth has been around for a long time. This famous grandmother's remedy, which is simmered for several hours in a soup to extract the gelatin, is a form of hydrolyzed collagen. This preparation was formerly used during convalescence in order to strengthen itself and regain its vitality.

Bone broth is rich in nutrients, minerals (including calcium) and collagen (including amino acids). Bone broth is part of the Paleo diet or intermittent diet for its anti-inflammatory qualities.^{4, 5}

Production of collagen decreases with age

Collagen molecules are a large family of proteins that are essential constituents of supporting tissues.

Collagen is responsible for the elasticity, strength and regeneration of all tissues and plays a vital role as the body ages since its production decreases.

Whether we are talking about tendons, cartilage, bones, skin, mucous membranes, all are made up of collagen. The importance of these collagen molecules in a supplement is to provide a source of amino acids (hydroxyproline and glycine), which are used as building materials to synthesize collagen. Collagen peptides will induce cellular attraction mechanisms and participate in the repair and regeneration of all joint tissues, whether in the skin, nails, hair, etc.

The benefits of collagen

Collagen may aid injury recovery and improve physical performance. It can also improve bone density and reduce its breakdown. It is also beneficial in helping to heal the lining of the intestine.

Collagen also plays a role in cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness, which is a higher risk factor in the elderly.

It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.^{2, 5, 6, 8}

The good news is that it is possible to reverse a collagen loss condition by consuming it.

Genuine Health Collagen Supplements

Genuine Health offers two sources of collagen. These are available products prepared with pure hydrolyzed bovine collagen from cattle and certified USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) which means: grass-fed and pasture-raised, GMO-free, hormone-free and antibiotic-free. There is also the pure hydrolyzed marine collagen, from cold-water wild fish, caught in the North Atlantic, and GMO-free.^{5, 8}

• Products that are easy to absorb: collagen Genuine Health comes in powder form and each scoop is 10g
• Pure hydrolyzed bovine collagen: unflavored.
• Pure hydrolyzed marine collagen from wild fish: unflavored or flavored with lemon and lime.⁸

Believing in an absolute is illusory! Putting it in context makes it more real! 

About the author

Marie Couture, Qualified Naturopath

Specialized in:

• Digestive disorders
•  Inflammation
• Hormonal problems
• Stress management

 References

1. Lysycia Jacqueline, Super stretch, Broquet, 2008, 126 pages

2. Strand Ray D. M.D. What your doctor doesn't know about nutritional medicine could be fatal to you, From the Hidden Treasure, 2002, 274 pages

3. https://www.selection.ca/cuisine/nutrition/40-aliments-riches-en-antioxydants/

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbaLJjJ5QYE bone broth

5. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1822147/supplement-collagene-marin-peau-bienfait

6. https://laboiteagrains.com/blogs/trucs-et-conseils/quel-collagene-choisir

7. https://wholeearthsea.com/fr-ca/product/beets-me-melange-energisant/

8. https://genuinehealth.ca/blogs/genuine-hub/pourquoi-avons-nous-fabrique-collagene-pur