Collagen: why take supplements?

First of all, collagen is a dietary supplement that has gained popularity largely through its use in joint recovery..⁵

What are the requirements for joint health?

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

The practice of stretching helps us to become more aware of our body and to better perceive our strengths, weaknesses and areas of tension. In our daily lives, our occupations distract us from feeling our vital needs. So it's important to take the time to stretch..¹

Finding the time to stretch

Every muscle has a different stretching amplitude. As you stretch, find the areas that are contracted and take the time to work on them, taking care not to cause pain. All it takes is 10 minutes a day, several days a week, to see the positive effects..¹

The benefits of stretching

• Keeps the body supple and mobile, making it more toned
• Lengthens and strengthens muscles while improving posture
• Relieves and prevents many common back and neck complaints
• Prevents injury, pain and tension after exercise, and warms up muscles
• Improves joint mobility and realigns joints, ensuring they function properly
• Improves skin tone, texture and suppleness
• Reduces work-related physical tension and relaxes the body¹

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

Collagen-destroying 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 destroy connective tissue and collagen).

In this way, inflammation, pain and joint degradation gradually set in and can become chronic. These so-called "autoimmune diseases" trigger the immune system to attack its own tissues, including collagen, in the absence of foreign substances..^{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 Solanaceae family (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc.)

Research has shown that a diet rich in omega-3s or wild fish such as salmon, or plant-based omega-3s such as flax or hempseed 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 very long time. This famous grandmother's remedy, which was simmered for several hours in soup to extract the gelatin, is a form of hydrolyzed collagen. This preparation was once used during convalescence to fortify the body and restore 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}

Collagen production declines 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 declines.

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

The benefits of collagen

Collagen can contribute to injury recovery and improve physical performance. It can also improve bone density and reduce bone degradation. It is also beneficial in helping to heal the intestinal mucosa.

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

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.^{2, 5, 6, 8}

The good news is that it is possible to reverse a collagen-losing 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 USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) certified cattle, which means: grass-fed and pasture-raised, GMO-free, hormone-free and antibiotic-free. There's also pure hydrolyzed marine collagenfrom wild cold-water fish caught in the North Atlantic, and GMO-free..^{5, 8}

• Easy-to-absorb products Genuine Health collagen collagen comes in powder form and each scoop contains 10 g
• Different flavors: Pure hydrolyzed bovine collagen : unflavored or flavoured with pineapple and berries.
• Pure hydrolyzed marine collagen from wild fish: unflavored or lemon-lime flavoured.⁸

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

About the author

Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive disorders
•  Inflammation
• Hormonal problems
• Stress management

 References

1. Lysycia Jacqueline, Super stretchBroquet, 2008, 126 pages

2. Strand Ray D. M.D. What your doctor doesn't know about nutritional medicine could be fatal to you, 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