Link between Vitamin C and Collagen

 

Before we get started, if you're new around here information shared is for educational purposes not intended as medical advice.  Always consult your trusted physician or find a functional medicine professional.

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Collagen supplements the billion dollar lie?


Read thru these finds and then decide for yourself.



What is collagen?


The most abundant protein in your body. It's in your tendons, ligaments, connective tissue... basically, it holds you together.


Our body synthesizes collagen continuously. Every year approximately 3 kg of our collagen undergoes degradation while another 3 kg is created. It is synthesized from 20 different amino acids into huge chains made up of 1,000 amino acids each.  More on amino acids later on.


There will come a time, however, when we run short of collagen. The process of its renewal can be disturbed due to disease, stress, UV rays, contact with synthetic chemical substances or other harmful factors; or when its synthesis starts to slow, which happens as we grow older. After the age of 25, we start to lose collagen from our bodies at a rate of 1.5% per year, so by the age of 45, up to 30% of our body’s collagen will have been lost.


Of course, most people focus on collagen because it provides skin firmness. 

Less collagen = saggy skin.

Intact:


In the modern era, cosmetic scientists all over the world use “collagen” – though it is usually obtained from cows (bovine) – and have been using it for many decades. However, does bovine-extracted collagen really resemble the bioactive triple helixed collagen (tropocollagen) which makes up the organs of living vertebrates.


In a figurative sense, bone glue, fried fish or gelatine are, and can be called, “collagen”, even though they are in fact a result of collagen degeneration. The difference between the above and biologically active collagen is that they are not “intact”.

While degenerated “collagen” may turn out to be helpful in some cosmetic applications; it can by no means compete with “intact” biologically active collagen and its role in the human body and skin.



Buyer Beware


Collagen Supplements Are Not FDA Approved.  This means they don't have to disclose what's inside.  


Collagen supplements are made from collagen found in the connective tissue of animals like cows, pigs, fish, and chickens.


Human studies are lacking but some randomized controlled trials have found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity.  Other trials have found that the supplements can improve joint mobility and decrease joint pain such as with osteoarthritis or in athletes.


It is suggested you go with the powder form for the potency advantage, fewer additives, and eco-friendly edge.


Warning:  When you have too much collagen, your skin can stretch, thicken, and harden. It also can cause damage to internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.


LOOK
:  Evidence of any benefits from liquid collagen is lacking.

Keep in mind that most collagen supplements are highly processed, our bodies are not designed to process them.  



What role does Vitamin C play?


Vitamin C stimulates your body's natural collagen production. 

If you don't have enough Vitamin C? 

Your body can't make collagen as effectively.


Why do you need Vitamin C?


Both Vitamin C and collagen levels in your body decline with age (starting in your 20s). Exposure to environmental toxins, sun damage, and poor diet (sugar) can also diminish levels of both.

If you are 35 or over then Vitamin C is vital to get thru perimenopause and beyond.  This classic vitamin helps sustain hormonal balance, can increase progesterone {which is diminishing}, assist with adrenaline levels, and maintain immune function.

Bonus tip: for perimenopause also get in more Vitamin D, B6, B12, Zinc, & Magnesium.

How to get Vitamin D; 10-20 minutes per day in the sunlight can help boost Vitamin D levels, take lunch outside, get in a walk amongst the trees, or sit out for that old fashion "smoke break" without the smoke.


How does Vitamin C supplementation help?


Taking Vitamin C has been proven to increase the synthesis of not just collagen, but also elastin (responsible for your skin's elasticity).

Bonus: Vitamin C also helps to protect the collagen you already have, by defending against free radicals that would otherwise try breaking down your collagen.

And then so many of these benefits we already knew about...







How to get more Vitamin C to increase collagen naturally?



*full article

Additional ways to increase collagen

Amino Acids

Amino acids play an important role in performing several biological and chemical functions in different parts of our body, including building and repairing the tissues, the formation and function of enzymes, food digestion, the transportation of molecules, etc.


Meat, legumes & beans, poultry (turkey), mushrooms, dairy (cottage cheese), and fish contain all nine essential amino acids.


Quinoa is one of the most nutritious grains available today.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, containing all of the essential amino acids. 

Good Sleep = Good Skin


The formula is exactly correct because good sleep is said to promote good skin. Beauty sleep which feels fancy is true because sleep is directly related to glowing skin and the creation of human growth hormone. Collagen actually increases its level in the body once you start getting good sleep at night. It is important to note that at least 7 hours of sleep is necessary for collagen production.


Lifting Weights


It may feel like how lifting weight is related to collagen production. But, a major truth that lies behind is that lifting heavy weights is said to increase collagen in the bones. There are different types of workouts that you should focus on for boosting collagen production. Squats, rows, bench press, and deadlifts are some workouts you should focus on for increasing collagen.

A quick way to get weights into your routine at home is with a kettlebell, check out this past blog post.  



Steam Bath Therapy


You cannot even imagine increasing collagen production by adopting this way. Studies have revealed that steam therapy which is usually known as the sauna has the ability to increase HGH and collagen production. The desiccated infrared sauna is ideal because the waves produced are infiltrated deep inside the body. The deeper they go the more collagen is produced.


Berries


Berries are such a good source of collagen these days that you really need to include them in the diet. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are berries that are loaded with antioxidants that fight radicals that create hurdles during collagen production. Consuming berries may prove to be one of the best decisions so far for boosting collagen.






Now that you are loaded with this information, it's your call.  

Collagen supplements the billion dollar lie?


If you found any tips in this article helpful, pass it along to friends or share on social, use #CocktailDiet or tag me!  





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