Collagen Benefits

When it comes to health supplements, there’s an almost overwhelming array of choices available. With so much, sometimes contradictory, information out there, which of those many options are actually worthy of your consideration? One supplement we do recommend is collagen. This post will explain what it is, its benefits, and how you can easily add it to your daily routine. 

What is Collagen?

First things first, what is collagen? The simplest and probably best answer lies with the word’s etymology. Drawn from the Greek word kolla (“glue”), collagen is the structural protein found in the hair, nails, skin, and connective tissue. Put simply, think of it as the body’s glue that holds everything together. It’s the most abundant protein in the body, making up about 25-35% of the whole-body protein content.

Benefits 

So what do we need collagen for? The list of things that benefit is quite extensive:

• Hair, skin, and nails 
• Tendons, ligaments, and joints
• Digestive health
• Bone density and strength 
• Muscle mass and fat loss
• Circulatory health
• Liver health 

From around the age of 25-30, our body ceases to produce collagen so it becomes increasingly important to replenish those dwindling natural reserves. So how do we do this?

It’s actually very simple. To increase collagen in the body, we need to consume it through collagen-rich foods or supplementation. There are unfortunately just a handful of effective dietary sources:

• Bone broth
• Organ meats
• Meat on the bone
• Eggs

Diet is the optimal way to consume collagen but it’s fair to say the above choices aren’t exactly everyday items and are not of much use to vegetarians. Many online articles will contain lists of foods that aid collagen production rather than actually contain it. So while eating ample leafy greens and foods rich in vitamin C is undoubtedly helpful for your overall health, they won’t increase your body’s supply of collagen alone. For most people, supplementation is the most practical everyday option available.

Powdered Variety

Powdered supplementation is the most popular choice thanks to its versatility. We recommend Multi Collagen Protein Powder from CBSupplements.

The quickest and easiest option is a scoop mixed with water but since heat doesn’t affect the levels, it can just as easily be mixed in with your morning coffee or in with your oatmeal. With unflavored and flavored options, your best bet is to find the easiest and most enjoyable option. As for how much, that will depend on several factors but as a general rule of thumb, one scoop per 50lbs of bodyweight will meet your needs.

As part of our complete and long-term approach to health and wellness at Genesis, we can help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of health supplements and offer advice specifically tailored to your needs. Contact us here for a consultation with our chiropractor. Or give us a call at 215-343-3223.