Have you ever been curious on if there is a link between collagen and gut health? Well good news! Not only can collagen give you healthier hair, skin and nails…but it MAY also be a key element in strengthening and repairing your gut!
If there’s one thing we all want, it’s clear and glowing skin. But let’s face it, getting that perfect complexion isn’t always so easy. Especially if you’re dealing with gut health issues or an unhealthy diet. Symptoms of a compromised gut can show up physically for you in a myriad of ways. Skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc. are some of the many indicators of a compromised gut.
As it turns out, something as simple as adding collagen supplements to your daily regimen can go a long way in both maintaining your digestive system and the well-being needed for vibrant skin!
In this post, we’ll explore more about what collagen is, how collagen helps support good gut health, and ways to add more of it to your diet. Plus, we will give you a list of some of our FAVORITE collagen supplements!
So join us on this journey as we uncover the truth behind collagen and its role in achieving optimum wellness goals.
This post is all about Collagen and Gut Health.
What is Collagen?
In simple terms, collagen is a protein that is naturally found in our bodies, specifically in our skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. It accounts for about 30% of your body’s total proteins. It’s what gives our skin elasticity, strength, and structure.
However, as we age, our collagen production decreases, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. This is why collagen supplements and skincare have become so popular – they aim to replenish the body’s natural collagen levels.
Types of Collagen
There are over 28 types of collagen out there, and boy are they different! They vary in how they’re put together, what cells they’re made of, and where they’re located in the body.
The most important thing to know is what the main five types of collagen are and what they actually do.
- Type I is the most prevalent and provides structure to your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
- Type II can be found in elastic cartilage and helps to support your joints.
- Type III hangs out in your muscles, arteries, and organs.
- Type IV is mainly found in your skin layers.
- Type V is found in your eyes, skin, hair, and placenta tissue.
It’s crazy to think that something as simple as collagen can do so many different things in our body!
Benefits of Collagen and Gut Health
Your gut health is crucial to your overall well-being, and collagen can play a significant role in keeping it healthy.
The benefits of collagen to gut health are plentiful.
First, it can help with digestion and nutrient absorption, meaning that your body is getting the most out of the food you eat. Collagen also can aid in collagen synthesis, which is essential for the repair and maintenance of your gut lining. Plus, it can help heal leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), two conditions that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Finally, collagen boosts the amino acids needed for healthy gut function.
This makes it a smart choice for anyone looking to promote optimal gut health. By adding collagen to your diet, you can reap these benefits and more!
Collagen Foods
If you’re hoping to improve your skin, gut, or joint health, you may have heard about the benefits of eating collagen-rich foods. However, the truth is that there isn’t a ton of research out there to directly support this claim.
When we eat collagen, it gets broken down into amino acids in our stomach and is distributed throughout our bodies as protein. Despite this, many high-protein foods are believed to support collagen production, such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, and soy.
So while we can’t say for sure that eating collagen directly improves skin or joint health, incorporating these nutritious collagen-supporting foods into your diet can certainly be a healthy choice.
Collagen Supplements
Have you heard of the latest craze in the wellness world? It’s all about collagen supplements! People are now turning to collagen supplements to try and tap into the fountain of youth.
While it’s true that collagen is not naturally found on the surface of the skin, oral supplements in the form of pills, powders, and certain foods are believed to be more easily absorbed by the body. And, let me tell you, these products have taken off!
It’s no longer uncommon to see someone sipping on a collagen-infused beverage or sprinkling collagen powder on their morning oatmeal. It may sound crazy, but when it comes to collagen supplements, people swear by them!
But, like any supplement, there are a lot of options out there and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. Here at My So-Called Gut we have listed some of our top go-to collagen supplements.
1. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
If you’re looking for a supplement to help support your skin, joint, and overall body health, then Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is definitely one to consider.
Probably one of the most recognized collagen brand, Vital Proteins packs a punch with 20g of collagen peptides per serving, along with 100% daily value vitamin C and 80mg hyaluronic acid. The vitamin C helps your body naturally produce collagen, while the hyaluronic acid boosts your skin hydration and joint mobility. Plus, the collagen peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine and are quickly digested and absorbed by your body for maximum benefits.
2. Sports Research Collagen Peptides
Next on our list is another very solid option, Sports Research Collagen Peptides.
This supplement provides the protein and amino acids needed for healthy nails, but it doesn’t stop there. With 11 grams of low molecular weight type 3 and 1 hydrolyzed collagen peptides, including important amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, you’ll be giving yourself support from the inside out.
And with each serving containing 10 grams of protein, you’ll also be fueling your workouts. Plus, Sports Research holds their supplements to a high standard, so you can rest assured you’re getting the some of the best ingredients possible.
3. NeoCell Collagen
Have you ever heard of Neocell collagen? It’s a heck of a supplement! Not only is it Paleo and Keto certified, but it’s also gluten-free, wheat-free, and even grass-fed. How awesome is that?
What’s even more amazing is what this hydrolyzed collagen can do for your body. With 10,000 mg of Collagen Types 1 and 3 per serving, it provides healthy joint support and supports the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Basically, it’s a beauty supplement that makes you radiantly beautiful from the inside out.
However, it’s important to note that the packaging may vary. Exposure to heat or sunlight could cause melting or damage, so make sure you’re available during product delivery. But trust me, Neocell collagen is definitely worth it.
4. YouTheory Collagen
The Youththeory Collagen peptides with vitamin C help replenish this vital protein to revive your skin, hair, nails, tendons, and ligaments. And the best part? Their hydrolyzed formula is highly bioavailable, meaning it’s easily absorbed by your body.
5. LiveConscious Collagen Peptides
These powerful collagen peptides by LiveConscious can help you achieve a more youthful appearance. It does this by revitalizing your skin, strengthening your hair, and renewing your nails. Plus, when you look healthier, you instantly take years off your appearance.
But don’t worry about a strange taste. Live Conscious Collagen Peptides has a naturally-sourced formula that’s easy to add to your favorite smoothie. And with premium ingredients sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovines, you can trust that you’re getting some of the best collagen possible.
Tips for Maximizing Collagen Absorption
Did you know that the best way to absorb collagen is to let your body do the work? Yep, that’s right! Enzymes in your stomach break down the collagen you consume, utilizing the precious amino acids to address issues in your skin and body.
And it’s not like this is some small-time operation, either. Once that collagen is broken down, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream. From there it gets sent straight to the areas in your body that need it most. So if you’re dealing with achy joints or signs of aging, collagen will be right there to lend a helping hand.
Plus, if you’re really looking to boost your collagen levels, eating foods that contain collagen or encourage natural production, such as Vitamin C, is the way to go. So sit back, relax, and let your body do the collagen-absorbing work for you.
In summary, so much of our overall health and wellbeing is linked to the health of our gut. By providing our bodies with essential nutrients that usually are not found in traditional diets or in supplements, such as collagen, we can get an extra edge on achieving optimum wellness goals. Not only that, using collagen supplements helps to prevent and treat health issues related to a compromised gut.
Adding Collagen into your daily routine has never been easier and there are a variety of products you can choose from! We hope this blog post has given you insight into how collagen plays a role in gut health and why it is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
So go ahead and try some collagen today and let us know what you think!
