If you’re reading this post, you likely hold a high value to your health and are looking for ways to improve it without reaching for medication when it isn’t necessary. Looking into supplementation is the next natural succession and we always seem to hear the same buzz words come up; Omega’s, Vitamin B, Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin C to name a few. However when it comes to improving our bone, tendon and general cellular health we often overlook the importance of collagen. Feel free to contact our Calgary AB chiropractic clinic today to learn more.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein made of tightly wound amino acids (primarily glycine, proline and hydroxyproline). This configuration gives it a rigidity that is helpful in the composition of things such as ligaments, tendons, bones and our skin. Collagen makes up 30% of the protein in our body and is naturally occurring (meaning our body can produce it) but our body’s ability to maintain this production really begins to slow down in our mid 20's and early 30's.

Taking in account the excellent benefits it does indeed provide for our skin, collagen in the recent years has been heavily marketed as a beauty supplement but sadly the benefits it provides to our musculoskeletal system is largely over looked.

So what Else Can It Do For Us In Calgary AB?

Considering it’s tough structure, collagen helps provide a sturdy composition to our musculoskeletal system namely our bones, joints (cartilage), ligaments and tendons. Research has shown in some cases supplementing with collagen promotes bone density which might be helpful in the management of conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia. The cartilage that lines the joints in our body also benefits from the production of collagen as it helps provides a resilient elastic quality. The better intact the cartilage stays typically diminishes joint pain and aches. People who su er chronically from joint pain such as those with osteoarthritis may be good candidates for collagen supplementation for this reason. Taking into account these same qualities, collagen can also help in ligamentous and tendon repair after strains and sprains.

So How Do We Improve Collagen Supply?

It is important to remember that collagen is made naturally in our body so it is not an essential micronutrient that we must consume through our diet. Ways that we can naturally improve or sustain our body’s production include wearing sunscreen, ensuring you get adequate sleep, manage stress (cortisol) levels, exercise regularly, limit alcohol consumption as well as limit exposure to smoke. Maintaining a well balanced diet can also help. Foods such as gelatin and bone broth have sometimes been shown to help improve collagen levels in the body. Another alternative is supplementing with a collagen powder which is often hydrolyzed (or already broken down) which makes it easier for our body to digest the proteins. Mixing a collagen powder in with your favorite drink daily is an easy way to ensure you are contributing to that supply.

In Conclusion...

More high quality research is needed to know how e ective supplementing with collagen truly is. Collagen plays a crucial role in the composition of our musculoskeletal system. We do know that collagen is important for certain body functions and can be supported with simple lifestyle factors or through supplementation. It is likely that you may notice improved skin quality and it is possible you notice less aches and pains, quicker recovery from sprains and strains and perhaps a healthier skeletal system.

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27852613/
• https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/collagen/
• https://www.all-about-you-med-spa.com/about/blog/2019/09/collagen-banking-what-is-it-andwhy-start-in20s/#:~:text=Production%20starts%20to%20dwindle%20in,drying%20and%20loss%20of%20en ergy
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen#what-it-is-and-uses https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19627772/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7230273/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6715121/