Collagen: An Essential Protein for Health and Vitality
You’ve probably heard the word “collagen” used in ads for skincare products. But collagen’s importance goes far beyond your skin and how you look to encompass your health overall.
Keep reading to learn more about what collagen does within your body.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. In fact, it makes up about 1/3 of your body’s total protein composition.
Your body contains large amounts of collagen because this particular type of protein is the primary structural component for skin, bone, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and internal organs.
Collagen fibers are unique because they provide tensile strength and elasticity. This means they can maintain structural integrity while simultaneously supporting functionality.
Here are the specific ways in which collagen fibers support the various systems within your body:
- Skin
Collagen is essential for supporting the healthy appearance and vitality of your skin. It promotes elasticity, hydration, and firmness, which helps to combat wrinkles, lines, and sagging.Collagen is also essential for wound healing and tissue repair.
- Bones and Muscles
Your bones, joints, and muscles are all held together by collagen.Collagen also enhances joint flexibility, lubrication, and shock absorption, which helps to prevent injury.
- Cardiovascular System
Collagen strengthens the walls of your blood vessels, which is important for a healthy vascular system and healthy circulation.
What Happens to Collagen as You Age
Simply put, your body’s ability to produce collagen diminishes with age…which has a negative impact on everything described above.
How to Maintain Healthy Collagen Levels
Minimizing collagen loss goes a long way toward preserving vitality, promoting tissue repair, and protecting your body from injury.
Here are some common-sense steps you can take to protect your body’s collagen:
- Maintain a Collogen-Healthy Diet
Bone Broth is full of collagen, as well as minerals and amino acids that contribute to skin and joint health.
Wild-Caught Fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are packed full of collagen boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
Berries and Citrus Fruits contain vitamin C, which is important for collagen synthesis.
Leafy Greens, such as spinach and kale, contain antioxidants and vitamins that support collagen production.
- Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements provide a convenient and efficient means to boost your collagen intake.
Look for high-quality collagen supplements that are sourced from grass-fed cattle, wild-caught fish, or pasture-raised chickens.
- Hydration
Staying hydrated is critical for maintaining your collagen’s moisture and elasticity. Most experts recommend at least 8 glasses of water each day. - Lifestyle Habits
Regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep help to promote optimal collagen synthesis.
How Is Your Collagen Health?
Collagen is a cornerstone to vitality, resilience, and longevity because your body would lack structural integrity without it.
The steps listed above can help to nurture your body’s collagen from the inside-out, fostering radiant skin, agile joints, strong bones, and more.
At Renew Youth we can help you to improve your collagen health with supplement recommendations, lifestyle coaching, and hormone therapy. Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your free consultation.
We’re here to help.
Schedule a free confidential consultation.
Free Consultation
