Perhaps you have been wondering if all the hype around collagen supplements holds any weight. Let me start with my own personal experience. About eight years ago, I was struggling with post exercise soreness and discomfort. The aching and cramping would last all day long. Heating pads and hot baths were my friends, however, sometimes these workarounds were not convenient. 

So, I decided to give collagen a try. All I can say is WOW! I noticed immediate benefits. My post workout soreness disappeared as well as my joint pain. I was sold. I have been taking collagen supplements since this time, and I have been able to maintain these benefits to present. 

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of one’s total protein content. It is a structural protein that provides strength, elasticity, and support to various tissues, including skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Collagen fibers are made up of amino acids, primarily glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. 

Think of collagen as the glue that holds your brick house together. The bricks are your cells and although they are strong, they will not hold your house together without glue (collagen) to bind them. In other words, collagen binds and supports the structure of your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In bones, collagen is like glue mixed into the concrete of your bones, making them stronger and more flexible. 

Unfortunately, as we age collagen starts to break down which can result in joint aches, slow healing wounds, and skin that sags and looks dull. So, collagen supplements are like giving your body the extra glue (amino acids) so it can patch things up and hold your “house together” better, helping it remain resilient. 

Common Types of Collagen:

• Type 1-It is found in skin, bones, tendons and ligaments, and it helps with skin elasticity, bone strength, and wound healing.
• Type 2-This type is in your cartilage and eyes and helps with joint health and cushioning. 
• Type 3-You will find this type in your skin, blood vessels, and organs where it promotes skin firmness and vascular integrity.
• Type 4-This is in the deeper layers of your skin, so it primarily supports this organ plus has a positive effect on kidney filtration. 

Do I have to take collagen in supplement form?

No, you do not have to take supplements to increase body wide collagen levels, however, supplementing will help your intake be more consistent. 

So, collagen itself is found only in animal products, but certain foods can support the body’s collagen production. 

Here is the rundown:

1. Direct Collagen Sources: Bone broth, chicken skin, pork skin, gelatin, organ meats, fish skin, and fish scales.
2. Collagen boosting nutrients: Vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers, broccoli), zinc (pumpkin seeds, shellfish, beef), copper (nuts, seeds, organ meats), proline and glycine amino acids (egg whites, dairy, chicken). 

If I supplement with collagen, what do I need to know?

• There is no universal best time to take collagen, and it depends on your goals. 
• Some suggest collagen is better on an empty stomach to help with collagen synthesis, and you can take it with Vitamin C to enhance collagen production. 
• I take mine before bed because collagen and whole-body repair happens when we sleep. 
• Taking collagen 30-60 minutes before a workout can help support joint and tendon health. 
• I had overnight results, but everyone is different. Be consistent and give it a few months trial.
• I take Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein as it has ten diverse types of collagens, and it includes Vitamin C and probiotics.

So, whether you are concerned about joint health and pain reduction, bone health, muscle recovery, gut health, skin health, or overall longevity, I urge you to try it. 

You can find the one I love, Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein on my website store: https://ellensyversen.com/store

If you want to make your own collagen rich bone both, read my blog post below:

https://ellensyversen.com/bone-broth-is-the-bomb

Give collagen a shot and let me know what you think.