Collagen is often hailed as the superstar of joint health, glowing skin, better hair, and a fountain of youth. But it can also dramatically improve your gut health to improve your overall well-being. The world has been reaching for collagen supplements to make improvements on their outer improvement and joint health for years, but emerging research suggests that collagen may play a pivotal role in maintaining a strong and healthy gut. Here's a look at what collagen is doing in your gut's ecosystem and how to incorporate more of it in your regular routine.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and helps make up a significant portion of the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues.
It also helps provide the structural support you need, elasticity, and strength to various parts of the body. Many people don't realize there are at least 16 different types of collagen, but about 80% to 90% belongs to types I, II, III, and IV.
- Type I: Found in 90% of your body’s collagen and provides structure to your skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
- Type II: Found in elastic cartilage to provide joint support.
- Type III: Found in muscles, arteries and organs.
- Type IV: Found in the layers of your skin.
- Type V: Found in the cornea of your eyes, some skin layers, hair, and placenta tissue.
What's Going on With Your Gut's Ecosystem?
Your gut is often referred to as the "second brain" or gut microbiota and is a complex ecosystem composed of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more. Your gut also plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system function, and your overall health.
When your gut gets imbalanced, gastrointestinal distress, autoimmune diseases, obesity, and even mental health conditions soon follow. Maintaining a healthy gut is more than staying fit and optimizing your weight, it's also crucial for your overall well-being.
The Connection Between Collagen and Gut Health
Recent studies have shed light on the potential connection between collagen and gut health. Here's how collagen may benefit the gut:
Improved Gut Lining
Collagen contains glutamine, an amino acid known to support the integrity of the intestinal lining. A healthy gut lining is essential for preventing "leaky gut syndrome," where unwanted substances pass into the bloodstream and leads to inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, and other issues.
Gut Microbiota Support
Hydrolyzed forms of collagen called collagen peptides often has a prebiotic effect to trigger the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. When your gut microbiota is balanced, it leads to improved digestion, a stronger immunity, and inflammation reduction.n.
Reduced Inflammation
Some inflammation is good for our bodies, such as when you get a scrape. Inflammation swiftly steps in to help heal injuries and fight infections. However, gut inflammation can quickly lead to bloating, digestive problems, and overall health issues that can be improved by the help of collagen's anti-inflammatory properties.
Amino Acids for Gut Repair
Gut repair is difficult and cumbersome without the help of collagen. Its amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline help support tissue repair and regeneration in your gut lining.
Soothes IBS
IBS is a chronic digestive problem that can cause stomach cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Although it's considered a lifelong condition, the symptoms can improve with diet changes and the addition of collagen. The amino acids in collagen help heal your gut and restore digestive balance. Research shows that people with inflammatory bowel disease have less collagen in their intestinal lining.
How to Get More Collagen in Your Diet
You can get more collagen in your day from various sources, including bone broths, fish with skin, chicken, sardines, organ meats, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and peppers. But it can be difficult to get a high volume of collagen in your day to improve your gut without the right supplements. Our high-quality collagen supplement is easy to add into your daily routine. Try a scoop with cold water to help improve your gut biome.
Next Steps
Collagen is a necessary part of a healthy gut, but you need a good quality source to get there. Fortunately, high-quality supplements can help you on your journey. Ready to get even more collagen in your day to supercharge your health? Start shopping our supplements or comprehensive health programs to pick up organic greens, multivitamins, probiotics, and more.