Collagen helps to keep tissues and bones together. It’s essential for the health of our joints and muscles and makes our skin look youthful. As we age, our collagen levels go down, so it can be helpful to top them up. Here’s what collagen can do for you...
- Improves hair, skin, teeth and nails Wrinkles, looser skin, stretch marks and cellulite can all be the result of less collagen. When you eat more of it, your skin will look firmer and smoother.
- Helps with joint pain
Collagen functions like oil in a car engine — it helps ligaments, tendons and joints glide smoothly. Less collagen can mean swollen, stiff and painful joints.
- Speeds up your metabolism and increases muscle mass
The amino acid glycine found in collagen helps convert glucose into energy and increase lean muscle. Having more lean muscle means the body burns more calories, helping with weight loss.
- Supports your liver and detox systems
Glycine helps protect your liver from toxins and helps repair any liver damage.
- Protects your heart and cardiovascular health
Proline, another component of collagen, may help repair arteries and clear fat deposits from them. It’s also been shown to reduce blood pressure.
- Helps repair a leaky gut
If you have a leaky gut — where toxins pass through your porous bowel lining into your bloodstream — it can wreak havoc. Collagen can help repair and rebuild your gut lining.
How should you supplement collagen?
Add it to your diet by eating foods high in protein, such as beef, chicken, fish and bone broth. Alternatively, you can take a collagen supplement as a powder or capsule.
The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can result in a loss of muscle tone and a weakening of the bladder muscles. As a result, you may experience leaks. You can alleviate or even eliminate bladder weakness with Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles. Meanwhile, absorbent products for bladder weakness draw away moisture and neutralise odour.