The speed read
Collagen can help health and well-being in many ways due to its unique formulation of amino acids.Collagen can maintain the gut microbiome and the lining of the gut wall, thereby helping with leaky gut, inflammation, other gut disorders and immunity.
Fibromyalgia is a musculo-skeletal pain condition often associated with having low levels of amino acids and, in particular, hydroxyproline, which is prevalent in collagen.
Bones contain collagen which absorb impact but, as we age, we can lose up to 50% of our bone strength as well as experience a reduction in cartilage. This can lead to an increase in bone fractures plus joint pain and discomfort. Collagen can help reduce these.
The unique amino acids in collagen provide our bodies with the building blocks they need to heal, repair, grow and rejuvenate following injuries or surgery.
Collagen can help support weight loss by improving muscle mass and helping you feel fuller after meals.
The protein peptides in collagen can support healthy hair, skin and nails.
Collagen contains an amino acid called glycine which is a neurotransmitter that can excite or calm our brains thereby promoting cognitive function or supporting sleep.
The glycine and arginine found in collagen can promote the production of creatine in the body which helps with energy production, muscle building, strength, performance and recovery before, during and after exercise.
Subject to medical supervision, collagen can help provide protein support during pregnancy as well as manage stretch marks, protect joint, support hair health and
skin elasticity.
The finer details
You’re here reading this because you have a specific illness, ailment or well-being goal, and you have heard that collagen may be able to help you.
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
On the basis that you know of collagen, we will assume that you are already aware of what collagen is, how prolific collagen is in our bodies, and just how crucial a role it plays in supporting our well-being due to its unique amino acid content.
So, given you have a great base of knowledge already, let’s find out what it is that YOU need collagen to help you with...
Single supplement, multiple benefits
Here are some of the more common reasons why our customers use Edible Health collagen:
Pain & inflammation
Gut health & the immune system
Examples:
- Crohn's Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Leaky Gut
- Food intolerance and sensitivities
There is growing evidence that our gut is central to maintaining our overall health and well-being. In fact, it is now regarded by many as our ‘second brain’.
Collagen plays a key role in digestive health by managing the optimum balance of our gut’s microbiome as well as ensuring the integrity of our gut lining. When our gut’s microbiome is imbalanced, or a condition such as leaky gut results in toxins, food particles, bad bacteria and other material seeping from our gut into places they just should not be, our immune system can be triggered. It identifies these threats and, in turn, initiates inflammation as a self-defence response.
This may lead to a whole host of issues ranging from relatively minor problems such as food intolerance, right through to major health conditions such as Crohn's disease, IBS, other autoimmune diseases and even bowel cancer, as our body ironically essentially fights itself to protect itself.
To find out more about our favourite protein and its benefits to overall health and well-being, visit this article on collagen and our immune system.
Fibromyalgia
The word “fibromyalgia” comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek words for muscle (myo) and pain (algia).
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain (often in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs and chest) accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Sufferers often describe it as like having the flu.
FM patients have been identified as having lower hydroxyproline and a lower total concentration of the major amino acids of collagen than non-sufferers. As such, they often experience muscle wasting.
Edible Health collagen contains large quantities of hydroxyproline and a total of 18 amino acids that are very pure and highly absorb-able. Customers like Hebe have seen their chronic fibromyalgia symptoms improve as a result of taking collagen hydrolysate.
Bones & joints
We lose up to 50% of our bone strength during ageing due to a reduction in our natural collagen production and because it’s the collagen in our bones that absorbs the energy from any impact on our bones, having adequate amounts of this in our bones can help decrease fracture risk.
Collagen supplements can help improve bone strength by stimulating the body to produce new bone cells and replace old one. In addition, collagen is found in cartilage, the rubbery layer surrounding the end of bones where they meet joints but as we age, this cartilage becomes thinner and the ‘cushioning’ is not as effective. Bones then end up rubbing alongside each other, causing discomfort. As a result, supplements that help provide support to grow and repair this cartilage may offer relief from such symptoms.
Discover Zuleika’s inspiring story - from a juvenile arthritis diagnosis at the age of 13 to becoming a sports model and fitness instructor in her 30s, and now feeling fantastic on collagen. Or read about how collagen helped Brooke’s Ironman injury knee recovery.
Recovery from surgery
We have some amazing testimonials from people like Mark and Beryl who are convinced that collagen has expedited their road to recovery after significant surgery. This is likely due to the vast array of amino acids within collagen that provide our bodies with the building blocks they need to heal, repair, grow and rejuvenate.
Looking Good & Feeling Great
Metabolism & weight management
When it comes to forming muscle, the amino acid glycine is a key player.
No surprises that our favourite protein collagen contains this amino acid in abundance and may therefore help to improve muscle mass. The more muscle we have, the more calories we burn when our body is resting. We call this our resting metabolic rate.
In addition, collagen protein helps you feel fuller for longer and stimulates the release of satiating hormones in the blood, so collagen might help your body feel more satisfied after a meal.
Beauty from within - hair, skin, & nails
As you already know, collagen comprises amino acids called protein peptides.
These incredible molecules stimulate our hair follicles, plump our skin and nourish our nail beds. They may give you stronger, healthier and faster-growing hair (as Emma has found with her luscious locks) as well as hydrate your skin and reduce wrinkles. Indeed, we have customers that take our collagen to help manage skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema. We all know that ‘we are what we eat’ so why not nourish your insides for a radiant glow on the outside?
Sleep, Stress & Mental Health
Cognitive function
We’ve already seen that collagen is a big player in maintaining gut health.
As it turns out, there is a distinct connection between our gut and our brain by way of major physical and biochemical connections. It seems all sorts of hormones, including our happy ones, form in the gut. So, from the perspective of positive cognitive function, this powerful protein continues to exert its influence.
But, there’s more!
Collagen contains the amino acid glycine, which provides a wealth of benefits to the body, particularly the brain health. It is a neurotransmitter (the process of transferring impulses from one nerve fibre to the other) that participates in a variety of motor and sensory functions and influences our ability to function, our moods, our appetite and much more.
Difficulty sleeping
Speaking of glycine and its neurotransmissions, it can send impulses to the brain that are either excitatory or inhibitory. In other words, it may serve to either stimulate the brain and nervous system and therefore pep us up, or quieten them and therefore relax us. Studies suggest that glycine might encourage sleep to come more easily, improve sleeping quality and reduce symptoms of insomnia.
Our customer Sophie needs no convincing - since she started taking our collagen, she's sleeping like a baby.
Stress
When we stress, our adrenal glands produce cortisol, a hormone that is then released into our system giving us that fight or flight sensation. Unfortunately, these higher levels of cortisol may negatively impact collagen levels, breaking it down and adversely impacting our skin’s elasticity.
Fitness & Performance
Sports & recovery
Taking our collagen peptide powder within 30 minutes pre and post-exercise may help enhance performance, burn fat, increase energy and improve endurance. It may also expedite recovery and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) as well as speed up healing from injuries and surgery because it contains glycine and arginine, which the body can use to produce another amino acid called creatine. Creatine helps with energy production during exercise and enhances muscle building, strength, performance and recovery.
Read all about Louise’s story, a champion athlete now in her 50s and training as hard as ever.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should consult their Doctor regarding any supplements in their diet.
Some of our customers take collagen to increase nutritional demands, aid their protein intake, manage stretch marks and assist in joint health.
Pregnant women can experience brittle hair and even hair loss, so collagen supplements may help restore hair back to health. The postpartum benefits of taking them may also assist with skin elasticity, helping to re-tighten the skin on the stomach.
Read about Amy and why she chose to take collagen during most of her pregnancy and after her dramatic section birth.
And all of the benefits can apply to our little furry friends too. Consider adding a sprinkle of collagen into your dog or cat’s food!
Shop Edible Health
If you’re interested in testing the water and trying some Edible Health protein peptide powders, shop our range of products here. Otherwise, we really hope this has helped inform your investigation into this incredible protein. And, if you have a health challenge or concern that you would like support with, or if you would like to tell your collagen story and spread the word to help others like you, then please feel free to drop us a line. Just say hello@ediblehealth.com.
Helping people is our passion so we’d love to hear from you!
The information we have provided herewith, and all linked materials, are not intended nor should they be construed as medical advice. Moreover, the information herewith should not be used as a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions and consult your General Practitioner for advice specific for you.
