How Can Taking Collagen Help Your Joints And Reduce Pain And Inflammation?

Prior to the 1940’s, when processed foods became readily available to the greater populous – due to both an increase in production of manufactured foods and grocery market chains increasing the number of their locations – people consumed bone broths and/or stocks and ate the greater part of animal tissues.

As such, they consumed collagen on a regular, if not daily, basis. This is no longer the case.

With the advent of the processed foods craze and major grocery chains opening in cities and towns across North America, people’s eating habits changed, and collagen consumption was greatly reduced.

When America’s farmland was being cultivated by entire families, able-bodied men, women, and children needed strong bones, muscles, and joints in order to harvest the fields and tend to the animals from sunrise until sunset.

One of the ways that they attained strong bodies was through high amounts of collagen consumption.

Collagen is best-known in North America as a major ingredient in skin care creams and health serums, but consuming collagen for healing joints is just as important, albeit a little more unknown.

Collagen, commonly referred to as the body’s glue, is a natural substance that is the most common protein in the human body. It is called the “glue” because it provides the body’s structure and form. It is the majority of protein in our joints, bones, skin, teeth, arterial walls, and other organs which are vital to our health.

Collagen nourishes and actually stimulates the production of cartilage, connective tissue, and bone. Because of the changeover from abundant natural animal consumption to the overly processed foods of today, there is an increase in major arthritic issues with joint pains and inflammation in Western civilizations.

 

How Has This Come About In The Last 75 Years Or So?

Simply put: Because of the reduced amount of collagen in our diets.

Hydrolyzed Collagen (HC) is becoming popular as an easy alternative to making broths, which are time-consuming and can be difficult to acquire the whole of the animal parts needed for beneficial collagen intake.

A number of studies over the last few years have concluded that HC consumption at the rate of 10 gm/day is sufficient in improving one’s joint pains and inflammation within two to five months.

An extremely interesting small study of 30 people was performed at Tufts Medical Center in 2011, demonstrating very positive results in rebuilding knee cartilage over a period of 11 months. With a highly specialized MRI technique developed in Australia, they were able to track the HC on its path to the knee joints. MRI’s were taken on Day 1, at 24 weeks, and at 48 weeks. 15 people took a daily placebo and 15 people took 10gm (10,000mg) of HC daily for the duration of the study.

Among the 30 people participating, the group assigned to collagen hydrolysate had significant change to the proteoglycan content in knee cartilage after 24 weeks. Of the placebo group, the results were either neutral (no change at all) or a decrease in the proteoglycan content in knee cartilage after the same checkpoint.

Several studies conducted from 2005-2010 (Gómez-Guillén, López-Caballero, Alemán, López de Lacey, Giménez & Montero, 2010; Jung et al., 2005; Jung, Karawita, Heo, Lee, Kim & Jeon, 2006; Zhang, Kouguchi, Shimizu, Sato, Takahata & Morimatus, 2010; Hou et al., 2009; Moskowitz, 2000), have repeatedly concluded that collagen and gelatin-derived peptides have exhibited numerous other bioactivities aside from skin health which included immunomodulatory activity and beneficial effects on joints.

Fish skin collagen hydrolysates have been shown to affect lipid absorption and metabolism in rats (Saito, Kiyose, Higuchi, Uchida & Suzuki, 2009) while collagen from chicken bones was shown to reduce proinflammatory cytokine production in mice (Zhang et al., 2010).

Most of the studies were carried out using lab rodents, but human studies have also been carried out to the same conclusion, especially in relation to collagen hydrolysates improving joint conditions.

In 2009, another study was conducted in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in which 250 subjects with primary osteoarthritis of the knee were given 10 g hydrolyzed collagen every day for six months.

What researchers found was that there was a significant improvement in knee joint comfort as assessed by visual observation as well as the Womac pain subscale. Participants with the most joint deterioration – and with the least intake of animal protein in their regular diets benefited the most from the hydrolyzed collagen.

In a 2008 study by the Department of Nutrition and Sports Nutrition for Athletics at Penn State University that lasted 24 weeks, researchers studied the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in 147 athletes with activity-related joint pain. Student-athletes who competed on a varsity team or a club sport were recruited for the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. One of the base criteria was that none of the athletes had any joint disease and that the pain was a direct result of the sport or activity they participated in on a daily or at least regular basis.

After the 24-week trial, data from all 147 subject was collected and analyzed and what they found was the group that took the CH compared to the placebo group had statistically significant changes in six test fields, one assessed by a physician (joint pain at rest) and five reported by the study participants themselves (joint pain when walking, joint pain when standing, joint pain at rest, joint pain when carrying objects, and joint pain when lifting.

Results of the Penn State study have implications that taking collagen daily is beneficial for supporting joint health and possibly reducing the risk of joint deterioration.

All of these studies can be found detailed on the Collagen Complete Studies section, found HERE.

 

How Does Taking A Collagen Supplement Reduce Inflammation?

Inflammation causes an accelerated loss of collagen in our bodies, which ages us faster. Combined with a diet that avoids (as best as possible) foods that cause inflammation, taking a collagen supplement like Collagen Complete will reduce inflammation which can lead to a number of health issues like cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Collagen Complete has all nine essential amino acids, including glycine, which has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory response.

In addition to taking a daily collagen supplement, the following foods increase inflammation, thus should be avoided or at least, reduced:

•         Sugar
•         Common cooking oils
•         Trans fats
•         Dairy
•         Feed-lot raised meat
•         Alcohol
•         Refined grains
•         Artificial Food Additives

 

What Type Of Collagen Should I Look At For Joint Health?

There are 28 known types of collagen in the human body, but you’re more than likely familiar with the four most common types, which are grouped together as the fibrillar types of collagen.

The four common types of collagen that you have heard about the most are Types I-III and V, mainly because they are the types found in most skin and healthcare products. Fibrillar means “various threadlike fibers or filaments that are constituent parts of a cell or larger structure.”

Type I is the most abundant collagen of the human body and is present in is present in scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscle, the organic part of bone, the skin, the teeth, joints, and organ capsules. Types III and V are commonly found alongside Type I, with III being abundant in reticular fibers found in connective tissue and V found on cell surfaces and in hair.

But Type II is the collagen that you should be taking for joint health. This type is most frequently advertised in arthritic ads because Type II is found in cartilage. If you have had any kind of cartilage damage, your medical professional may have advised you to take a collagen supplement that is sourced from chicken protein because it is extremely effective for supporting cartilage in the body, therefore Type II collagen supplements are usually derived from fowl.

Conclusion

There are numerous anecdotal successes regarding the consumption of collagen for multiple purposes, but the arthritic ones bring people such relief from the pain and inflammation that in many ways they far outweigh the cosmetic results obtained for hair, skin, and nails.

Taking hydrolyzed collagen first thing in the morning mixed with water is a simple habit to incorporate into life’s everyday activities and health routine.

One Collagen Complete user wrote on Amazon:

“The joints in my hands don’t feel so stiff and my back is definitely feeling better too. Side benefits – collagen is great for your skin and hair!”

While competitor’s products claim to improve joint health or skin elasticity or restore damaged hair follicles, Collagen Complete has not only a greater amount of collagen in each dosage (10,000 mg compared to its closest competitor at 6,000 mg), but it also has Types I, II, and III, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, and an enzyme blend to not only help you look younger, but help your entire body feel better.

The post How Can Taking Collagen Help Your Joints And Reduce Pain And Inflammation? appeared first on Collagen Complete.

source http://collagencomplete.com/collagen-helps-joints/

How Can Taking Collagen Help Your Joints And Reduce Pain And Inflammation?

Prior to the 1940’s, when processed foods became readily available to the greater populous – due to both an increase in production of manufactured foods and grocery market chains increasing the number of their locations – people consumed bone broths and/or stocks and ate the greater part of animal tissues.

As such, they consumed collagen on a regular, if not daily, basis. This is no longer the case.

With the advent of the processed foods craze and major grocery chains opening in cities and towns across North America, people’s eating habits changed, and collagen consumption was greatly reduced.

When America’s farmland was being cultivated by entire families, able-bodied men, women, and children needed strong bones, muscles, and joints in order to harvest the fields and tend to the animals from sunrise until sunset.

One of the ways that they attained strong bodies was through high amounts of collagen consumption.

Collagen is best-known in North America as a major ingredient in skin care creams and health serums, but consuming collagen for healing joints is just as important, albeit a little more unknown.

Collagen, commonly referred to as the body’s glue, is a natural substance that is the most common protein in the human body. It is called the “glue” because it provides the body’s structure and form. It is the majority of protein in our joints, bones, skin, teeth, arterial walls, and other organs which are vital to our health.

Collagen nourishes and actually stimulates the production of cartilage, connective tissue, and bone. Because of the changeover from abundant natural animal consumption to the overly processed foods of today, there is an increase in major arthritic issues with joint pains and inflammation in Western civilizations.

 

How Has This Come About In The Last 75 Years Or So?

Simply put: Because of the reduced amount of collagen in our diets.

Hydrolyzed Collagen (HC) is becoming popular as an easy alternative to making broths, which are time-consuming and can be difficult to acquire the whole of the animal parts needed for beneficial collagen intake.

A number of studies over the last few years have concluded that HC consumption at the rate of 10 gm/day is sufficient in improving one’s joint pains and inflammation within two to five months.

An extremely interesting small study of 30 people was performed at Tufts Medical Center in 2011, demonstrating very positive results in rebuilding knee cartilage over a period of 11 months. With a highly specialized MRI technique developed in Australia, they were able to track the HC on its path to the knee joints. MRI’s were taken on Day 1, at 24 weeks, and at 48 weeks. 15 people took a daily placebo and 15 people took 10gm (10,000mg) of HC daily for the duration of the study.

Among the 30 people participating, the group assigned to collagen hydrolysate had significant change to the proteoglycan content in knee cartilage after 24 weeks. Of the placebo group, the results were either neutral (no change at all) or a decrease in the proteoglycan content in knee cartilage after the same checkpoint.

Several studies conducted from 2005-2010 (Gómez-Guillén, López-Caballero, Alemán, López de Lacey, Giménez & Montero, 2010; Jung et al., 2005; Jung, Karawita, Heo, Lee, Kim & Jeon, 2006; Zhang, Kouguchi, Shimizu, Sato, Takahata & Morimatus, 2010; Hou et al., 2009; Moskowitz, 2000), have repeatedly concluded that collagen and gelatin-derived peptides have exhibited numerous other bioactivities aside from skin health which included immunomodulatory activity and beneficial effects on joints.

Fish skin collagen hydrolysates have been shown to affect lipid absorption and metabolism in rats (Saito, Kiyose, Higuchi, Uchida & Suzuki, 2009) while collagen from chicken bones was shown to reduce proinflammatory cytokine production in mice (Zhang et al., 2010).

Most of the studies were carried out using lab rodents, but human studies have also been carried out to the same conclusion, especially in relation to collagen hydrolysates improving joint conditions.

In 2009, another study was conducted in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in which 250 subjects with primary osteoarthritis of the knee were given 10 g hydrolyzed collagen every day for six months.

What researchers found was that there was a significant improvement in knee joint comfort as assessed by visual observation as well as the Womac pain subscale. Participants with the most joint deterioration – and with the least intake of animal protein in their regular diets benefited the most from the hydrolyzed collagen.

In a 2008 study by the Department of Nutrition and Sports Nutrition for Athletics at Penn State University that lasted 24 weeks, researchers studied the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in 147 athletes with activity-related joint pain. Student-athletes who competed on a varsity team or a club sport were recruited for the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. One of the base criteria was that none of the athletes had any joint disease and that the pain was a direct result of the sport or activity they participated in on a daily or at least regular basis.

After the 24-week trial, data from all 147 subject was collected and analyzed and what they found was the group that took the CH compared to the placebo group had statistically significant changes in six test fields, one assessed by a physician (joint pain at rest) and five reported by the study participants themselves (joint pain when walking, joint pain when standing, joint pain at rest, joint pain when carrying objects, and joint pain when lifting.

Results of the Penn State study have implications that taking collagen daily is beneficial for supporting joint health and possibly reducing the risk of joint deterioration.

All of these studies can be found detailed on the Collagen Complete Studies section, found HERE.

 

How Does Taking A Collagen Supplement Reduce Inflammation?

Inflammation causes an accelerated loss of collagen in our bodies, which ages us faster. Combined with a diet that avoids (as best as possible) foods that cause inflammation, taking a collagen supplement like Collagen Complete will reduce inflammation which can lead to a number of health issues like cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Collagen Complete has all nine essential amino acids, including glycine, which has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory response.

In addition to taking a daily collagen supplement, the following foods increase inflammation, thus should be avoided or at least, reduced:

•         Sugar
•         Common cooking oils
•         Trans fats
•         Dairy
•         Feed-lot raised meat
•         Alcohol
•         Refined grains
•         Artificial Food Additives

 

What Type Of Collagen Should I Look At For Joint Health?

There are 28 known types of collagen in the human body, but you’re more than likely familiar with the four most common types, which are grouped together as the fibrillar types of collagen.

The four common types of collagen that you have heard about the most are Types I-III and V, mainly because they are the types found in most skin and healthcare products. Fibrillar means “various threadlike fibers or filaments that are constituent parts of a cell or larger structure.”

Type I is the most abundant collagen of the human body and is present in is present in scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscle, the organic part of bone, the skin, the teeth, joints, and organ capsules. Types III and V are commonly found alongside Type I, with III being abundant in reticular fibers found in connective tissue and V found on cell surfaces and in hair.

But Type II is the collagen that you should be taking for joint health. This type is most frequently advertised in arthritic ads because Type II is found in cartilage. If you have had any kind of cartilage damage, your medical professional may have advised you to take a collagen supplement that is sourced from chicken protein because it is extremely effective for supporting cartilage in the body, therefore Type II collagen supplements are usually derived from fowl.

Conclusion

There are numerous anecdotal successes regarding the consumption of collagen for multiple purposes, but the arthritic ones bring people such relief from the pain and inflammation that in many ways they far outweigh the cosmetic results obtained for hair, skin, and nails.

Taking hydrolyzed collagen first thing in the morning mixed with water is a simple habit to incorporate into life’s everyday activities and health routine.

One Collagen Complete user wrote on Amazon:

“The joints in my hands don’t feel so stiff and my back is definitely feeling better too. Side benefits – collagen is great for your skin and hair!”

While competitor’s products claim to improve joint health or skin elasticity or restore damaged hair follicles, Collagen Complete has not only a greater amount of collagen in each dosage (10,000 mg compared to its closest competitor at 6,000 mg), but it also has Types I, II, and III, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, and an enzyme blend to not only help you look younger, but help your entire body feel better.

The post How Can Taking Collagen Help Your Joints And Reduce Pain And Inflammation? appeared first on Collagen Complete.

source http://collagencomplete.com/collagen-helps-joints/

What Are The Main Reasons To Take Collagen Supplements For Skin?

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “collagen?” More likely than not, your answer was “skin care,” wasn’t it? If so, it’s completely understandable.

Over the last couple of decades, skin care companies and beauty serum entrepreneurs have all touted collagen as being in their product, thus using it will give you a magical fountain of youth.

They are partially correct; collagen is the glue that essentially holds our bodies together. The more collagen in our bodies, the more youthful our skin, hair, joints, and bones look and feel.

However, where the claim becomes misleading is that it is their product – and their product only –  that can get your skin back to its youthful healthy glow.

The truth is, many topical products on the market do not have the recommended amount of collagen to affect change in your skin’s elasticity and firmness, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles.  And many products don’t contain collagen peptides small enough that they can enter the skin directly.

What Is Collagen, Exactly?

Collagen is the most common protein in the human body and provides the body’s structure and form. It is the majority of protein in our bones, skin, joints, teeth, arterial walls, and other organs which are vital to our health.

If collagen sounds important, it’s because it is. You also now understand why it’s referred to as our body’s glue!

Unfortunately, over time, our body’s ability to produce collagen slows down around age 30. Years ago, human’s diets naturally boosted collagen and collagen production. Before the Industrial Revolution, when people were hunting for their own meat, they did not leave much to waste from the animal. The meat was cooked in pots with the bones still attached, the skin and fat of the animal was consumed, and even internal organs were ingested. All of these parts contained collagen.

In today’s society, we shy away from eating the skin and fat because it’s “too fatty,” and we are told that boneless chicken breasts are leaner than bone-in thighs. Our entire outlook on how we consume animal products has been re-wired and it hasn’t worked out without its own pitfalls. There are other factors that also play a part in our loss of collagen-producing abilities like damage due to harmful UV rays and sun exposure, age-related hormone changes, free radicals, and smoking.

However, taking a hydrolyzed collagen supplement like Collagen Complete restores your body’s glue – making you feel as if you’ve rewound the hands of Father Time.

Wait, What is Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Both gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen are both derived from collagen. Gelatin is actually boiled collagen that has been dried and turned into a powder, the result is the same you would find in a homemade bone broth. Do you know the jellylike substance that would float to the top of the pot when your grandmother was making homemade chicken or beef broth? That’s gelatin. By heating cooked collagen to high temperatures and treating it with enzymes, hydrolyzed collagen is obtained. You’re basically taking gelatin one step further in the break-down process to get collagen peptides.

The high temperatures and enzymes break the bonds between amino acids while keeping them intact. Due to the process of turning collagen into a dry powder, it is easier to digest because the body can absorb it faster. For this reason, hydrolyzed collagen works perfectly for people with digestion problems.

Okay, So Is All The Hype About Hydrolyzed Collagen For Skin Real?

The short answer: Yes.

Hydrolyzed collagen is easy to digest and more than 90-percent of it gets absorbed by the body within six hours of ingestion. Most of it is accumulated in skin and cartilage, as well as in the small peptides in the blood. It contains 18 essential amino acids, including the very important proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. Studies have shown that orally ingested hydrolyzed collagen rises the density of collagen in the human skin, which eventually results in improved smoothness, moisture, and skin elasticity.

Another benefit of hydrolyzed collagen is that it works pretty well when it comes to preventing skin damage from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2015 shows that ingesting hydrolyzed collagen on a regular basis leads to an improvement of the skin in the case of women suffering from moderate cases of cellulite.

In a new large double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study published recently, women took 2.5 g of a particular hydrolyzed collagen peptide once daily for eight weeks. At the end of the period, researchers recorded a 20-percent reduction in wrinkle depth around the participants’ eyes.

Hydrolyzed collagen has already proved its nutritional and therapeutic value via clinical studies and it is one of the traditional remedies that do wonders for your skin, joints, digestion, and so much more.

There are no side effects associated with the consumption of hydrolyzed collagen, which means that it is safe to be consumed by adults, children, and even animals (The substance is used in veterinary medicine as well, as it has been shown that it contributes to the regeneration of cartilage and tissues).

There Are Three Different Types Of Collagen Most Beneficial For Skin

There are three distinct types of fibrillar collagen that are the most common and that you have heard about the most when it comes to skin care: Type I, Type III, and Type IV.

Fibrillar means “various threadlike fibers or filaments that are constituent parts of a cell or larger structure.” Specifically, fibrillar collagen is found is the dermis (the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis that forms the true skin, containing blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and other structures.)

• Type I:

The most abundant collagen of the human body. Type I is present in scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscle, the organic part of bone, the teeth, joints, organ capsules, and of course, skin. This is the type that you have seen advertised the most in beauty and health ads that claim to be a miracle serum that will take decades off your look and reduce the number of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Type III, Alpha I:

Type III is commonly found alongside Type I because it is abundant in reticular fibers. Reticular fibers are found in connective tissue. These fibers then crosslink to form a network that as a supporting mesh in soft tissues such as liver, bone marrow, and the tissues and organs of the lymphatic system (part of the circulatory system and a vital part of the immune system).

• Type IV:

Type IV collagen is a type of collagen that is found primarily in the skin within the basement membrane zone. The type forms the basal lamina, a layer on a collection of extracellular molecules secreted by cells that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells. Type IV lacks the regular glycine in every third residue necessary for the tight, collagen helix so the fibers link head-to-head and form as a sheet instead. The arrangement is slightly sloppier with but the overall Type IV conformation is structurally more pliable, relative to the other collagen types.

To date, 28 types of collagen have been identified in animal protein. For more info on all types, click HERE. Over 90-percent of the collagen in the body is of Type I-IV, with the most abundant being Type I.

Are There Other Studies That Prove Collagen Helps Skin?

Over the last 10 years or so, there has been an increase in the number of studies related to collagen and the skin. It make sense when you think about it: If Company Z says their collagen supplement will give you X results, you better believe scientists and scholars are going to make sure what they claim is proven!

One study that researched the oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides and the beneficial effects on human skin physiology, which was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, concluded: “After 8 weeks, hydrolyzed collagen results in significant improvements of skin elasticity, moisture, and smoothness.”

Another study on the effects of a nutritional supplement containing collagen peptides on skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkles found: “Hydrolyzed collagen results in significant improvement in wrinkle depth, improvement in elasticity and hydration of the skin.”

Yet another look at the effects of collagen peptide ingestion on UV-B-induced skin damage came to the conclusion that “Hydrolyzed collagen prevents skin damage from UVA and UVB sunlight exposure.”

A list of several studies involving hydrolyzed collagen and Hyaluronic Acid can be found on the Collagen Complete website on the studies page by clicking HERE.

 

What Does Taking A Collagen Supplement Specifically Do For Your Skin?

• Diminish wrinkles and fine lines:

One of the biggest complaints about aging are the fine lines that begin to appear around the eyes and mouth anytime after the age of 30. Gradually, these fine lines become deeper wrinkles. Exposure to the sun, pollution, poor health choices, and diet can all speed up the process of the collagen levels in the skin decreasing over time. A study in 2013 that was published in the journal “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology,” found that oral collagen supplements may help boost skin elasticity, thus reducing the number of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Improve skin tone:

Every woman wants the flawless skin they once had in their 20’s, before their collagen levels began decreasing. Great skin not only looks good, but improves self-esteem and confidence. Taking collagen pills or powder can give a flawless complexion and makes women look younger. While collagen is mainly found in the dermis, the amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen help keep the outer layers of skin smooth and healthy. The nourishment is from within, not just a topical “quick fix.” Maintaining the levels of alanine, glycine, and hydroxyproline that make up collagen can keep small veins and arteries from appearing, and help you maintain a youthful and flawless complexion.

• Moisturizes dry skin:

Dry skin is a common problem among all age groups and genders, but it can be easily treated by taking a daily collagen supplement. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that there are several factors that can cause dry skin including environmental effects, aging, and lifestyle choices. Although you can change your lifestyle to a healthier one by diet and exercise, the loss of collagen due to aging and some environmental factors like sun exposure (particularly if you live in a sunny, warm climate year round) can’t be avoided. Collagen supplements contain the amino acids (Collagen Complete contains all nine essential amino acids) that your skin is missing, which helps moisturize and hydrate your skin. Skin cells plump up by absorbing water from surrounding collagen, making it excellent for your face and giving it a youthful glow.

• Skin tightening:

Health officials have found that collagen peptides are a safe and natural ingredient that can be easily digested to improve the appearance of your skin. Just like collagen helps to moisturize and hydrate skin, taking a collagen supplement will help boost collagen production and improve your skin’s elasticity. Unlike creams and lotions that only improve the outer layer of the skin, these supplements will increase collagen levels in the dermis. This important layer is responsible for keeping your skin tight and firm, and to ensure a flawless complexion at any age.

• Minimize scarring

Regardless of your age group, scars from acne and other factors such as injuries or surgical procedures can make anyone feel insecure. The amino acids found in collagen help minimize the appearance of these discolored spots and help skin naturally repair itself. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) also recommends that daily ingestion of a collagen supplement will help promote faster healing by supporting healthy tissue formation, thus speeding up the healing process naturally.

Collagen Is Your #1 Skin Booster

Some of the damages caused by time can be reversed if you give it time and the proper nourishment, not just through the foods you eat but by making sure your body is getting the glue it needs to hold everything together – collagen!

Science has long-supported the use of collagen for skin quality and improvement, but as collagen has been a “hot topic” for skin care and health, more and more customers are backing up the scientific research through their own satisfaction with taking a collagen supplement.

Regain your youthful glow, moisture, firmness, and naturally reduce fine line and wrinkles with Collagen Complete and start your skin’s rejuvenation process today!

The post What Are The Main Reasons To Take Collagen Supplements For Skin? appeared first on Collagen Complete.

source http://collagencomplete.com/collagen-supplements-skin/

What Are The Main Reasons To Take Collagen Supplements For Skin?

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “collagen?” More likely than not, your answer was “skin care,” wasn’t it? If so, it’s completely understandable.

Over the last couple of decades, skin care companies and beauty serum entrepreneurs have all touted collagen as being in their product, thus using it will give you a magical fountain of youth.

They are partially correct; collagen is the glue that essentially holds our bodies together. The more collagen in our bodies, the more youthful our skin, hair, joints, and bones look and feel.

However, where the claim becomes misleading is that it is their product – and their product only –  that can get your skin back to its youthful healthy glow.

The truth is, many topical products on the market do not have the recommended amount of collagen to affect change in your skin’s elasticity and firmness, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles.  And many products don’t contain collagen peptides small enough that they can enter the skin directly.

What Is Collagen, Exactly?

Collagen is the most common protein in the human body and provides the body’s structure and form. It is the majority of protein in our bones, skin, joints, teeth, arterial walls, and other organs which are vital to our health.

If collagen sounds important, it’s because it is. You also now understand why it’s referred to as our body’s glue!

Unfortunately, over time, our body’s ability to produce collagen slows down around age 30. Years ago, human’s diets naturally boosted collagen and collagen production. Before the Industrial Revolution, when people were hunting for their own meat, they did not leave much to waste from the animal. The meat was cooked in pots with the bones still attached, the skin and fat of the animal was consumed, and even internal organs were ingested. All of these parts contained collagen.

In today’s society, we shy away from eating the skin and fat because it’s “too fatty,” and we are told that boneless chicken breasts are leaner than bone-in thighs. Our entire outlook on how we consume animal products has been re-wired and it hasn’t worked out without its own pitfalls. There are other factors that also play a part in our loss of collagen-producing abilities like damage due to harmful UV rays and sun exposure, age-related hormone changes, free radicals, and smoking.

However, taking a hydrolyzed collagen supplement like Collagen Complete restores your body’s glue – making you feel as if you’ve rewound the hands of Father Time.

Wait, What is Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Both gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen are both derived from collagen. Gelatin is actually boiled collagen that has been dried and turned into a powder, the result is the same you would find in a homemade bone broth. Do you know the jellylike substance that would float to the top of the pot when your grandmother was making homemade chicken or beef broth? That’s gelatin. By heating cooked collagen to high temperatures and treating it with enzymes, hydrolyzed collagen is obtained. You’re basically taking gelatin one step further in the break-down process to get collagen peptides.

The high temperatures and enzymes break the bonds between amino acids while keeping them intact. Due to the process of turning collagen into a dry powder, it is easier to digest because the body can absorb it faster. For this reason, hydrolyzed collagen works perfectly for people with digestion problems.

Okay, So Is All The Hype About Hydrolyzed Collagen For Skin Real?

The short answer: Yes.

Hydrolyzed collagen is easy to digest and more than 90-percent of it gets absorbed by the body within six hours of ingestion. Most of it is accumulated in skin and cartilage, as well as in the small peptides in the blood. It contains 18 essential amino acids, including the very important proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. Studies have shown that orally ingested hydrolyzed collagen rises the density of collagen in the human skin, which eventually results in improved smoothness, moisture, and skin elasticity.

Another benefit of hydrolyzed collagen is that it works pretty well when it comes to preventing skin damage from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2015 shows that ingesting hydrolyzed collagen on a regular basis leads to an improvement of the skin in the case of women suffering from moderate cases of cellulite.

In a new large double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study published recently, women took 2.5 g of a particular hydrolyzed collagen peptide once daily for eight weeks. At the end of the period, researchers recorded a 20-percent reduction in wrinkle depth around the participants’ eyes.

Hydrolyzed collagen has already proved its nutritional and therapeutic value via clinical studies and it is one of the traditional remedies that do wonders for your skin, joints, digestion, and so much more.

There are no side effects associated with the consumption of hydrolyzed collagen, which means that it is safe to be consumed by adults, children, and even animals (The substance is used in veterinary medicine as well, as it has been shown that it contributes to the regeneration of cartilage and tissues).

There Are Three Different Types Of Collagen Most Beneficial For Skin

There are three distinct types of fibrillar collagen that are the most common and that you have heard about the most when it comes to skin care: Type I, Type III, and Type IV.

Fibrillar means “various threadlike fibers or filaments that are constituent parts of a cell or larger structure.” Specifically, fibrillar collagen is found is the dermis (the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis that forms the true skin, containing blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and other structures.)

• Type I:

The most abundant collagen of the human body. Type I is present in scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscle, the organic part of bone, the teeth, joints, organ capsules, and of course, skin. This is the type that you have seen advertised the most in beauty and health ads that claim to be a miracle serum that will take decades off your look and reduce the number of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Type III, Alpha I:

Type III is commonly found alongside Type I because it is abundant in reticular fibers. Reticular fibers are found in connective tissue. These fibers then crosslink to form a network that as a supporting mesh in soft tissues such as liver, bone marrow, and the tissues and organs of the lymphatic system (part of the circulatory system and a vital part of the immune system).

• Type IV:

Type IV collagen is a type of collagen that is found primarily in the skin within the basement membrane zone. The type forms the basal lamina, a layer on a collection of extracellular molecules secreted by cells that provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells. Type IV lacks the regular glycine in every third residue necessary for the tight, collagen helix so the fibers link head-to-head and form as a sheet instead. The arrangement is slightly sloppier with but the overall Type IV conformation is structurally more pliable, relative to the other collagen types.

To date, 28 types of collagen have been identified in animal protein. For more info on all types, click HERE. Over 90-percent of the collagen in the body is of Type I-IV, with the most abundant being Type I.

Are There Other Studies That Prove Collagen Helps Skin?

Over the last 10 years or so, there has been an increase in the number of studies related to collagen and the skin. It make sense when you think about it: If Company Z says their collagen supplement will give you X results, you better believe scientists and scholars are going to make sure what they claim is proven!

One study that researched the oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides and the beneficial effects on human skin physiology, which was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, concluded: “After 8 weeks, hydrolyzed collagen results in significant improvements of skin elasticity, moisture, and smoothness.”

Another study on the effects of a nutritional supplement containing collagen peptides on skin elasticity, hydration and wrinkles found: “Hydrolyzed collagen results in significant improvement in wrinkle depth, improvement in elasticity and hydration of the skin.”

Yet another look at the effects of collagen peptide ingestion on UV-B-induced skin damage came to the conclusion that “Hydrolyzed collagen prevents skin damage from UVA and UVB sunlight exposure.”

A list of several studies involving hydrolyzed collagen and Hyaluronic Acid can be found on the Collagen Complete website on the studies page by clicking HERE.

 

What Does Taking A Collagen Supplement Specifically Do For Your Skin?

• Diminish wrinkles and fine lines:

One of the biggest complaints about aging are the fine lines that begin to appear around the eyes and mouth anytime after the age of 30. Gradually, these fine lines become deeper wrinkles. Exposure to the sun, pollution, poor health choices, and diet can all speed up the process of the collagen levels in the skin decreasing over time. A study in 2013 that was published in the journal “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology,” found that oral collagen supplements may help boost skin elasticity, thus reducing the number of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Improve skin tone:

Every woman wants the flawless skin they once had in their 20’s, before their collagen levels began decreasing. Great skin not only looks good, but improves self-esteem and confidence. Taking collagen pills or powder can give a flawless complexion and makes women look younger. While collagen is mainly found in the dermis, the amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen help keep the outer layers of skin smooth and healthy. The nourishment is from within, not just a topical “quick fix.” Maintaining the levels of alanine, glycine, and hydroxyproline that make up collagen can keep small veins and arteries from appearing, and help you maintain a youthful and flawless complexion.

• Moisturizes dry skin:

Dry skin is a common problem among all age groups and genders, but it can be easily treated by taking a daily collagen supplement. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that there are several factors that can cause dry skin including environmental effects, aging, and lifestyle choices. Although you can change your lifestyle to a healthier one by diet and exercise, the loss of collagen due to aging and some environmental factors like sun exposure (particularly if you live in a sunny, warm climate year round) can’t be avoided. Collagen supplements contain the amino acids (Collagen Complete contains all nine essential amino acids) that your skin is missing, which helps moisturize and hydrate your skin. Skin cells plump up by absorbing water from surrounding collagen, making it excellent for your face and giving it a youthful glow.

• Skin tightening:

Health officials have found that collagen peptides are a safe and natural ingredient that can be easily digested to improve the appearance of your skin. Just like collagen helps to moisturize and hydrate skin, taking a collagen supplement will help boost collagen production and improve your skin’s elasticity. Unlike creams and lotions that only improve the outer layer of the skin, these supplements will increase collagen levels in the dermis. This important layer is responsible for keeping your skin tight and firm, and to ensure a flawless complexion at any age.

• Minimize scarring

Regardless of your age group, scars from acne and other factors such as injuries or surgical procedures can make anyone feel insecure. The amino acids found in collagen help minimize the appearance of these discolored spots and help skin naturally repair itself. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) also recommends that daily ingestion of a collagen supplement will help promote faster healing by supporting healthy tissue formation, thus speeding up the healing process naturally.

Collagen Is Your #1 Skin Booster

Some of the damages caused by time can be reversed if you give it time and the proper nourishment, not just through the foods you eat but by making sure your body is getting the glue it needs to hold everything together – collagen!

Science has long-supported the use of collagen for skin quality and improvement, but as collagen has been a “hot topic” for skin care and health, more and more customers are backing up the scientific research through their own satisfaction with taking a collagen supplement.

Regain your youthful glow, moisture, firmness, and naturally reduce fine line and wrinkles with Collagen Complete and start your skin’s rejuvenation process today!

The post What Are The Main Reasons To Take Collagen Supplements For Skin? appeared first on Collagen Complete.

source http://collagencomplete.com/collagen-supplements-skin/

What Are Types I, II, III Collagen? And What’s the Difference Between Collagen Types?

Collagen is the most common protein in our system. It’s found in everything from our hair down to our toe nails.

Knowing the different types of collagen not only allows us to better understand how to replenish it when our collagen production slows down as it does as we age, but knowing which collagen is found where will allow us to know why we have certain ailments.

Out of the 28 different types of collagen, the first three are the most abundant and the types that are most marketed to.

Over the last few years, science has made several advancements in researching collagen and what they found has been astounding. To put it in simple terms: The benefits of taking collagen orally are plentiful.

You first need to know…

What exactly is collagen anyway?

As we already mentioned, collagen is the most common protein in the human body and provides the body’s structure and form. It’s found in every single connective tissue and is so important that it’s often referred to as the body’s “glue”.  Collagen is the majority of the protein in our bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, discs, cartilage, superficial, visceral, and deep fascia, and well as arterial walls. It literally “holds it all together”.

Collagen isn’t just inside our bodies, it’s on the outside too in our hair, nails, teeth, and skin.

Now that you know what collagen is, let’s dive into what the 28 types are and what they do.

The Fibrillar Types

The four common types of collagen that you have heard about the most are Types I-III and V and are fibrillar.

• Type I:

The most abundant collagen in the human body. Type I is present in scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscle, the organic part of bone, the skin, the teeth, joints, and organ capsules. This is the type that you have seen advertised the most in beauty and health ads.

• Type II:

This type is also advertised a lot in arthritic ads because Type II is found in cartilage. If you have had any kind of cartilage damage, your medical professional may have advised you to take a collagen supplement that is sourced from chicken protein because it is extremely effective for supporting cartilage in the body, therefore Type II collagen supplements are usually derived from fowl.

• Type III, Alpha I:

Type III is commonly found alongside Type I because it is abundant in reticular fibers. Reticular fibers are found in connective tissue. These fibers then crosslink to form a network that as a supporting mesh in soft tissues such as liver, bone marrow, and the tissues and organs of the lymphatic system (part of the circulatory system and a vital part of the immune system).

• Type V:

Type V is also closely associated with Type I because V is found on cell surfaces, in the placenta and in our hair. You may have heard this while researching hair products, but if not it’s likely because many companies just use the old standby, Type I.

Now that you know what the different types of collagen are, what do you do with the info?

Since our body’s collagen production slows over time, it is vital that we keep it replenished. Most people today don’t have the time or patience to make homemade beef broth daily, so taking a collagen supplement is the best option for most people.

Many people purchase a wide range of supplements in the hope that they have all bases covered but a product like Collagen Complete saves you time and money, by reducing a whole spectrum of ingredients to just one serving of protein-packed powder each day.

Collagen Complete is a complete formula designed to support collagen production and protection. It contains the recommended 10’000mg of hydrolyzed collagen peptides in every single serving which ensures that you have fast, effective absorption of a complete collagen profile (including types I, II, III and more!). You can be sure of the very best quality collagen as it is naturally extracted from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle.

Collagen Complete contains a range of other collagen-boosting and protecting ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, papain, bromelain and vitamin C to bring you the most comprehensive, practical and cost-effective collagen supplement solution on the market.

Whether you’re looking for healthier hair, more pliable joints, stronger muscles, or a smoother digestive system, Collagen Complete will fulfill all of those concerns and more!

 

The post What Are Types I, II, III Collagen? And What’s the Difference Between Collagen Types? appeared first on Collagen Complete.

source http://collagencomplete.com/28-types-collagen-body/

What Are Types I, II, III Collagen? And What’s the Difference Between Collagen Types?

Collagen is the most common protein in our system. It’s found in everything from our hair down to our toe nails.

Knowing the different types of collagen not only allows us to better understand how to replenish it when our collagen production slows down as it does as we age, but knowing which collagen is found where will allow us to know why we have certain ailments.

Out of the 28 different types of collagen, the first three are the most abundant and the types that are most marketed to.

Over the last few years, science has made several advancements in researching collagen and what they found has been astounding. To put it in simple terms: The benefits of taking collagen orally are plentiful.

You first need to know…

What exactly is collagen anyway?

As we already mentioned, collagen is the most common protein in the human body and provides the body’s structure and form. It’s found in every single connective tissue and is so important that it’s often referred to as the body’s “glue”.  Collagen is the majority of the protein in our bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, discs, cartilage, superficial, visceral, and deep fascia, and well as arterial walls. It literally “holds it all together”.

Collagen isn’t just inside our bodies, it’s on the outside too in our hair, nails, teeth, and skin.

Now that you know what collagen is, let’s dive into what the 28 types are and what they do.

The Fibrillar Types

The four common types of collagen that you have heard about the most are Types I-III and V and are fibrillar.

• Type I:

The most abundant collagen in the human body. Type I is present in scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscle, the organic part of bone, the skin, the teeth, joints, and organ capsules. This is the type that you have seen advertised the most in beauty and health ads.

• Type II:

This type is also advertised a lot in arthritic ads because Type II is found in cartilage. If you have had any kind of cartilage damage, your medical professional may have advised you to take a collagen supplement that is sourced from chicken protein because it is extremely effective for supporting cartilage in the body, therefore Type II collagen supplements are usually derived from fowl.

• Type III, Alpha I:

Type III is commonly found alongside Type I because it is abundant in reticular fibers. Reticular fibers are found in connective tissue. These fibers then crosslink to form a network that as a supporting mesh in soft tissues such as liver, bone marrow, and the tissues and organs of the lymphatic system (part of the circulatory system and a vital part of the immune system).

• Type V:

Type V is also closely associated with Type I because V is found on cell surfaces, in the placenta and in our hair. You may have heard this while researching hair products, but if not it’s likely because many companies just use the old standby, Type I.

Now that you know what the different types of collagen are, what do you do with the info?

Since our body’s collagen production slows over time, it is vital that we keep it replenished. Most people today don’t have the time or patience to make homemade beef broth daily, so taking a collagen supplement is the best option for most people.

Many people purchase a wide range of supplements in the hope that they have all bases covered but a product like Collagen Complete saves you time and money, by reducing a whole spectrum of ingredients to just one serving of protein-packed powder each day.

Collagen Complete is a complete formula designed to support collagen production and protection. It contains the recommended 10’000mg of hydrolyzed collagen peptides in every single serving which ensures that you have fast, effective absorption of a complete collagen profile (including types I, II, III and more!). You can be sure of the very best quality collagen as it is naturally extracted from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle.

Collagen Complete contains a range of other collagen-boosting and protecting ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, papain, bromelain and vitamin C to bring you the most comprehensive, practical and cost-effective collagen supplement solution on the market.

Whether you’re looking for healthier hair, more pliable joints, stronger muscles, or a smoother digestive system, Collagen Complete will fulfill all of those concerns and more!

 

The post What Are Types I, II, III Collagen? And What’s the Difference Between Collagen Types? appeared first on Collagen Complete.

source http://collagencomplete.com/28-types-collagen-body/

What Are Types I, II, III Collagen? And What’s the Difference Between Collagen Types?

Collagen is the most common protein in our system. It’s found in everything from our hair down to our toe nails.

Knowing the different types of collagen not only allows us to better understand how to replenish it when our collagen production slows down as it does as we age, but knowing which collagen is found where will allow us to know why we have certain ailments.

Out of the 28 different types of collagen, the first three are the most abundant and the types that are most marketed to.

Over the last few years, science has made several advancements in researching collagen and what they found has been astounding. To put it in simple terms: The benefits of taking collagen orally are plentiful.

You first need to know…

What exactly is collagen anyway?

As we already mentioned, collagen is the most common protein in the human body and provides the body’s structure and form. It’s found in every single connective tissue and is so important that it’s often referred to as the body’s “glue”.  Collagen is the majority of the protein in our bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, discs, cartilage, superficial, visceral, and deep fascia, and well as arterial walls. It literally “holds it all together”.

Collagen isn’t just inside our bodies, it’s on the outside too in our hair, nails, teeth, and skin.

Now that you know what collagen is, let’s dive into what the 28 types are and what they do.

The Fibrillar Types

The four common types of collagen that you have heard about the most are Types I-III and V and are fibrillar.

• Type I:

The most abundant collagen in the human body. Type I is present in scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscle, the organic part of bone, the skin, the teeth, joints, and organ capsules. This is the type that you have seen advertised the most in beauty and health ads.

• Type II:

This type is also advertised a lot in arthritic ads because Type II is found in cartilage. If you have had any kind of cartilage damage, your medical professional may have advised you to take a collagen supplement that is sourced from chicken protein because it is extremely effective for supporting cartilage in the body, therefore Type II collagen supplements are usually derived from fowl.

• Type III, Alpha I:

Type III is commonly found alongside Type I because it is abundant in reticular fibers. Reticular fibers are found in connective tissue. These fibers then crosslink to form a network that as a supporting mesh in soft tissues such as liver, bone marrow, and the tissues and organs of the lymphatic system (part of the circulatory system and a vital part of the immune system).

• Type V:

Type V is also closely associated with Type I because V is found on cell surfaces, in the placenta and in our hair. You may have heard this while researching hair products, but if not it’s likely because many companies just use the old standby, Type I.

Now that you know what the different types of collagen are, what do you do with the info?

Since our body’s collagen production slows over time, it is vital that we keep it replenished. Most people today don’t have the time or patience to make homemade beef broth daily, so taking a collagen supplement is the best option for most people.

Many people purchase a wide range of supplements in the hope that they have all bases covered but a product like Collagen Complete saves you time and money, by reducing a whole spectrum of ingredients to just one serving of protein-packed powder each day.

Collagen Complete is a complete formula designed to support collagen production and protection. It contains the recommended 10’000mg of hydrolyzed collagen peptides in every single serving which ensures that you have fast, effective absorption of a complete collagen profile (including types I, II, III and more!). You can be sure of the very best quality collagen as it is naturally extracted from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle.

Collagen Complete contains a range of other collagen-boosting and protecting ingredients including hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, papain, bromelain and vitamin C to bring you the most comprehensive, practical and cost-effective collagen supplement solution on the market.

Whether you’re looking for healthier hair, more pliable joints, stronger muscles, or a smoother digestive system, Collagen Complete will fulfill all of those concerns and more!

 

The post What Are Types I, II, III Collagen? And What’s the Difference Between Collagen Types? appeared first on Collagen Complete.

source http://collagencomplete.com/28-types-collagen-body/

Preventing Bone Loss With Collagen: Is Hydrolyzed Collagen A Natural Treatment for Osteoporosis?

One of the most common signs of an aging body is bone loss. It happens to all of us as we get older, but it especially afflicts women for a variety of reasons. The first step to preventing or even reversing bone loss is to understand what causes it.

Understanding Bone Loss Causes

Bones are made of collagen, which is the protein matrix that holds bones together. Most people don’t know this, but there’s a constant cycle of collagen in our bones where it is constructed, destroyed and re-constructed. This is always happening and it’s our body’s way of keeping our collagen healthy.

Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone collagen does not keep pace with the removal of old bone collagen. Throughout our lifespan, bone tissue is constantly being broken down and replaced. When we are young our body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone. The opposite is true as we get older, bone mass is lost faster than it is created.

Bone is a living tissue that is in a state of constant turnover. Cells within the bone include:

• Osteoblasts, which are involved in forming new bone collagen; and
• Osteoclasts, which resorb (break down) bone collagen. (When bone is resorbed calcium and other minerals are removed from bone tissue and released into the circulation.)

Both osteoblast and osteoclast activity are needed to maintain healthy bone tissue. The balance between these two opposing activities within bone is influenced by several factors, including:

• Your age
• Your genes
• The number of certain hormones (such as sex hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) in your body
• The amount of physical activity you get (exercise increases osteoblasts to strengthen bones)
• The amount of calcium and vitamin D in your body
• Smoking
• The quality of your diet

The following factors can specifically determine your risk for osteoporosis:

Too much protein	Too little stomach acid
Inappropriate levels of stress	High use of stimulants and fizzy drinks
Poor intake of specific nutrients	Poor absorption of specific nutrients
Poor use of specific nutrients	High intake of phytates
Too much salt	Too much sulfate

 

The Symptoms Of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis does not happen overnight and usually develops slowly without any symptoms over the course of many years. However, a common cause of osteoporosis pain is a spinal compression fracture which can cause:

• Sudden, severe back pain that gets worse when you are standing or walking with some relief when you lie down and becomes chronic over time
• Trouble bending and/or twisting your body, and pain when you do
• Loss of height or “shrinking”
• A curved spine called kyphosis, also known as a “dowager’s hump.”
• Dental pockets

Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and weak and therefore easy to break, but it is not a normal part of the aging process – not everyone will get osteoporosis as they get older, despite it being a common occurrence.  Some people have a lower bone density than normal because of their habits and genetic markings.  

Diagnostic Testing

The bone mineral density (BMD) test is the primary source used to identify osteoporosis and low bone mass. One of the most common ways to measure BMD is by using is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA. This test uses a low-energy X-ray to evaluate bone density in the hip and/or spine and will simply be referred to as a DEXA scan.

Understanding Your T Score

Your T-score is the measure used when screening for osteoporosis. It is a comparison of a patient’s BMD to that of a healthy 30-year-old that is of the same sex and ethnicity. In post-menopausal women and men over age 50, values for 30-year-olds are used because they better predict risk of future fracture.

According to the World Health Organization:

•         Normal is a T-score of −1.0 or higher
•         Osteopenia is defined as between −1.0 and −2.5
•         Osteoporosis is defined as −2.5 or lower, meaning a bone density that is two and a half standard deviations below the mean of a 30-year-old man/woman

Preventing And Treating Bone Loss Naturally Versus Using Medication

Taking an osteoporosis medication may help decrease the risk of fracture but the possibility of a break is not eliminated completely. The most commonly prescribed medications for bone loss are bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, Actonel, Aredia, and Zometa. These medications have not been found to be a cost-effective way to treat osteopenia and osteoporosis. Most people do not suffer major side effects of the medications but there have been some cases of atypical femur and jaw fractures. There have not been any long-term studies done on the effectiveness of these drugs. They are typically prescribed for a period of three to five years. Some doctors worry that staying on the drug for more than five years can cause some women’s bones to become more brittle and break spontaneously.

These drugs increase the mineral framework of the bones but recent research has shown that the trabeculae (cross bars) of the bone matrix may not be stronger thus making the bones still susceptible to breaking.

The women on these drugs have a false sense of security as they get regular bone density tests. The tests usually show a steady increase in bone density which doesn’t make any sense. Essentially the crossbars are denser but not stronger. This puts them at risk of serious spontaneous fractures.

Calcium Alone Will Not Do It

It is important to understand that osteoporosis is not a calcium deficiency disorder – it is a disorder where calcium is lost from bone. Ninety-nine-percent of calcium in the body is in bone. Just replacing calcium and giving vitamin D that aids calcium being deposited in bone is linear thinking in terms of managing this devastating, largely preventable disease. Up to four-percent bone loss per year can occur by the time a woman reaches her late sixties.

Taking a calcium/magnesium/silica supplement along with a vitamin D3 supplement and Vitamin K2 could help prevent and treat bone loss.  Calcium/magnesium/silica as well as zinc build bones and keeps them healthy. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Vitamin K ensures the calcium gets where you need it – your bones, instead of your organs which could cause a number of health problems including atherosclerosis and kidney stones.  Magnesium is vital in creating the spark within the cell to utilize calcium.

Another supplement that could be helpful is hydrolyzed collagen which has been found to help reduce bone loss and restore bone density in postmenopausal women.  Collagen helps create the cement which holds the trabeculae. This way the crossbars are denser and stronger.

Collagen peptides (CP) compounds, as bone health supplements, are known to play a role in the treatment of osteoporosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of this process remain unclear. One study aimed to investigate the effects of bovine CP compounds on the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. What the study found was that bovine CP compounds increased osteoblast reproduction and played positive roles in osteoblast differentiation and mineralized bone matrix formation. Essentially, the authors concluded that their study indicated taking a bovine CP compound like Collagen Complete could be beneficial for the potential treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Balancing Hormones

A major factor contributing to the onset of osteoporosis in women is the decline in hormone levels after the onset of menopause, as all the major sex hormones play an important role in maintaining bone density. One in four postmenopausal women has osteoporosis. Progesterone is considered the most important hormone as it is able to stimulate osteoblast-mediated new bone.

Prevention Osteoporosis Naturally

The best way to prevent osteoporosis and osteopenia is to stimulate the body’s collagen-creation cycle so that you are making more collagen than you’re destroying.

This can be done through diet, exercise, and outdoors activities. These may also help in slowing down osteoporosis.

The Best Bone Density Exercises

Regular weight-bearing exercise throughout life is best but it is never too late to start.

Walking, running, jumping in place, playing tennis and taking an aerobics class are all weight-bearing exercises that promote healthy bones. Muscle-strengthening exercises include lifting weights, using exercise bands or doing calisthenic exercises. Tai Chi is also very beneficial. It is important to get some kind of exercise every day.

Both weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises will help build and maintain bone density.

The reason weight-bearing exercise is helpful is twofold: 1. It triggers the collagen cycle of destruction and reconstruction that we discussed above, and 2. It stimulates healthy hormonal balance.

Preventing Osteoporosis With Nutrition

Eating a healthy balance of fruits and vegetables is vital. Meat, egg yolks, cheese and fatty fish such as sardines, sockeye salmon, mackerel, herring and tuna are a good source of calcium and Vitamin D, however, sun exposure is still the best source of Vitamin D. A healthy diet is made of healthy fats, wholesome foods and healthy sources of protein.

Other Important Bone Nutrients

Nutrient	Best Food Sources
zinc	nuts, seeds
manganese/boron	unprocessed foods
silicon/copper	unprocessed foods
vitamin A	yellow and deep green vegetables
vitamin C	berries, potatoes, most fruit and vegetables
vitamin K	cauliflower and green vegetables
vitamin B6	fruits, vegetables

Hydrolyzed Collagen, Collagen Peptides, And Easy Absorption

As with most diseases, prevention is better than curing an infliction after it is already taken hold of your body. Staying active and eating a healthy, balanced diet is one way to keep bones healthy and prevent excessive bone loss. Getting a daily 20 minutes of sun exposure (not a sunburn) and fresh air is another way to prevent “thinning.” Supplementing with the correct minerals, vitamins and collagen will add to your healthy regimen and contribute to a healthy strong frame. All these can easily become part of your healthy daily living.

As discussed above, using a supplement such as Collagen Complete can help replenish your bones and increase bone density.

The post Preventing Bone Loss With Collagen: Is Hydrolyzed Collagen A Natural Treatment for Osteoporosis? appeared first on Collagen Complete.

source http://collagencomplete.com/hydrolyzed-collagen-osteoporosis/