The Naturopathic Co.

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You might have heard a bit about collagen lately. Collagen is an abundant protein in your body, and it provides your cell membranes with structure and strength. It is the major component of connective tissues and provides your skin with elasticity and hydration.
Collagen is extremely important for the skin. It provides anti-aging benefits, because as we age our collagen production decreases. Collagen is strengthening the skin membranes and provides elasticity and skin smoothness, so we get less sagging, less wrinkles.
Your nails are made from keratin, which is a substance also found in your hair and skin. Taking collagen may increase the strength of your nails which is needed for keratin.
Collagen builds hair protein and therefore strengthens the hair and ensures it’s not dry and damaged.
Collagen has been shown to reduce inflammation as it provides a soothing and protecting effect on joints, as well as assisting in maintaining the integrity of cartilage. This may be helpful in certain conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis.
There are 28 types of collagen in the body. The most abundant is type I, which accounts for approximately 90% of collagen in the body.
Beef Collagen
Beef (bovine) collagen contains collagen type I and collagen type III and sometimes also type II, depending on how it was produced. Beef collagen is effective in treating joint inflammation, as well as supporting healthy hair, skin, and nails.
Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is good for increasing collagen type I and improving skin, hair, nail, and bone quality. It tends to be absorbed more readily by the body.
Type I Collagen
This type provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth.
Type I Collagen is considered the best for skin and beauty as research has shown the most visible results in the appearance of the skin.
Type II Collagen
This type is found in cartilage which surrounds your joints, making this a good choice for joint pain and arthritis. Sources are chicken and bovine.
Type III Collagen
Type III collagen is abundant collagen in tissues with elastic properties such as skin, lungs and intestinal walls. Dietary sources of collagen type III are bovine and porcine (pork skin).
You can assist your body in producing collagen by ensuring you intake the following nutrients:
Vitamin C from citrus fruits, capsicums, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and strawberries.
Glycine from pork skin, chicken skin, bone broth, gelatin.
Copper from organ meats, sesame seeds, cacao, cashews, and lentils.
Proline from egg whites, cabbage, asparagus, and mushrooms.
Yvette is a qualified Melbourne-based Naturopath and Nutritionist, MINDD Practitioner, member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia, and Complementary Medicine Association. Yvette specialises in the treatment of conditions commonly affecting women and children, with a key interest in children’s digestive and neurological conditions, as well as women’s hormonal concerns, digestive issues, fatigue, anxiety, and skin concerns. Yvette consults in South Yarra, Melbourne, as well as Camberwell, and Australia-wide via skype/zoom/phone. Book here.
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