Collagen is such a useful type of protein that has many many benefits that span the whole body. We get really excited about our Collagen supplement because of the results and feedback we get from people. So why is it so good and who should take it? What results will I see from taking Collagen? How is it different to other nutritional supplements? How do I know if I need it?

The primary use of the Collagen supplement is to feed the cartilage and support the treatment of arthritis. The Matrix metalloproteinase {MMP} enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of this tissue associated with arthritis. In Osteoarthritis {wear and tear arthritis} more cartilage is broken down than repaired. The exact causes of this are unknown, although injury to the joint and repetitive use as well as poor nutrition, age and lack of exercise can also increase risk. Our large weight bearing joint’s are primarily made of Hyaline cartilage which is mostly made up of type II collagen and chondroitin sulphate.  Collagen supplementation can help to improve collagen bio synthesis and therefore reduce the MMP activation which leads to reduced inflammation and pain. Results take between 4-12 weeks to appear.

Collagen supplementation has also been shown to build up in the joint tissue and help form the glucosaminoglycans responsible for healthy joint tissue within 12 weeks. Sufferers also report less pain and inflammation. Both Chondroitin {which are chains of glucosamine} and Collagen have been shown to help relieve the pain of osteoarthritis which is promising and long term breakdown of the cartilage when using the collagen supplement is further slowed but it does not provide all the relief that we might assume.  It may be that these compounds provide some of the answer but not the whole answer and remember nutrition is a risk factor but not the only one. There are other nutrients needed and other factors to be considered.

Exercise is one aspect of our lifestyle that can either aggravate or help arthritis. Once the pain and inflammation is reduced we can begin to think about exercise. We need to exercise to stimulate the production of the Hyaline cartilage as well as the synovial fluid that cushions the joint. Gentler types of exercise and stretching become more important such as swimming and walking. Tight muscles that surround the joints also affect arthritis so stretching exercises as taught yin Yoga, Tai chi and Pilates can be a great way to enhance repair.

We know that approximately 65% of our body structural proteins are collagen based, so feeding this with collagen as well as the important co-factors to put it all back together, such as Vitamin C, and Zinc can only have beneficial results. As for wrinkles there is also some research to suggest that collagen helps to repair and aid in the elastin production in the skin too. Collagen holds moisture i.e. water content in the skin too so anything to help plump the skin will help towards this. We do however think the beauty industry claims of wrinkle prevention go a bit too far but who knows – there may be an unexpected side effect. I would rather take it to prevent arthritis than prevent wrinkles but if it does both then great!

The skin is made primarily from the proteins collagen, elastin and keratin which make the skin strong, thick and stretchy & along with fats these are the main 2 nutrients types in the skin. Collagen peptides are used in the making of keratin and elastin but in different arrangements hence the different properties. Dermatitis sufferers will notice an improvement in the integrity of the skin and those with thin skin will notice the skin texture and thickness improve over time.

Taking collagen internally will help with the integrity of the skin so long as there is plenty of vitamin C, biotin and zinc, silica, sulfer, Vitamin A & E to help with the construction and repair of the keratin, collagen and elastin molecules. Together this is a better prevention against wrinkles than the topical application however the topical  application of collagen in a skin cream is a nice way to fill in the fine lines that are there on a daily basis. Adding collagen powder to a skin cream isn’t going to help with the formation of collagen within the skin, but what it does do is act as a dermal filler on the day it is applied. So add a small amount of your collagen powder to you skin cream and feel the way that the collagen molecules affect the texture of your skin to get to know what it is doing on the inside.

Our dietary sources include good old fashioned bone broth, which extracts the collagen from the bones as well as the minerals of course. Also don’t forget to eat the cartilage from the end of your chicken bones as this is pure collagen and chondroitin. Not only that but we need Vitamin C from fresh fruits and vegetables daily as well as Zinc from seafood, nuts, seeds, whole grains and meats to repair the collagen we already have in our body.

We get many  great results and happy customers that use our collagen powder. We believe getting a good dose into the body with our powder is what makes this product so special. People have told us of many amazing unexpected results as well as those that are well known. We also know that collagen is going into our hair, nails, bone, joints, skin, blood vessel lining, gut lining and all forms of connective tissue and helping to reform it.  Make the most of our bulk Collagen which we source directly from the manufacturer making it cheaper for you. Take 1 heaped teaspoon of our bulk collagen powder daily and Enjoy! X

‪#‎BulkCollagen‬ ‪#‎CheapestinTown‬ #ManyUses #Collagen

Simone Reddington is the founder of the Apothecary, a Medical Herbalist and thinker. She holds a degree in Psychology and is a professional member of the New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists.