Collagen is traditionally associated with radiant skin, lustrous hair, and strong nails. However, as medical and health research delves deeper, it has uncovered many benefits of collagen, extending far beyond aesthetic improvements.
One such benefit recently gained significant attention is collagen's profound impact on gut health. This article explores collagen's crucial role in promoting a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
To fully grasp the effects of collagen on gut health, we must first understand what collagen is and its overall importance in the human body. Collagen, the most abundant human protein, accounts for nearly a third of the body's total protein content. It acts as the structural building block for various body parts, including the skin, bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and, significantly, for our discussion, the digestive tract.
Composed of complex proteins, collagen contains various amino acids, namely proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are essential components of our body, and concerning our digestive health, they work synergistically to ensure a robust and well-functioning gut.
Taking collagen supplements offers numerous potential health benefits, including increased muscle mass, reduction in joint pain and improved gut health.
Below, we discuss five gut health and digestion benefits of consuming collagen.
One of the leading ways collagen boosts gut health is by addressing leaky gut syndrome, a condition characterized by increased intestinal wall permeability.
When the gut becomes 'leaky,' toxins, bacteria, and food particles may seep into the bloodstream, causing inflammation and potentially leading to a host of health problems. The amino acid glutamine, which is abundant in collagen, has been shown to reduce intestinal permeability, thereby playing a crucial role in healing leaky gut syndrome.
Collagen's gut health benefits extend beyond merely healing the gut lining. An intriguing aspect of collagen is its capacity to aid digestion by attracting acid molecules, which assists in breaking down proteins and carbohydrates in our food. This process streamlines digestion, making it easier for our bodies to absorb essential nutrients.
In addition to its healing and facilitating properties, collagen also plays a significant role in soothing the gastrointestinal tract. The amino acid glycine, found in collagen, possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate inflammation in the gut. This property mainly benefits individuals grappling with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other inflammation-related gut issues.
Balanced stomach acid levels are crucial for optimal digestion. If the levels are too low, it can result in numerous digestive problems. Interestingly, collagen has been found to stimulate the production of stomach acid, thus promoting a healthier, more balanced digestive system.
Collagen's benefits to gut health also extend to its ability to improve water absorption within the intestines, which helps move food through the GI tract more smoothly. Collagen can contribute to a healthier and more comfortable digestive process by transporting food and waste.
The gut microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms inhabiting our digestive tract, plays a critical role in various aspects of our health. A balanced microbiome is vital for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immunity. Collagen peptides can positively influence the composition of gut microbiota, contributing to a healthier, more balanced gut microbiome.
Maintaining gut health is synonymous with ensuring robust immune health. By healing the gut lining, aiding digestion, and promoting a balanced microbiome, collagen indirectly contributes to a robust immune response.
Given collagen's extensive array of gut health benefits, incorporating it into your daily diet is essential. However, it's important to note that as one ages, the body’s natural production of collagen slows down, necessitating supplementation.
Luckily, there are several ways to achieve this.
Bone broth powder is a rich natural collagen source; other collagen-rich animal sources include the cartilage and connective tissue of chicken, fish skin, and egg whites, which are a rich source of proline. However, these options offer some drawbacks: not least that they are unappealing for many tastes. They are also not suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. In such cases, supplementing with a high-quality bovine- , marine- or vegan-derived collagen peptide powder, or bone broth powder is an effective alternative. As always, before starting any new supplement routine , it is recommended to consult with your doctor.
The benefits of consuming collagen reach far beyond skin health. Its role in maintaining gut health is increasingly becoming apparent as research progresses.
To summarise, the benefits of collagen for gut health include:
Our understanding of collagen's impact on gut health is deepening, revealing the exciting potential to enhance our overall well-being. As we continue to research and understand collagen's many benefits, we may be at the edge of new breakthroughs in health and wellness.
Grass-fed, Type 1 & 3 Collagen
Garlic and Onion
Glutamine and Peppermint
Aloe, Fennel and Mint
