Drinking collagen is one of those dietary supplements that most people use quite rarely or even not at all. This is a big mistake. A diet, even a properly balanced one, is most often not rich in this protein, and various processes we deal with on a daily basis lead to the degradation of collagen naturally present in the body. The deficiency of this ingredient significantly affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails, but it should be emphasized that deterioration of appearance is not the only possible effect of too low a concentration of this substance. What are the benefits of drinking collagen? How should you use this supplement to achieve the best possible results? In this article we answer these questions
Theoretically, a properly balanced diet, which consists of natural products, properly prepared meals and healthy ready-made meals , should cover all the body's needs, also in terms of providing microelements necessary in the collagen production process. This is indeed the case. However, it is worth knowing that both natural processes occurring inside the body and external factors lead to a significant weakening of the fibers of this substance. With this in mind, it should be recognized that for people for whom maintaining good health is a priority, collagen supplementation is necessary.
Drinking collagen – what is it and how does it affect our body?
When talking about collagen, we mean a substance of protein origin, which is the main component of the extracellular matrix. Of all the proteins present in the human body, collagen constitutes as much as 30%. Taking this into account, it should be concluded that this substance is one of the most important building and protective proteins.
Chemically, collagen is composed primarily of glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine. These are endogenous amino acids, i.e. those that the body can produce on its own. The production of this substance is carried out in connective tissue elements called fibroblasts.
Taking into account the above, it should be concluded that drinking collagen is nothing more than a liquid dietary supplement whose main ingredient is this substance. It is worth emphasizing that it is also found in supplements that perform more than one function, e.g. helping to increase muscle mass and improving the condition of joints and skin, or removing toxins from the body and supporting the weight loss process.
What are the effects of drinking collagen? Benefits for skin, hair and nails
As a protective and building substance, collagen is responsible for the proper conduct of many processes occurring in the body. Collagen protein is a kind of connector between fragments of skin, bone and cartilage tissue. Therefore, it gives the skin its properties, has a beneficial effect on the regeneration of articular cartilage and takes part in bone mineralization. However, it is worth remembering that individual types of collagen (there are as many as 29 types of collagen proteins) are found in all connective tissues of the body, so this substance also affects the efficiency of the muscular system, circulation and many others.
The first symptoms of collagen deficiency are visible in the hair, skin and nails. Too low a concentration of this protein in the body causes the skin to become flabby, dry and lose elasticity. Over time, it loses its natural glow, takes on an unhealthy, grayish color, and wrinkles become more and more visible on its surface. In turn, the hair becomes weak, brittle and brittle. Progressive problems with excessive hair loss can also be observed. The nail plate loses its hardness, which leads to increased brittleness.
What are the benefits of drinking collagen? Regular supplementation of this ingredient makes the skin well moisturized and more elastic. Its tendency to dry out and crack is reduced. The hair becomes strong, stops falling out, and the problem of brittleness disappears. Nails become harder and do not split. This is exactly what collagen does. However, the effects of supplementing this ingredient do not only apply to the skin, hair and nails.
By providing the body with an adequate supply of this substance, we also significantly influence the function of the joints and muscular system. Collagen increases the elasticity of articular cartilage and accelerates its regeneration. In addition, it makes muscles and tendons more flexible and thus reduces the likelihood of injuries. It is also worth mentioning the benefits for the skeletal system. Taking collagen regularly strengthens bones, which increases their resistance to fractures, including fatigue fractures.
Drinking collagen – who is it recommended for?
However, a question may arise at this point: is it worth supplementing collagen, since this substance is naturally produced in the body? Of course it is, and there are several important issues supporting this.
Firstly, there are many factors that lead to the weakening and degradation of collagen fibers. At this point, attention should be paid primarily to mechanical damage. Intense physical activity significantly weakens collagen connections. This process may also occur as a result of hormonal disorders, under the influence of chemical substances (present in cosmetics or medicines) and under long-term exposure to solar radiation and high temperature.
Secondly, collagen fibers are susceptible to the harmful effects of free radicals. If the diet lacks natural antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and E, their degradation process will be faster.
Thirdly, damage to structural proteins is promoted by an unhealthy diet. It has been proven that high consumption of simple and refined sugars significantly promotes collagen degradation.
Fourthly, collagen fibers are also weakened as a result of the use of stimulants. Here, the most important things to mention are nicotine and alcohol.
Each of the factors mentioned above reduces the natural production of collagen, but it cannot be ignored that age is of primary importance in this matter. Scientific research shows that the production of this protein decreases after the age of 25. Collagen loss progresses at a rate of approximately 1.5%. annually. After the age of 60, the production of new fibers disappears almost completely. This means that despite a healthy diet consisting of fruit, vegetables, nutritious home-cooked meals and the highest quality ready-made meals , rich in essential vitamins and minerals, collagen production will still decline. You can give up eating fast food, but you won't be able to stop this process.
Application? Supplementation of this protein should be considered by all people over 25 years of age, especially athletes (including amateurs), people engaging in recreational physical activity, and following a diet low in microelements or rich in simple carbohydrates and added sugar.
Is it worth drinking collagen? Expert opinions and recommendations
Is it worth drinking collagen? Although for a long time various representatives of the scientific community had different opinions on this issue, it is now known that drinking collagen actually works.
The fact is that there are studies whose results clearly indicate the low suitability of drinking collagen as a dietary supplement. It has been shown that during the digestion process, this substance is broken down into individual amino acids. However, it should be strongly emphasized that this only applies to low-quality products. In order for the supplementation to be effective, you need to drink the best collagen. Which one to choose? The hydrolyzed variant is characterized by the highest availability. This is due to the fact that such collagen is already broken down into smaller structures that are absorbed easily and quickly.
Liquid collagen – how to use it to achieve the best results?
The key factor is therefore the quality that the substance represents. However, it is worth remembering that it is not enough to choose good collagen to drink - the effects will be better if the supplement contains ingredients that facilitate the synthesis of this protein. Here it is worth mentioning vitamins A, C and E and copper. The effectiveness of supplementation is also increased by hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10. When choosing a supplement for yourself, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its composition carefully. If it lacks the listed substances, it is best to expand the scope of supplementation.
Drinking collagen – when can you expect the first results?
According to current scientific knowledge, drinking collagen actually works. However, you must remember that the effects do not appear immediately. Unfortunately, a single daily dose of collagen will not do the trick. Fortunately, you don't have to wait forever for results. The first effects, visible in the condition of hair, skin and nails, will be visible after approximately 7 days.
Contraindications to the use of liquid collagen – when is it worth giving up drinking?
Are there any contraindications to the use of collagen? Only a few. People who are hypersensitive or allergic to any of the supplement's ingredients should refrain from taking a given preparation. Collagen supplementation is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Drinking collagen – what are the most common side effects and how to avoid them?
Every dietary supplement may have some side effects. Drinking collagen is no exception. Side effects that may occur during supplementation include:
- feeling weak,
- muscle or joint pain,
- constipation,
- unpleasant (sour) taste in the mouth,
- sour breath.
If the product is used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, the risk of undesirable effects will significantly reduce.
Drinking collagen and diet – how to introduce collagen supplementation in your daily diet?
Natural collagen occurs primarily in products of animal origin based on connective tissues, including: in food gelatin. Rich sources of this substance are meat jellies (and fruit jellies), offal (especially chicken feet) and fish (especially with skin). Unfortunately, a healthy diet that limits fat intake excludes most food products that contain collagen. This is where dietary supplements come in handy.
You can choose to drink collagen, but you can also use preparations that have a broad spectrum of action. For example, HYPER DETOX 360 is a rich source of collagen. The composition of this unique product promotes the removal of toxins from the body, which improves the effects of weight loss, but not only that. This supplement, which, apart from fish collagen, contains, among others: hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10, it also significantly contributes to improving the condition of hair, skin and nails. Valuable collagen is also contained in the eatyx HYPER COLLAGEN 20,000 MG BOOSTER supplement. This product was developed with the needs of active people who want to increase and maintain muscle mass in mind, but it also has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails (it probably contains the highest dose of collagen available on the market, 20,000 mg and vitamins that support its absorption). .
How to use drinking collagen? Tips and tricks for beginners
When to drink collagen? In the morning or in the evening? With or after a meal? Doubts are natural for people who are just starting to supplement collagen. How to use products containing this substance? There are no specific recommendations on this matter. It is best to read the manufacturer's recommendations.
