Since collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, it provides structure to skin, muscles, bone and connective tissue. But it lessens in abundance as we age decreasing by 1% per year after the age of 20. The body’s ability to produce collagen starts decreasing at 2% per year after age 30. We know that collagen is used to help with wrinkle control, sagging skin, brittle nails and hair as well as joint problems, but did you know it also can help with leaky gut?
One of the results of collagen depletion as we age is leaky guy syndrome. This is where the lining of the gut weakens and allows food toxins to seep into the bloodstream where the body treats them as foreigners and attacks them. This causes inflammation, food intolerance, skin rashes and auto immune issues. Collagen supplements have been used to improve the condition of the stomach lining by tightening and firming the digestive tract.
Foods that can help with collagen production are proline amino acids found in egg whites, meat, cheese, fermented soy and cabbage. Vitamin C can also help support collagen as well as vitamin A. So can blackberries, blueberries, cherries and raspberries because of their high anthocyanidin levels. Keeping your copper levels up such as found in 4 Easy Hydration, a liquid concentrate you can add to your water: ( www.EasyMenopauseSolutions.com ) can also help keep collagen levels boosted.
excerpted from: Collagen by Corinna Kaufman, Whole Foods Magazine Oct. 2017
Anti-Aging Lady 