Is Collagen worth the hype?
I recently asked my Instagram followers if they utilize a collagen supplement and I was quite surprised to see that majority said they don’t. Collagen is a supplement that you have to have patience with but when you do, the results are extremely satisfying and there is more than just one!
When I was in my college years I caught wind of using collagen for your hair, skin elasticity, and nails which automatically sold me. I have dealt with skin issues for a while and my nails were brittle, it was a no-brainer to at least give it a try. Except as a college student, I wasn’t consistent enough to experience results and when I ran out I didn’t restock.
A few years later I learned more about the gut health benefits of collagen and how supportive it is for your muscles and joints. I don’t have a lot of cartilage in my right knee from not properly caring for my body during years of soccer, cheerleading, and track. So, I decided to start taking it again and stay consistent to see if I would experience results.
After about two full months of consistently incorporating collagen into my daily routine, I started noticing the benefits. What I realized though is that taking collagen isn’t just going to fix all those symptoms, but pairing it with a change of diet and lifestyle will be the most supportive. New baby hairs were growing in, my nails became so much stronger, and my digestion was improving (especially noticeable in the morning).
One thing I want to point out is that after trying a variety of different types of collagen, I’ve seen the best results with Marine vs. Bovine. Marine collagen is sourced from wild-caught cod while Bovine collagen is sourced from grass-fed cows. Marine collagen is more bioavailable meaning that it is more efficiently absorbed by the body.
Collagen supports gut health by improving and enhancing the gut barrier! It pretty much soothes, repairs, and strengthens the gut lining. Have you heard of leaky gut? Working as a GI nurse I was ALWAYS seeing patients that were experiencing symptoms of leaky gut, sadly it’s an extremely common problem among Americans. Studies show a correlation between a diet rich in collagen peptides and an increased production of short-chain- fatty -acids in the gut, which are known to hold anti-inflammatory benefits and keep gut inflammation at bay. This will also help you absorb nutrients more efficiently!
Like pretty much everything else on the market you have to assure that the brand you are using is transparent about where they source their collagen and any other ingredients in the formula! I feel as if I sound like a broken record in saying that but it is so true, whether you’re trying a new supplement or body care product, or essential oil, you must always be checking beyond the advertising!
I tend to go back and forth between two great collagen brands but keep finding myself reordering from Further Foods more lately. I love that they have unflavored and chocolate which is their newest release! The chocolate has reishi mushroom which also supports immunity health and brain support to improve your mood. I especially love that they’re a super clean brand, women-owned, and transparent about their ingredients, heavy metal tested too!
I like to add collagen to my morning coffee but you could also add it to a smoothie, or even bake with it! This is a recipe for gooey chocolate collagen brownies!
If you want to learn more, check out Further Foods and use my discount for 15% off your purchase! Promo code: CARLY
Just to be clear, this isn’t medical advice and I always recommend checking with your provider before starting a new supplement or product.