The Key to a Younger You

WHAT IS COLLAGEN ANYWAY?

“Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body,” states Dr. Axe. “(It’s) a strong, springy, fibrous substance that is woven into dozens of your body’s tissues.  It’s responsible in large part for the firmness and elasticity of your skin, the strength of your nails and bones, and the pliability of your cartilage, tendons, muscles, gut lining, and blood vessels.  Collagen plays a role in everything from wound healing to gut health to cardiac health.  It’s the glue that holds you together.”  Dr. Axe goes on to explain in detail the types and sources of collagen, how they’re comprised of amino acids, and that it’s important to supplement natural collagen after our mid-twenties, because it starts to decrease by 1% each year.  His study of collagen began about a dozen years ago, when he received a call from his mother, saying she’d received her second diagnosis of cancer.  In the middle of his health science studies, he knew that nutrition played an enormous role in healing, and read everything he could find to help his mom.  He developed a comprehensive plan for her, and in nine months, she had beat cancer and she continues in great health today.   

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Because collagen makes up 30% of the protein in your body, it affects many areas of function and good health.  Dr. Axe discusses at least a dozen ways that collagen (plus other good health habits) benefits us:  it can create glowing skin, hair, and nails; heal your gut; eliminate pain and inflammation; improve sleep; boost mood; help control weight; build stronger muscle; promote bone density; improve heart health; strengthen your immune system; bolster antioxidant protection and detoxification; restore sexual and hormonal health; and increase your life span.  For example, in a 2018 study published in Nutrients, half a trial group of postmenopausal women were given daily supplemental collagen, while the other half took a placebo. The supplement group showed significantly higher bone density in their spines and femurs versus the placebo group, which showed a decrease in bone mineral density.   

HOW DO WE GET IT?  

Dr. Axe highly recommends eating a “clean” diet of high quality proteins, e.g. grass-fed meats; pasture-raised poultry and eggs; wild-caught fish, vegetables and berris; raw, organic dairy foods; and lots of bone broth made from the bones, skin, and cartilage of cows, chicken, fish, and eggs.  Organ meats, gelatin, and collagen supplements are also great sources of collagen.  He likens meat, eggs, and dairy to “bricks,” and collagen to the “mortar” that holds them together.  On the flip side, he goes on to list foods which attack collagen that we should avoid or change:  refined carbs, fried foods, soda and sugar-filled drinks, processed meats. Dr. Axe also outlines six habits that boost collagen:  move more, sit less; create calm (reduce stress); embrace sleep; watch your weight; take care of your mouth; and don’t smoke.