Hello!  We are a few days into 2022.  How does it feel?  Are the days following New Year’s Day any different than they were the past 365 days, or have you made new “intentions” to do things differently?  Keep in mind that zero effort yields zero results.  New year, new you.

 

ADD NOT SUBTRACT

This year, rather than berating myself for a few extra pounds or failures, I choose to add rather than subtract.  That doesn’t mean I want to add a few more pounds.  It means I want to add healthier choices.  Rather than quit doing things, I want to start doing and learning new things, for instance…

 

COLLAGEN

What did I learn this week?  I learned about collagen.  Yes, we have all heard the term, but do we really understand?  I did a bit of research and now I’m on the collagen bandwagon.  Give me a few paragraphs to explain.

 

WHAT IS IT?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body.  Healthline.com gave me the information that I share with you.  It explains that collagen is the main component of connective tissue that make up several body parts including tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles.  It provides your skin with structure and helps strengthen your bones.

 

AGE

John and I are not getting any younger yet there is no reason we have to feel our age.  Supplements are an important part of our daily intake however collagen was not on the list till now.

 

BENEFITS

Collagen supplementation provides a variety of benefits including…

  • Skin health. It strengthens skin and plays a role in elasticity and hydration, reducing wrinkles and dryness.
  • Joint pain. It helps maintain your cartilage which is the rubber-like tissue that protects your joints.
  • Bone loss. Your bones are made mostly of collagen, which gives them structure and strength.  Our body deteriorates with age.  So does bone mass. Collagen may inhibit bone breakdown that leads to osteoporosis.
  • Muscle mass. Studies show that collagen supplements help boost muscle mass in those with sarcopenia which is the loss of muscle mass that happens with age.
  • Heart health. Collagen provides structure to your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body.  Without collagen, arteries can become less flexible possibly leading to atherosclerosis which is a disease characterized by the narrowing of the arteries.  This could lead to heart attack or stroke.
  • Hair and nails. It may increase the strength and help them grow longer and stronger.
  • Gut health. Although there is no concrete evidence, some experts say it could help leaky gut syndrome.

 

CONS

Healthline says the collagen supplements may lead to mild side effects such as bloating and heartburn.  If you have food allergies be certain the supplement doesn’t contain your allergens. Do your research, check with your healthcare provider then decide if this is something you’d like to incorporate.

 

HDD

As always, if we at HDD can help on your journey to better health, call us at 505-350-3397.