What is collagen and why is it so important?

Approximately 16% of your body is made up of protein, collagen being the most abundant. It plays an important role in cell production, improving skin health, hair and nail growth, muscle maintenance, joint function and reducing joint pain through involvement in connective tissues, bones, and cartilage. Collagen is produced by your body, however, as you age, the amount produced as well as the quality of the collagen produced decreases. So, whether you’re working towards a young healthy glow, or trying to maintain a healthy muscle mass as you age to keeping your body fit and healthy for life, boosting your collagen will help you get there!

How To Boost Your Collagen

The amount of collagen in your body is primarily affected by diet and sleep. With this in mind, here are five ways to boost your collagen and health!

x - Build up your collagen stores.

All proteins in your body are made up of building blocks called amino acids. Collagen is made in your body by combining glycine and proline, a process which uses vitamin C. These can be found in:

Although it is important to build more collagen, it is also important to maintain and repair the collagen that you have. During sleep there is increased blood flow to the skin which allows for the repair of collagen that has been damaged during the day.

Excessive sun exposure and smoking are examples of activities that can reduce the production of collagen in the body.

Foods that are high in sugar or refined carbohydrates interfere with the ability of collagen to repair itself.

Taking a daily collagen supplement can be an easy and effective way to boost your collagen levels without too many changes to your current lifestyle.

Glycine: large amounts in pork skin as well as chicken skin and gelatin.
Proline: large amounts in egg whites, wheat germ, dairy products, cabbage, asparagus and mushrooms.
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries

x - Get your beauty sleep.

Although it is important to build more collagen, it is also important to maintain and repair the collagen that you have. During sleep there is increased blood flow to the skin which allows for the repair of collagen that has been damaged during the day.

x - Avoid collagen damaging activities.

Excessive sun exposure and smoking are examples of activities that can reduce the production of collagen in the body.

x - Skip all added sugar.

Foods that are high in sugar or refined carbohydrates interfere with the ability of collagen to repair itself.

x - Add a little extra.