ALL ABOUT COLLAGEN The Protein That Holds Us Together
Even if you have heard of collagen, chances are you don’t know much about what it does for the human body. Collagen makes up a third of the body’s proteins. In some ways, it is the glue that holds our bodies together (the first part of “collagen” comes from the Greek word “kolla,” meaning “glue”). Getting your body to produce more collagen can have amazing health benefits, particularly for those who are aging and noticing more wrinkles.
longer. Collagen begins in the body as procollagen, which is created when two amino acids, glycine and proline, combine. Vitamin C aids this process, so any foods with high concentrations of these nutrients help your body produce more collagen. Egg whites are a great source of proline, along with foods like asparagus, cabbage, and dairy products. Additionally, pork skin,
There are around 16 types of collagen proteins in the body, but type 1 collagen makes up
roughly 90% of a person’s collagen count. Type 1 collagen gives structure to our tendons, bones, connective tissues, and skin. When we’re younger, our bodies produce enough collagen to keep our skin tight and strong. However, as we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, which contributes to thinner skin and wrinkles.
chicken skin, and gelatin all have high levels of glycine. If you want to get your vitamin C levels up, citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries are tasty choices. Watch out for foods and habits that can damage your collagen production, like eating lots of refined sugar, exposing your skin to too much sunshine, and smoking.
Fortunately, there are certain foods and nutrients you can consume to boost your collagen production and keep your skin smoother and stronger for
By adopting habits and diets that enhance collagen production, you can keep yourself looking younger and feeling better, even as you get older.
Oral Health and Whole-Body Health
The Link Between Worlds
Good oral health habits are an important part of good whole-body health. The two are linked and can work together in harmony or they can result in harm. The mouth is the gateway to the body. It’s how we nourish ourselves, but it can be an entry point for disease. An infection in the mouth, for example, can cause other problems within the body. Oral infection and inflammation can be a sign that the immune system is fighting a disease. If the infection is allowed to spread, it can cause other serious health problems.
Why is it that so many people with diabetes or heart disease also have periodontitis? Some of the biggest reasons are shared risk factors. People who eat a poor diet and get limited physical activity are at risk to develop both gum disease and heart disease. For example, a diet rich in sugar and carbohydrates has a greater potential to promote the development of tooth decay and gum disease, while also causing detriment to the body. Additionally, there are other risk factors as well. Many people have developed habits that harm different biomes in the body. Overuse of antibacterial toothpastes and mouthwashes can harm the biome in the mouth — killing good bacteria — which can lead to an increase of decay
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an early sign of a health imbalance. It has been linked to detrimental conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Research has shown that a majority of people with heart disease also have gum disease — one study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that number to be quite significant, around 91%.
and infection-causing bacteria. This is why it’s important to understand more about the products we use to clean our mouths. On top of that, it’s vital to eat foods that promote a healthy mouth and body. These are foods low in sugar and simple carbohydrates, yet high in vitamins and lean proteins. It’s also beneficial to maintain regular daily activity. This helps keep inflammation down and keeps your immune system healthy.
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