I N PROF I LE
are you getting enough? COLLAGEN
N aturopath Leisa Armstrong explains the role of collagen in the body, and why you may not be getting enough. Collagen can be likened to a super-strong nutritional spiderweb that is holding us together. It’s the most abundant protein found in the human body, and makes up one-third of its total protein. As well as being a major component of skin, providing strength and cushioning, it is also found in bones, muscles, cartilage, and tendons. In fact, there is more collagen in your bones than calcium. However, as we get older, our ability to replenish collagen declines by about 1.5 per cent every year. This is a losing battle on two fronts: one, we can’t make collagen as efficiently as before, and two, the body starts breaking it down. Compounding the problem is that our modern Western diet does not provide much collagen. Given collagen’s role in so many parts of the body, a deficiency can become critical. Are you at risk? Here are the 10 key signs. 1 Wrinkles and decreased elasticity: Collagen acts as ‘scaffolding’ underneath our skin, so when its levels decline, the skin loses structure and firmness and becomes less elastic, and wrinkles begin to form. While this situation is natural and inevitable, you do not need to take it lying down! Taking collagen supplements will help to promote the formation of collagen from within, as opposed to facial creams that only reach the outer layers of the skin and therefore
have just a short-lived impact. Research has shown that, after only eight weeks of collagen supplementation, collagen and elastin levels were increased within the skin, and eye wrinkles decreased by 20 per cent. 2 Visible cellulite: The appearance of cellulite often corresponds with the thinning of the dermal layer of skin along with decreased elasticity and abnormal distribution of elastin and collagen fibres within the dermis. This combination results in visible wrinkling and puckering of the skin (ie. cellulite). Research has shown that collagen supplementation decreases the appearance of cellulite after six months. 3 Brittle nails: Around 20 per cent of the population experience soft, dry, weak, easily breakable, peeling or never-growing nails. Collagen supplementation has been found to significantly increase nail growth rate, and to decrease cracked or chipped nails. 4 Dark circles: Dark circles or sunken-looking eyes are often attributed to dehydration, nutritional deficiencies or poor sleep. Surprisingly, collagen decline is another contributing factor; in fact, the under-eye area is the first place collagen loss becomes noticeable. As collagen decreases, skin becomes thinner and appears translucent, which is why supporting collagen formationmay decrease the appearance of dark circles. 5 Thinning hair: As collagen declines, the hair follicles shrink, which results in hair loss. When collagen is surrounding your hair follicles, it allows
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ISSUE 56 • 2019
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