In recent years, there has been increased attention regarding the human microbiome. The human microbiome consists of all the microorganisms that inhabit our bodies, including those found in the gut, on the skin, in the oral cavity, and in the urogenital tract. The microbiome’s function is so crucial to the body’s normal functioning that it is now considered almost like a human organ.
The gut microbiome likely has the greatest impact on our well-being and health. It even affects brain function, the immune system, and our hormonal balance. More and more research is being conducted on the connection between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. This so-called brain-gut connection is linked to the development of various mental disorders and other conditions, such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome, various forms of anxiety and stress, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
The gut microbiome largely depends on the food we eat, but taking probiotics and prebiotics can also influence it to some extent. Below, we’ll touch on collagen, a nutrient that is especially important for a healthy digestive tract.
Collagen
The role of collagen in our body is to provide tissue with specific structure, including the tissue in the digestive tract. Our digestive tract is, on average, about 9 meters long, meaning this is 9 meters of tissue that constantly needs a supply of collagen. The amino acids from ingesting hydrolyzed collagen are used, among other things, to restore the gut lining, which can positively affect symptoms of leaky gut syndrome. The problem with leaky gut is that various toxins or even bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract can pass into the bloodstream.
Collagen is also a good source of glycine, an amino acid with proven anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the cause of many other diseases, so anti-inflammatory agents are extremely important.
Most of us take collagen protein powder to make our skin look better, but do you know that collagen can also be the reason for the gut health improvement? In this blog post, we’ll explain how collagen affects your digestive tract, and how consuming collagen powder along with your diet can result in your overall well being.
Why is collagen important to gut health?
Collagen is extremely important and collagen benefits for the gut are numerous. This fibrous protein has a lot to do with the health and integrity of your gastrointestinal tract, which in turn is important in the prevention of some symptoms like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Collagen is beneficial not only for skin health, but it is also found in skin cells called fibroblasts, which are also known as connective tissue cells. However, did you know that if you are having problems with your skin, it might be because of your gut health?
How does gut health affect the skin?
The gut is a key organ that influences the immune system as well as nutrient absorption, detoxification, and hormone production. When your gut health is poor or there is an imbalance in the good bacteria, it can cause inflammation which is one of the reasons for acne or rosacea. Since our natural collagen production drops as we get older, it is vital to include a collagen powder in your daily routine to keep your gut and skin (among other factors) healthy!
How to use collagen powder to improve your gut health
Consistency is key! The major thing is to be regular in taking collagen supplements. Pick a collagen supplement that fits well into your daily life so you won’t forget to take it. Here are some ways you can incorporate collagen into your daily routine:
Use it in your coffee or tea: For a coffee or tea drinker, place the collagen next to your coffee machine or kettle so that you don’t forget to add it to your morning tea or coffee.
Add it to your protein shake: Do you like drinking a protein shake after working out or just as a snack? Replace your standard whey protein powder with a collagen protein powder. It will provide you with both the recommended collagen dose and the required whey protein all in just one powder.
Use it with food: Collagen peptides are one of the easiest and most versatile products, as you can add it to pretty much any food or drink. It is unflavored and hence you can use it with your juice, smoothie, pasta, etc. to get as many options as you like.
Add marine collagen to your water: Just add marine collagen to water and sip throughout the day. Find a collagen powder that has hyaluronic acid and vitamin C which aids your skin’s hydration and moisture.
It’s essential to have a healthy gut.
The gut is a very important part of the human body and it needs to be taken care of. If you want your skin to be youthful and healthy, then you should pay attention to the health of your gut.
Below are some tips for gut health improvement:
- Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet as these are the sources of fiber which are important for the digestive system. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Consume less processed and refined foods. These foods are low in fiber and nutrients and they trigger gut inflammation that leads to diseases like irritable bowel syndrome.
- Drink a lot of water. This is good for removing the toxins and it makes the digestion process easier.
- You can take a collagen supplement along with your daily routine. A collagen powder is a good choice for those who are not able to eat enough collagen-rich foods as it will make their gut healthier.
The main point here is to say that the gut interacts with the rest of your body and therefore it is always important to keep it in a healthy state. A healthy gut not only benefits your skin, hair, and nails but also helps in reducing the age-associated symptoms. Collagen supplements are an accessible option to enhance your body’s collagen production, but don’t forget that the key is to be consistent and maintain a healthy diet as well!
Photo by Ella Olsson:
