What destroys collagen in the body and skin [tips & remedies]
Discover what damages collagen in the body, how to protect your skin and joints and improve their firmness.
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.Just as a building is exposed to rain, wind and sun, your collagen faces constant adversity. And there are more of them than you may think.
With clinical nutritionist Julia Skrajda, we've taken them under the microscope. Below you'll find tips to keep your foundations strong and your façade beautiful.
The following is a guide to maintaining a strong foundation and a beautiful façade.
From this article you will learn:
- What degrades collagen in the body.
- How to reduce collagen degradation.
- What should be included in a collagen diet.
- Whether collagen supplements are effective. .
See also:
.
- The best collagen
- Facial collagen
- Collagen for skin
- Collagen for joints
- Collagen for tendons
- Collagen for bones
- Hair collagen
- Collagen for cellulite
- Collagen for acne
- Collagen for stretch marks
- Collagen for scars
- Drinking collagen andDrinking collagen (effects)
What destroys collagen in the body?
.
Collagen in the body is mainly destroyed by age. In addition to it, factors that flush out this protein include: excess free radicals, UV radiation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies (e.g. vitamins A, C, E and copper), smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of exercise, consumption of large amounts of sugar, excessive stress.
Oxidative stress
.
In addition to age and hormonal behaviour, oxidative stress is the main factor that damages collagen in your body. Free radicals lead to a deterioration in the synthesis of this protein and accelerate its degradation.
This can lead to damage to proteins, lipids and DNA. Collagen, as a key structural protein of the body, can be particularly affected by this damage. Some of the causes of oxidative stress are:
- exposure to heavy metals,
- inappropriate diet,
- smoking,
- chronic stress,
- UV radiation,
Oxidative stress can also affect the structural integrity of the skin, creating an abnormal tissue microenvironment. This, in turn, promotes the development of age-related skin disorders, such as impaired wound healing.
Heavy metals, e.g. nickel, can lead to increased expression of collagenases - enzymes responsible for the breakdown of collagen. These enzymes cause the skin's extracellular matrix to weaken, resulting in deterioration of the and.
UV radiation
.
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage collagen and its fibres. As a result, visual signs of ageing such as wrinkles and other skin-related problems (e.g. sagging or dryness) will appear, as UV radiation causes photodegradation of collagen and.
Be sure to protect your skin from UV radiation - use screen creams. You will prevent collagen damage and skin ageing. In short, you will prolong your youth (after all, age is just a number, right?).
Eating lots of sugar
.
Sugar and refined carbohydrates (found in processed foods) can damage collagen in the body through a process called glycation and.
Glycation is a non-enzymatic reaction between sugars and the amino groups of proteins (e.g. collagen). It leads to a disruption in the structure of collagen. The result can be a reduction in its strength and elasticity in your body and.
You don't have to go through life in an anti-sugar celibacy, but definitely leave sweets and snacksfor special occasions.
Cigarette smoking
.
Cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals and free radicals that disrupt the chemical structure of collagen. The tangible effects can be joint pain or worse skin condition.
In turn, the nicotine in cigarette smoke suppresses the immune system, leading to poor wound healing and an increased risk of infection. Cigarette smoke also affects fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) and decreases the body's production of collagen and.
Don't smoke, simply put. Not just to protect collagen, but simply to live longer and healthier.
.
Vitamin and mineral deficiency
.
A lack of vitamins and minerals prevents your body from synthesising collagen and accelerates its degradation and. Be sure to eat foods rich in:
- vitamin C,
- zinc,
- copper,
- vitamin A,
- MSM (organic sulfur),
- vitamin E,
For example
Citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, kiwi, oranges, peppers, red meats, almonds, liver or nuts.
Strongly stick to a healthy diet that contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. A balanced menu rich in fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources provides the necessary nutrients for collagen synthesis.
See also:
- What collagen to choose
- Best absorbable collagen
- Drinkable collagen
- Liquid collagen
- Collagen in sachets
- Collagen in tablets
- Collagen powder
- Collagen shot
- Liophilised collagen
- Collagen hydrolysate
- Fish collagen for drinking
Environmental pollutants
Environmental pollutants increase oxidative stress and inflammation which is not conducive to collagen and.
Inflammation is your body's response to pollutants that contribute to collagen degradation. The immune system then releases so-called pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can interfere with collagen production and overall skin integrity .
You won't change your environment overnight. However, you can put an air purifier in your home. Plan outdoor activities according to the pollution levels in - oh, ironically! - outdoors.
Lack of exercise
Daily physical activity supports the maintenance of adequate collagen levels and also prevents arterial stiffness. This positively affects blood flow and prevents heart disease.
Lack of exercise leads to reduced collagen synthesis and accelerates collagen breakdown and.
Consume exercise - from walking, running and cycling to crossfit WODs. Aerobics do not exempt you from strength training and vice versa.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption negatively affects everything, including collagen production and. Alcohol causes:
- Inflammation - excessive alcohol consumption can cause inflammation, which breaks down collagen and weakens the structure of the skin.
- Oxidative stress - the metabolic process of alcohol leads to oxidative stress, which can damage collagen fibres and negatively affect their formation.
You don't have to quit alcohol once and for all. Research consistently suggests that the occasional glass of wine or pint of beer not only does no harm, but can actually extend the life of and.
What about my collagen if I am a woman?
Research suggests that collagen levels in women decline significantly during menopause. This period is associated with a decrease in estrogen, which plays an important role in collagen production.
How to reduce collagen depletion by the body?
You will replenish collagen levels with simple but important changes in your life and diet:
- Care for calmness in your life and try to reduce stress, e.g. at work or in your daily life.
- Care for calmness in your life and try to reduce stress.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and use screen sunscreen.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and use sunscreen.
- Stop or limit smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Limit processed foods and sweets.
- Exercise regularly to maintain tissue elasticity and promote collagen production.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins and minerals (e.g. vitamin A, C or zinc), which are essential for collagen synthesis. You can also support yourself with sensible supplementation. .
How to combat the causes of deficiency yourself, i.e. the collagen diet?
On a collagen diet, eat products rich in collagen itself as well as proteins, amino acids and vitamins that support collagen production. Consume:
- Bone broths - Broths based on beef, poultry or pork bones are a very good source of collagen.
- Meat, fish and seafood - the protein in these products is rich in amino acids such as lysine and proline - essential ingredients for collagen production.
- Citrus fruits - vitamin C found in fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and strawberries, is crucial for collagen synthesis.
- Aggs - the protein in eggs (similar to meat) provides the amino acids needed to build collagen. In addition, the yolk is a source of vitamin A, which aids collagen production.
- Nuts and seeds - nuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds are a source of vitamin E which supports collagen production.
- Cabbage, spinach and other leafy vegetables - rich in vitamin C and A, these vegetables enhance collagen production.
- Green tea - it contains antioxidants that protect collagen and promote its production.
Incorporate these foods into your menu to support the health of your skin, joints and connective tissue.
Is it worth taking collagen supplements?
.
Yes. Take collagen supplements as they can reduce the body's depletion of collagen. Choose formulations containing hydrolysed collagen, which is distinguished by its good bioavailability. The optimal source? Opt for fish collagen (sea collagen). Research suggests that it is absorbed up to 1.5 times faster than, say, beef and.
Also pay attention to the composition of collagen supplements. The best ones contain 5-10 grams of hydrolysate and additional active ingredients (especially vitamin C or hyaluronic acid). If you are looking for the strongest collagen, then check out these supplements: Natu.Care premium collagen, Colladrop Flex, Sundose collagen, or Colladrop Forte.
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See also:
.
- The most powerful collagen .
- How to replenish collagen
- Collagen type 1, type 2, type 3
- Collagen excess .
- Collagen supplement .
- Collagen for women
- How to rebuild collagen
Summary
.
In summary
- Major factors leading to collagen depletion in the body include age, hormone status, a sterile diet and poor lifestyle hygiene.
- The best remedy is a varied diet.
- The best remedy is a varied diet rich in vitamins, minerals and collagen itself, as well as an active lifestyle.
- Collagen supplements (such as Natu.Care's Collagen Premium) are an effective way to support the body. .
FAQ
.What foods are high in collagen?
.A balanced diet containing products derived from cartilage and skin will provide you with plenty of collagen.
Foods rich in the protein of youth include:
- cicken feet, .
- chicken with skin, .
- broth on the bones (pork, beef, chicken), .
- meat and fish jellies, .
- salcessón, .
- fish with skin, .
- goat, .
- offal, .
Also remember foods that support collagen production, such as eggs, legumes, shellfish and soya. Also consume plenty of vegetables and fruit - especially those that are sources of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E.
Many collagen-rich foods are characteristically meaty dishes that you don't always like (offal, cartilage, skins, jellies, seafood). If you don't like these dishes, consider a dietary supplement such as Natu.Care Premium Collagen.
Does sugar destroy collagen?
.Yes, sugar can destroy collagen in the body. This process is called glycation. Glycation occurs when sugar molecules, such as glucose, bind directly to collagen proteins, leading to the formation of harmful molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
If you want to minimise the damaging effects of sugar on collagen:
- limit your sugar intake, .
- consume foods rich in antioxidants (e.g. broccoli, spinach or carrots), .
- keep your body hydrated, .
What are the symptoms of a lack of collagen in the body?
.Symptoms that may indicate a lack of collagen in the body include:
- Appearance of wrinkles and loss of elasticity of skin.
- Weakening of nails and increased brittleness of hair. .
- Pain in joints and muscles. .
- Weaker tissue regeneration (e.g. during wound healing). .
- Digestive problems. .
- Worse immunity. .
To supplement collagen, consume amino acid-rich proteins such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs and legumes, as well as supplements. The best collagens on the market include: Natu.Care premium collagen, Colladrop Flex, Sundose collagen, or Colladrop Forte.
What vitamins affect collagen production?
.To increase collagen production, take primarily vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E.
.- Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. You'll find it in fruits such as citrus, strawberries, kiwi and vegetables - peppers, broccoli and kale.
- Vitamin A is a great way to get a good grip on your body.
- Vitamin A plays a key role in the repair of collagen tissue. Its excellent sources are animal products such as liver, fish and eggs, and vegetables such as carrots, yams and pumpkin.
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects collagen from degradation caused by free radicals. You can find it in nuts, seeds, olive fruit, spinach and avocados.
Does collagen have side effects?
.In most cases, collagen supplementation is not associated with side effects. Occasionally, however, they can occur and most commonly include:
- allergic reactions - make sure you are not allergic to the ingredients in the formulation.
- Allergic reactions - make sure you are not allergic to the ingredients in the formulation.
- gastrointestinal disorders - consumption of collagen can sometimes cause bloating, diarrhoea or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
- Gastrointestinal disorders - consumption of collagen can sometimes cause bloating, diarrhoea or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
If you experience side effects with collagen supplementation, discontinue the product. And if there is something wrong with your body despite this, see your doctor. There are very few collagen contraindications, but it is worth being vigilant, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Is collagen better to drink in the morning or in the evening?
.For most people, it does not matter whether collagen is consumed in the morning or in the evening. However, it is important to be regular and consume the protein of youth every day. This is the only way you can get the optimum health benefits for your skin, joints, hair, nails and connective tissue.
Choose a time that best suits your lifestyle and is convenient, and then maintain a regular intake of collagen.
What vegetable has the most collagen?
.None. Collagen is an animal protein, so you won't find it in fruit and vegetables. However, some may provide you with the ingredients you need to synthesise this protein (e.g. vitamin C). Eat these vegetables to boost collagen production:
- apple, .
- broccoli, .
- kale, .
- spinach, .
- carrots, .
- beet .
- zucchini, .
- battles, .
.
Sources
.See all
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Editorials
Meet the teamEditor
Graduate of Journalism and Artes Liberales at the University of Warsaw. Since 2017, he has been working with the biggest portals in Poland and abroad as an editor. Previously worked for 3 years in one of the leading pharmaceutical companies - he knows the health and beauty industry inside out. In his free time, he most enjoys playing tennis or skiing.
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