I know you’re not hearing this from me for the first time, “All Health Starts In The Gut”, Hippocrates made this statement over 2000 years ago and it still holds true today. As a holistic nutritionist working in the field of mental health and now developing nutrition programs for mothers of special needs children; my goal is to help individuals improve their health in a manner that is convenient and easy to implement.
If there is one thing that I really like to recommend it’s collagen peptides (or hydrolyzed collagen). BUT – There are two roadblocks that often get in the way:
- Purchasing the product – many health food stores do not carry collagen peptides.
- A lot of my clients do not and will not consume animal products, but will still eat fish and seafood. (Collagen Peptides are usually made from pasture-raised bovine hides.)
FORTUNATELY, there is now ‘marine based’ collagen peptides, made from the bones of wild caught cod.
I’ve witnessed first hand with clients, friends and family some of its many benefits including:
- Reduced arthritic inflammation and pain
- Improved joint health for young athletes
- Strengthens hair and nails
- Increases skin elasticity and moisture
- Reduced tooth sensitivity
- Great source of protein*
- Improves gut health**
- Keeps you satiated longer, so it can help with weight loss
*Collagen peptides are a great source of protein with 18 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids. It should be noted that it is not a ‘complete’ protein and does not contain the essential amino acid called tryptophan. (Essential means that your body cannot make it and therefore it must be acquired from the foods we eat.) Tryptophan is an amino acid that acts as a precursor to the mood enhancing neurotransmitter called serotonin. Not to worry – I just want you to have all the facts. So, make sure you consume some of these other great sources of tryptophan: Ethically sourced turkey, chicken, red meat and eggs as well as beans, sesame seeds, organic dairy, whole grain oats, brown rice, sweet potatoes and bananas.
**Collagen Peptides for Gut Health
Ingesting collagen has many positive effects on our digestive health. It is high in the amino acid glycine, which regulates inflammation and protects the mucosal barrier.
It can also be a prebiotic to help feed bifidobacteria to help maintain a healthy balance in your microbiome.
Collagen derived from marine sources have been shown to close the tight junctions of the intestinal tract reducing permeability (leaky gut).
How to use it?
It couldn’t be easier – simply add a scoop or two, once or twice a day (I add it to my morning smoothies and to my bullet proof coffee). Sometimes, I even add it to baked goods. It dissolves completely in any cold or hot liquid. No flavour, smell or gelling.
Have you tried collagen peptides? – If so, I would love to hear about your experience…
REFERENCES:
https://draxe.com/what-is-collagen/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23949208
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745978/
All information contained in this email is for information purposes only and is not intended for the purpose of diagnosing or treating any illness or disease. Please consult with a qualified health care provider before making any significant lifestyle or nutrition changes.