Collagen is often thought of with women’s skincare regimens due to its ability to improve the skin and nails. Collagen’s benefits are not purely cosmetic though. Collagen is important in skin, muscle, and bone health. Increasing collagen production and reducing collagen breakdown is important for body health and strength.
To optimize collagen production is simple. Eat a healthful diet full of fish, eggs, legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. These foods provide the amino acids and zinc required for healthy collagen production. Be sure to include fruits such as citrus and berries for the vitamin C boost.
Stress management is important for your overall health, but reducing cortisol levels also helps with collagen production. Meditation, lavender, chamomile, and exercise can all be used to reduce stress levels. If you are interested in learning about lavender’s benefits visit: Benefits of Lavender
Getting enough sleep is essential to your body’s health as a whole, but also for collagen production. Be sure to get at least 7 hours a night. If you are concerned about your ability to sleep or sleep quality visit: Improving Sleep with Valerian Root.
To reduce collagen breakdown, protect yourself against the sun. Be sure to wear sunscreen when in the sun for a prolonged period of time. Avoiding smoking or being around smoke is also important when it comes to collagen.
Collagen supplements are plentiful but are not a substitute for looking after your health. They are also incredibly expensive. Don’t be concerned if you cannot afford to take a collagen supplement. It is not necessary. Just eat healthfully and take care of your body.
Harvard T.H. Chan. (2022, March 2). Collagen. The Nutrition Source. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/