Authored by Jacqueline Tourville, WHN Managing Editor
You may already know collagen as the superstar protein behind youthful skin and stronger and faster-growing nails. But exciting new research is showing that collagen’s benefits go even deeper — supporting not just your appearance, but your overall health and well-being.
Here are three new science-backed reasons to consider adding collagen to your daily routine:
1. Collagen improves sleep and sharpens focus
If you’re tossing and turning at night or struggling with brain fog during the day, collagen can provide relief. According to a 2023 study, participants who supplemented with collagen reported better nighttime sleep quality as well as enhanced focus during their waking hours.
Researchers believe collagen’s key amino acids — like glycine — help calm the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Better sleep means better next day brain performance and sharper mental clarity.
2. Collagen eases joint pain associated with osteoarthritis
Collagen is a major building block of cartilage — the tissue that cushions your joints. As we age, natural collagen production declines, which can lead to cartilage breakdown and inflammation. Supplementing with collagen helps rebuild and protect cartilage, offering real, measurable relief for those dealing with joint issues.
If pain in your joints is related to osteoarthritis, here’s some added good news: a clinical review published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology shows that collagen supplementation provides noteworthy reductions in osteoarthritis symptoms (joint pain and stiffness) due to its dual benefits of inflammation reduction and cartilage rebuilding.
3. Collagen helps heal a leaky gut
Collagen is emerging as a powerful ally for gut health, especially when it comes to strengthening the gut lining and providing relief for inflammation-related gut health issues. According to a growing body of research:
- Collagen strengthens tight junctions in the gut lining, helping to support recovery from leaky gut.
- Collagen reduces inflammation, calming gut irritation and promoting overall digestive health.
- Taking a daily collagen supplement appears to offer relief from GERD symptoms, including acid reflux.
- Collagen also aids in the production of short-chain fatty acids, like butyrate, which nourish gut cells, further enhancing gut barrier function.
If you’re struggling with symptoms like bloating, food sensitivities, fatigue, or other signs of leaky gut, collagen could be a gentle but effective support tool. When choosing a collagen supplement to assist with gut health, look for one that contains Type III collagen – the type of collagen found in the gut lining (Our Collagen 5-Complex contains this type). Think of Type III like a natural repair kit for your gut!
Look and feel healthy – from the inside out
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of collagen, make sure you choose a high-quality, multi-type collagen supplement to provide complete support. From better sleep and sharper mental focus to healthier joints and a stronger gut – plus, thicker hair, smoother skin, and faster-growing nails – collagen’s health and beauty benefits are simply too powerful to ignore.
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