Collagen Deficiency and Wrinkles

Collagen: Beyond Wrinkles
Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body, and the most common protein found in mammals. It is primarily composed of three amino acids: glycine, proline and lysine. There are over twenty different types of collagen found in the human body, but types 1, 2 and 3 comprise 80 to 90 percent of total collagen.

Collagen is essential for the skin, ligaments, bone, blood vessels, eyes, heart (heart valves), organ encasements, gums, teeth, bladder, fascia, and tendons. Collagen is secreted by many types of cells including fibroblasts. Over 85 percent of the protein in the human body is collagen. The successful functioning of our bodies is dependent on adequate collagen synthesis.

As we get older, collagen production declines. This shows up as wrinkles and changes in the structural integrity of the skin. Another area in the body that is indicative of decreased collagen production can be receding gums. 

In order to make collagen, the body requires an adequate amount of the following nutrients: vitamin C, proline, glycine, lysine, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, sulfur, hyaluronic acid, and silica.

Collagen deficiency can contribute to bladder problems like incontinence, heart problems, arterial and circulation issues, eye and retinal issues, gum and mouth problems, lung problems, bone and soft tissue injuries.

Ways to Increase Collagen Production:

Bone Broth: Cook organic and pasture-raised bones (about a pound and a half per gallon of water) for 12-24 hours in water. Add about 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar, cilantro (this keeps heavy metal absorption low), rosemary, and optional veggies (carrot, celery, greens etc.). Bone broth is rich in collagen protein and is an immune system tonic. It has the extra benefit of healing the gut lining.

Celery: Silica in celery is a building block for collagen. You can juice celery stalks and make 8 ounces of celery juice. Alternatively, you can Vitamix 4 stalks and 4 ounces of water, gulp it down, and have it away from all other foods to absorb it best.

Eggs: Eggs are rich in sulfur, a trace mineral necessary for collagen production. Egg yolks and eggshell membranes contain collagen.

Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries contain phytonutrients that help collagen fibers link together and are high in vitamin C, which is an essential building block for collagen production.

Pumpkin Seeds: High in zinc, which is an essential nutrient for collagen production.

Avocado oil: High in vitamin E and omegas, this oil helps to hinder the breakdown of collagen. It is probably the healthiest oil to use in cooking, as it is high heat tolerant.

Limes, Lemons, Oranges, Grapefruit: High in vitamin C, which helps the amino acids proline and lysine convert to collagen.

Swiss chard and carrots: Contain high levels of vitamin A, which helps with collagen production.

Collagen and cofactor supplementation: Nutritional Supplements allow for higher dosages of collagen intake, which may be more bioavailable, effective and convenient. Not everyone requires collagen protein, but may require the building blocks for collagen production. Bovine collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in the cartilage and bones of cows. Cartilage from chicken sternum is also commonly used for supplementation. They provide types 1 and 3 collagen, the key collagen components in your skin, hair, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, blood vessels, teeth, eyes, lungs, and gums.

A person may require supplementation with Collagen JS, silica, collagen protein, magnesium, zinc, proline, glycine, lysine, vitamin C, zinc, copper, niacin, hyaluronic acid, horsetail, and other supplementation. Applied Kinesiology using the skin tug test and muscle testing can determine if any of these collagen or cofactors are necessary for supplementation.

Cold Laser Red Light Therapy: Cold laser is an effective modality for increasing collagen production and synthesis. Cold laser promotes the release of cytokines and increases fibroblasts, which are major cells responsible for collagen production.

Quit Sugar: Sugar stimulates the enzyme Collagenase. Collagenase is an enzyme that breaks down the peptide bonds in collagen. Smoking, fluoridated water, processed foods and alcohol also stimulate collagenase. Drink filtered water to avoid chlorine and fluoride. Quit smoking and eat raw and organic fruits and vegetables for collagen support.

About the Authour

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading NY Holistic Chiropractor and Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner specializing in holistic remedies for good health maintenance and prevention of disease. Visit his website at HolisticChiropracticCenter.com to learn more.

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