What is Musculoskeletal Health?
The musculoskeletal system is the system of muscles, tendons and ligament, bones and joints, and associated tissues that move the body and help us to maintain our structure and form. Health of this system is defined as the absence of disease or illness within all of the parts of this system. When pain arises in the muscles, bones, or other tissues, it can be a result of either a sudden incident (or acute pain) or an ongoing condition (called chronic pain). Keeping this system of the body healthy is crucial not only to health in other body systems, but also for overall happiness and quality of life. *
What is Collagen?
Collagen refers to a family of proteins that are the primary structural component of connective tissues, such as skin and cartilage. Collagen is the protein that holds us together. Literally! 75 to 80% of our skin and 30% of our total body protein is made of collagen.
Collagen is important for the health of our skin, hair, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It is found in the articular cartilage that covers the ends of our bones where they come together - joints. It works to protect our bones from injury, but unfortunately our bodies can't always repair and replace cartilage and the durability of joints tends to decline with age.
Collagen supplementation is a great way to help keep joints strong. Collagen products come from animals. After ingestion, peptides eventually gather in the cartilage and skin. Collagen is also rich in the amino acid glycine that supports mood, sleep, and metabolism!
Collage can be extracted at home, but can be a time-consuming task! The bones or skin of an animal must be boiled for hours to get the broth. It is every bit worth the process! Would you like to learn how to make your own bone broth? It is PACKED with collagen! Take a peak at this recipe from Next to Nature:
Alternatively, collagen supplements are an easier and quicker way to get the protein! Plus, hydrolyzed collage (HC) is found in these supplements and is easier to absorb than if you were to consume homemade collagen.
If you would like to try a collagen powder drink, visit Next to Nature or stop by the store or clinic for some options available!
HC can be beneficial in reducing and preventing joint pain, bone density loss, and skin aging. Ingesting hydrolyzed collagen is a safe, easy way to take care of aging bodies.
You don't have to be over a certain age or experiencing joint pain to benefit from HC. Studies have also shown that athletes can also experience the positive effects. In a study, male mountain bikers and female basketball players consumed HC with B vitamins and magnesium daily for six months. After six months, ultrasounds on the shoulders and knees showed increases of cartilage thickness.
In another study, athletes with joint pain reported reduced pain after taking HC daily for 12 weeks. Athletes taking hydrolyzed collagen also saw a significant decline in ankle injuries. In the last study, collagen peptide supplementation also proved to enhance lean body mass. Athletes taking collagen peptides had an increase in fat-free mass.
Aging is inevitable and injury is common. But by using products like collagen peptides and powder, and making our own bone broth, we can give our bodies the attention and care they deserve!
Some Content Credit:
Lawrence University
Erica Zelfand, ND
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