Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up about a third of our total protein content. Collagen provides structure and support for bones, blood vessels, skin and connective tissue. We have three types of collagen that play different roles in our health: Type I (most abundant), Type II and Type III. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen which causes wrinkles as well as decreased elasticity in your skin; however, there are ways to boost natural collagen production through diet, supplements and lifestyle changes!
Our bodies manufacture collagen
Collagen is a protein that makes up connective tissue, which includes the skin, bones, and tendons. It's the most abundant protein in our bodies and is found in all connective tissues—without it, we wouldn't be able to move or feel anything. Collagen provides strength and structure throughout our bodies by holding everything together while still being flexible enough to stretch when needed.
Because collagen plays such an important role in keeping us healthy as we age (and because it has so many other uses), many people wonder why their body's natural collagen production declines with age—and what they can do about it!
Age is the number one reason for a decline in collagen production.
It's no coincidence that the skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag as we get older. Collagen is a protein, just like other proteins in our bodies. As we age, these proteins tend to break down more quickly than they can be replaced. The result is a decline in collagen production—and therefore less healthy, younger-looking skin.
Other factors can also decrease natural collagen production.
Other factors can also decrease natural collagen production, these include:
• Stress and poor sleep habits
• Smoking and alcohol consumption, which can damage the skin cells that produce collagen
• Hormone imbalances, including estrogen loss associated with menopause
• Exposure to UV light
You can increase your natural collagen production with diet and lifestyle changes.
There is hope, however. You can increase your natural collagen production with diet, collagen supplements and lifestyle changes.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C and E. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals, while vitamin E helps keep skin firm by preventing water loss and repairing damaged tissue. Good sources of these vitamins include citrus fruits (lemons, oranges), leafy greens (spinach), tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower and broccoli sprouts as well as nuts (walnuts) and seeds (flaxseeds).
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids . Omega-3s are essential fatty acids found in oily fish such as salmon or tuna; flaxseeds; walnuts; chia seeds; hempseed oil; soybeans; ground linseed/linseed oil and egg yolks - all healthy choices! These fats reduce inflammation throughout the body including your joints which may help improve symptoms related to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis so make sure they're included regularly in your meals or supplements if needed.
• Take a collagen supplement. Most collagen supplements contain types I, II, and III, which account for most of the collagen found in your body. They contain a digestible form of collagen called collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen.
Conclusion
The answer to the question of why our natural collagen levels decline with age is simple: we simply stop producing it. The good news is, a change in your diet and supplementing collagen will help rebuilding your collagen levels.