What is at the top of our scare list the moment we hit our mid twenties? Skin! It is our skin because we will start to notice that it needs extra care and attention. A soft, smooth and firm skin is a result of high collagen levels that make up about 30% of the protein in the human body. Hence, that number is responsible for making people look and feel younger with having great skin elasticity and healthier joints.
As you age, your body produces less collagen. If you are also not eating enough protein and amino acids-rich food, this too can affect collagen production even more and will cause collagen deficiency. Apart from aging and diet, regular exposure to ultraviolet light, excessive intake on sugar and smoking are also factors contributing to this depletion of collagen in one’s body. Therefore a healthy lifestyle or making a change to work towards healthier goals could benefit the way you look and feel.
Collagen deficiency and the most common signs indicating it would be wrinkles on the skin or sagging, joint pain and muscle aches, dull or thinning of the hair, cellulite, brittle nails, dental issue and an abnormal blood pressure. Some have even experience depression. These symptoms merely show how extensive collagen deficiency can cause to the body, in and out. Furthermore, as time goes by, the more serious the problem gets with collagen deficiency.
Of course in having to regain strength and stretchiness, there are remedies to improve your overall health, well-being and self-presentation. There are plenty of foods that can help boost collagen reproduction. You can try to incorporate more fish into meals as your main protein because fish is a great source of collagen as it is packed with amino acids. Fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C and vitamin A like citrus fruits and sweet potatoes can help with uneven skin and skin structure. You can also try adding more leafy greens into your diet as they contain antioxidants that can help you to achieve glowing skin.
Another option would be to consider taking collagen supplements to help promote your overall health. Collagen drinks or supplements can help to restore a healthy, smooth and radiant skin and rejuvenate all those cells for better complexion. It also helps in areas like hair, nails and oral health to avoid further damage from collagen deficiency. Collagen supplements is also famously known to help support bones and joints too, which can decrease the feel of aging.
In general, we are aware that as we age, collagen deficiency will happen but because there are no test available to measure collagen levels, many delay or ignore its importance until our body tells us otherwise.