Does Collagen Help Heal the Gut?

People struggling with leaky gut, which is a complex health issue, realize its impact on their daily lives. Lately, the focus is on tackling the leaky gut by enhancing the diet and immunity. The role of Collagen, which potentially averts leaky gut symptoms is increasingly stressed. Collagen supplements for leaky gut are an excellent option in the field of wellness, gut health, and fitness. Let's review what eaky gut is and how collagen is useful in preventing it.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut is a digestive issue affecting the lining of your intestines, opening gaps that allow bacteria and toxins to enter your bloodstream. This intestinal permeability makes the tight junction proteins larger than usual, potentially leading to more severe health conditions. Leaky Gut can lead to several chronic conditions, such as-

  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Food sensitivities
  • Skin conditions
  • Mental health conditions

Common Symptoms of Leaky Gut

  • Diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
  • Infrequent Bowel Movements
  • Joint pain and arthritis 
  • Sugar cravings and mood swings
  • Skin rashes or acne
  • Chronic fatigue 
  • Low Immune System
  • Brain fog or headaches
  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Other Health Issues That May Be Linked to or Caused by Leaky Gut

  • Celiac Disease
  • Asthma
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
  • Fibromyalgia 
  • Lupus
  • Thyroid Conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Crohn's Disease

Common Causes of Leaky Gut 

There is a multitude of potential causes of leaky gut according to scientific studies and research, like:

  • Genetics Disorders
  • Poor gut health
  • Toxin accumulation 
  • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Vitamin C Deficiency
  • Unstable Insulin Levels
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Chronic stress and inflammation
  • Consuming high levels of sugar
  • An imbalance of intestinal bacteria or a yeast overgrowth 
  • Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g., ibuprofen

How is Leaky Gut Syndrome Diagnosed?

The doctor may conduct any or all of the following three tests to diagnose leaky gut syndrome:

  1. Intestinal permeability (lactulose mannitol) assessment that measures the levels of lactulose and mannitol.
  2. IgG food antibodies that measure both food allergies and food sensitivities in up to 87 different foods.
  3. Zonulin test that measures the level of the Zonulin family protein (ZFP) antigen.

Foods to Eat and Avoid for Collagen Gut Healing

Food like cruciferous vegetables, nuts and seeds, gluten-free grains, healthy fats, fish, meats and eggs, herbs and spices, cultured dairy products, beverages like bone broth, coconut milk, etc., foods high in bioflavonoids, fruits rich in vitamin C, root and fermented vegetables are best for improving digestive health.

Foods like wheat-based products, grains that contain gluten, processed meats, junk food and sweets, dairy products, refined oils, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol or soda-based beverages should be avoided.

Does Collagen Make Your Health Better?

Collagen enables and empowers people to live healthier lives with nutrition. Two supplements are known to cure and prevent leaky gut syndrome - probiotics and collagen. Probiotics can restore the healthy bacteria in our guts, and the Collagen gut is the most abundant source of protein that our bodies produce naturally. It is a complex protein because comprising 19 different amino acids. 

Collagen forms 90% of our connective tissue and bone mass and about 70% of our skin. 

What are the Positive Effects of Taking Collagen?

Collagen supplements benefits are many, and it has become a popular supplement for skin health, collagen and gut health, and athletic performance. Let’s see how.

Source

1. Repair Stomach and Intestinal Lining

Collagen supplements are equipped with amino acid content. It comprises Glycine and Proline, which fortify and help in collagen gut healing. These acids boost our body’s natural ability to repair and enhance the production of new smooth muscle cells that heal the stomach and intestinal lining. These can help prevent toxins and other particles from leaking into your bloodstream. 

Glycine also helps your body make glutathione that helps protect your cells. The collagen leaky gut syndrome begins to become more manageable. 

2. Prevent Intestinal Inflammation Associated With Leaky Gut and IBS

Collagen’s complex array of amino acids, especially Glutamine, helps to fight leaky gut causing inflammation. Glutamine curbs cravings for things like sugar and alcohol targets and cures inflammation associated with the opening of tight junctions 

3. Provide Structure and Support for Your Gastrointestinal System 

Collagen for leaky gut is an essential supplement to maintain the organs in our digestive system and for the structure, support, and regulation of the production of body tissues. Our other organs need to undertake the extra stress when the intestines are not in good condition. 

4. Help to Heal Stomach Ulcers

Glycine and Proline prevent harmful gastric secretions in the stomach lining. These are the two primary amino acids in Collagen Peptides, which prevent stress-induced ulcers and heal the stomach lining through their impact on the central nervous system. 

5. Aid in Digestion and can Improve Nutrient Absorption

Collagen is a hydrophilic molecule; which aids digestion due to its attraction to water and acidic molecules. Collagen helps move food through the GI tract comfortably by holding water in the intestine. Ingested collagen assists the breakdown of other proteins and carbohydrates in the intestines. 

6. Boost and Regulate Amino Acid Production 

The major theme across the GI tract with collagen supplementation is the abundance of amino acids. You need amino acids to protect your digestive system, and this can be supplemented by taking collagen daily for collagen leaky gut symptoms and overall health. 

What is the Best Way to Take Collagen?

It is better to consult an expert or a doctor before consuming collagen to help you with the right quantity and the best time to use it. 

Collagen contains Glutamine, Glycine, and Proline which are useful to the intestinal tract and the stomach. You can add Collagen gut in the following ways:

  1. Bone broth is an excellent source of collagen tastes good and can be added through soups and stews. Simmering bones make it extract the beneficial nutrients and flavor of the bone marrow.  
  2. Powdered Gelatin can be added to tea, soups, broths, or stews in the cooked form. 
  3. Supplements with collagen peptides are an easy way to form important amino acids, which are broken down for easy digestion and absorption.

Source

You can try these drinks and meals to consume the best collagen supplements protein powder with:

1) Shake or smoothie

2) Soups, stews, or bone broth

3) Tea and coffee 

4) Sauces or dressings

5) Meals

How Much Collagen Do you Need for a Healthy Gut?

Doses of collagen supplements ranging from 40 mg - 15 grams have minimal side effects and are quite effective. You must always discuss with your healthcare provider before consuming collagen supplements. These are generally safe for most people and are superior to other protein sources, especially for a leaky gut.

Is Collagen Worth Trying?

More in-depth research is required on the scientific front, but for now, Collagen supplements are known for the growth of natural collagen produced by the body. They have potentially improved skin elasticity, leaky gut, joint health, burn fat, and more.

What Type of Collagen Heals the Gut?

Hydrolyzed Collagen supplements are best for the leaky gut as these boost absorption. Collagen should be hydrolyzed in supplemental form for optimal absorption. It is the process of using fruit enzymes to break down collagen's molecule size to get quickly absorbed and distributed to places in need.

Which Collagen is Best for a Healthy Gut?

It is suggested to take Casa de Sante collagen, which contains Collage I and III found in blood vessels, intestines, and muscles. You can have one daily serving of this protein powder and is approved by the FODMAP Friendly Program in Australia so that you can consume it with confidence. Let us look at its advantages and benefits:

  • It is Low FODMAP and is gut-friendly - This helps form connective tissue and heals the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • It maintains Gut Health stringently - with 9g of protein in every serving and 10 g of Bovine collagen complex, which dissolves easily.

Is it Good to Take Collagen Everyday?

Yes, a small dose of 2.5 -  grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides consumed every day can be effective, harmless, and safe. 

When Should You Take Collagen: Morning or Night?

Collagen can be taken either in the morning or at night. If there is acidity caused due to the intake of collagen, it is best to have during the morning hours with a cup of coffee or a glass of smoothie. For a good night's sleep, it can be consumed at night as well. 

The Bottom Line

You must reach out to your healthcare professional on adding collagen or other dietary supplements to treat the leaky gut syndrome. Collagen for leaky gut may help restore intestinal barrier function, and you can easily heal and prevent leaky gut by taking a good-quality collagen supplement.

References

1. https://casadesante.com/blogs/low-fodmap-life/is-collagen-low-fodmap

2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-collagen-per-day#uses

3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1606/collagen-peptides

4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits

5. https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2017/05/should-you-take-a-collagen-supplement

6. https://www.wellandgood.com/best-way-to-take-collagen/

 Medically reviewed by Onikepe Adegbola, MD PhD

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