Dr. Nelson discusses Collagen

Our body is unique and wonderfully made. As we age our tissues and cells break down. Aging is not as much chronological as it is biological. The question we all ask, what causes and what can we do to slow the aging process? Most people want to age slowly or not show the aging. To get a better understanding of what happens is an important key. As we age, we expend fewer and fewer calories in regenerating and repairing our bodies. The end result is that we lose lean muscle mass, add fat, don't sleep well, have poor energy and poor moods; all of these things are about the body, not devoting calories toward clean, deep-repair regeneration. Also, as a result, collagen production is reduced and is broken down as we age.

What is collagen?

Essentially, Collagen is the glue that holds us together. It is a protein that makes up about 30% of the body and is a natural component in our tendons, joints, ligaments, muscles, hair, etc. Twenty-four percent of the dry protein weight in the human body is collagen—the fibrous, elastic, connective tissue in our bodies.

The main types of collagen in connective tissues are Types I, II, III, V and IX. Type I is the principle collagen of skin and bone and, by far, the most abundant in the body (representing 90% of body collagen). Type II is found in the cartilage. Type III is found in skin, blood vessels and internal organs. Type V is found in bone, skin, tendons, ligaments, and cornea. Type IV and VIII are network-forming collagens which polymerize to form the sheet-like network basal lammae and anchoring fibril beneath stratified squamous epithelia (epithelium—coherent cell sheets formed from one of more layers of cells covering an external surface or lining a cavity).

--Over time, the aging process causes collagen to decrease, resulting in excess weight, reduced energy and more wrinkling--

Seventy-five per cent of our skin is made up of collagen, providing texture, resiliency, and shape. As you can see, it’s part of the natural make-up of our tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, hair, skin, etc. Fibers of collagen are woven together like threads in fabric to form a framework into which new cells can grow. When the body needs to build any new cellular structure, as in the healing process, collagen and collagen fragments play a central role. As we age, our body’s production of collagen slows down. On the outside, we see our skin start to wrinkle and lose its youthful radiance. On the inside, we experience this as the weakening of our skeletal structure due to the breakdown of connective tissue, including muscle tissue.

Collagen supplementation is essential to support the body during these natural processes. When our body’s essential supply of collagen is low, many areas are affected, causing weakness, fatigue and overall lack of performance. Taking a collagen supplement may help with much more than just fat and inch loss. Most people experience many welcome side-benefits which notify them that the collagen supplementation is working – including improved sleep, increased energy, overall toning, rejuvenation and a greater overall sense of wellness. On your path to a more beautiful body, there will likely be many positive indicators that collagen supplementation is working on the inside! Remember —collagen supports most of your body’s functions. Therefore, nice results could show up in any number of areas – expect a lot and you may get it.

--Collagen supplementation furthers fitness goals as it aids the body’s rest and repair cycle--

When looking for signs that collagen is working, ask yourself:

Am I sleeping better?
Do I have more energy?
Do I have fewer cravings?
Has my skin’s appearance improved?
Are my fingernails stronger?
Has my hair gained more luster and strength?

Collagen is a family of highly characteristic, fibrous proteins found in all multi-cellular animals. They are the most abundant proteins found in mammals, constituting 25 percent of total protein mass. The characteristic feature of a typical protein molecule is its long, stiff, triple-stranded helical structure in which three collagen polypeptide chains (called ‘a alpha chains’) are wound around each other forming a rope-like super helix. Collagens are extremely rich in the amino acids Proline and Glycine. Collagen molecules form the structure of the entire cardiovascular system. They form a supporting grid that assures the strength and stability of the veins, arteries and other blood vessels. With no vitamin C, collagen production ceases.

--Collagen may be a fountain of youth that fights visible signs of aging--

The natural healing process of the blood vessels, heart and skin, is collagen synthesis and remodeling of the extra-cellular matrix. The significant contribution of Dr. Rath’s research is that an abundance of the amino acid proline and lysine, from collagen, act as a Teflon-like layer around the lipoprotein plaque particles and detach them from their anchor sites in the vascular wall and initiate the reversal of plaque deposits. Further, collagen supplementation, when coupled with Vitamin C, stimulates the natural repair process to rebuild and reinforce the vascular wall. Repair of the extra-cellular matrix, which is destroyed in arthritis, needs collagen supplementation coupled with glucosamine sulfate for support. In a study by R. Luke, Ph.D., it was found that 95% of all patients treated with bovine collagen and glucosamine sulfate had support for arthritis compared to 72 per cent in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting more than 40 million Americans. It is characterized by joint degeneration, loss of cartilage, alterations of subchondrial bone and damage to the extra-cellular matrix. There is a 35% incidence of weakness in the knees as early as age 30. Its incidence increases dramatically with age affecting 80% of all persons over age of 50.

--People are looking for solutions to help them hold on to their youth, energy, vitality and good looks--

Collagen provides structure to our bodies, protecting and supporting the softer tissues and connecting them with the skeleton. Toxins and stress are some of causes of increasing the aging process. Avoiding chemicals and heavy metals can be a first start. Eating organic foods and avoiding processed foods is an extremely important ingredient to enhancing the quality of our health and longevity.

Supplementing with collagen and the needed components in our diet to provide the amino acids and vitamins to help in the synthesis will support the body for strength and vitality as we age.

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Dr. David Nelson is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and has been studying health and nutrition for over 15 years. He has an extensive background in the health science field. He is active in teaching and lecturing at seminars across the United States. He has been an integral part of the Center for Advanced Medicine located in Encinitas, CA, for the past 14 years.

Dr. Nelson has had his own radio show for more than 10 years and also co-hosts Health Talk, A Second Opinion, which is heard all over Southern California with Doctors from the Center for Advanced Medicine. Over the years Dr. Nelson has helped thousands of patients achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Check out the Center's website at: www.CamHealthTalk.com or call 1-888-244-4420 or 760-632-9042.
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