Take on a 30-day transformation this Healthy Lifestyles Awareness Day
Collagen has grown in popularity over the years, particularly due to its nutritional benefits and positive impact on our overall wellbeing. Our bodies create collagen, but over time, the rate at which this happens declines, and that’s when we need to supplement to keep our levels up. Maintaining sufficient nutrients in our bodies is not always easy, but according to Catherine Clark, Owner and Founder of The Harvest Table, Collagen Loading may just be the answer.
“Collagen Loading is essentially consuming a triple dose of collagen over a 30-day period. During this time, your body receives all of the amino acids it requires to target any issues you may be having with your skin, joints, muscles or bones,” Catherine explains. But, is it safe to take high doses of collagen over a short period? Catherine says that Collagen is generally considered to be a safe and nontoxic daily supplement for healthy individuals, and when you increase the amount of collagen available in your body, you’re able to reap all the rewards that it has to offer. “It is however always wise to seek the advice of a trained healthcare professional before significantly increasing your collagen intake,” she adds.
Catherine offers three additional benefits of Collagen Loading:
1. Improves your skin, hair and nails: Collagen is the component responsible for skin elasticity and firmness, strong nails and healthy hair. When you have low levels of collagen, your skin can look dull, and you may notice more wrinkles forming. Your nails also become brittle, and your hair is more prone to breakage. Collagen is one of the main components in the nutrients required for healthy skin, nails and hair. While you may see an improvement with a regular dose of collagen over time, collagen loading will produce noticeable results within a short period.
2. Relieves joint pain and improves flexibility: The Journal of Orofacial Research states that our bones contain a combination of hard mineral and flexible collagen, which makes the bone harder than cartilage, without being brittle. The collagen content found in our bones acts as a slippery pad in the joint that cushions the bones during muscle movement, which results in more flexibility. The journal further states that collagen constitutes 75% of the tendons, and its predominant function is to withstand and transmit large forces between muscle and bone. It is also the main component of our cartilage and ligaments. By increasing the amount of collagen in your body, you support the tissues required for maintaining your bones, joints, tendons, cartilage and ligaments.
3. Increases muscle strength: Research shows that supplementing with collagen (which contains protein) can decrease muscle protein breakdown and increase muscle mass and strength after exercise. One study found that collagen supplements can lead to a more pronounced improvement of body composition, with increased muscle mass, which contributes to muscle strength. Another study found that adults generally do not consume enough protein in their diets, however, the introduction of a collagen supplement contributed significantly to the protein in their bodies. So, if you work-out often, collagen loading can help you increase the protein in your body.
Catherine cautions people who have not been taking a collagen supplement to first start with the initial two tablespoons of The Harvest Table’s Premium Pure Collagen Granules. After one week, they can then start taking six tablespoons over 30 days — this would be the collagen loading period. She adds that if you have any side effects during the loading period, rather go back to the regular dose.
“The 22 February marks Healthy Lifestyles Awareness Day, so why not makes this month your best health month yet?” Catherine concludes.
