Today, there are many treatments that promise more youthful skin and are accessible to everyone. Nevertheless, the adage “we are what we eat” remains true, since skin health begins…within us. THE diet plays a key role in skin health and production collagen.

What is collagen?

Collagen is an essential protein for creating connective tissues that support and connect bones, internal organs, cartilage and skin. Provides strength and elasticity to tendons and ligaments. Over time, collagen levels decrease, leading to wrinkles and thinner, less elastic skin. It can also cause joint stiffness and painful conditions such as arthritis.

Collagen also provides rigidity to blood vessel walls and helps keep organs in place. It acts as a binding agent within the body. Its deficiency can reduce muscle and bone density and weaken blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Collagen is also known for its ability to heal the gut. When the gut is inflamed, nutrient absorption becomes difficult, leading to nutritional deficiencies. This inflammation can cause Leaky Gut Syndrome. Collagen helps reduce inflammation and repair the gut.

How is collagen taken?

Collagen production depends on adequate levels of amino acids. There are 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce and must obtain from the diet. Animal sources such as poultry, fish, cheese, milk and eggs provide these essential amino acids.

How is collagen density maintained?

Vitamin C is important for maintaining a normal collagen network, contributing to skin health. Vitamin C and collagen work closely together, with vitamin C being essential for collagen production. Vitamin C interacts with amino acids in collagen cells, adding hydrogen and oxygen and creating procollagen, necessary for collagen production. A lack of vitamin C slows collagen production, making the skin more susceptible to wrinkles and bruising.

Vitamin C stabilizes collagen mRNA and increases collagen protein synthesis for skin repair. It also increases the proliferation rate of fibroblasts and stimulates DNA repair.

Foods rich in vitamin C:

– Peppers (red, yellow, green)

-Broccoli

-Cabbage

– Potatoes with skin

-Sweet potatoes with skin

-Tomatoes

-Papaya

-Kiwi

– Oranges

-Strawberries

-Pineapple

-Avocado

-Tangerines

– Berries