How to Use Collagen Peptides: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Use Collagen Peptides: A Beginner’s Guide

Collagen can be found within the human body. It helps keep our bodies functioning at their best but as we grow older, we naturally start to lose collagen. That’s where collagen peptides step in. Today we’re taking a look at how to use collagen peptides, as well as the benefits, potential side effects and much more so that you can determine if taking collagen peptides is the right choice for you!

What Are Collagen Peptides?

You may already know that collagen is found in skin, bone, nails and cartilage but what are collagen peptides and how do they differ? They’re a short chain of amino acids that are derived from collagen and are easier for the human body to absorb. It makes up about a third of our bodies’ protein and since it’s so abundant, it’s essentially the glue that keeps everything together!

People often confuse collagen peptides with gelatin, which is essentially cooked-down collagen. It acts much differently in the body and doesn’t offer the same benefits that come from collagen peptides. Although many collagen peptides are fish or beef-based, there are more and more vegan peptide options to suit those with dietary restrictions.

Benefits of Collagen Peptides

Many studies have been done in recent years to determine the benefits for those who use collagen peptides. While it’s a great supplement for helping with skin elasticity and hydration, it’s much more than that!

It’s been known to help with symptoms caused by certain types of arthritis, insomnia, acne, cellulite, burns, eczema, joint pain amongst athletes and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While research done on collagen products is still fairly new, more and more people are seeing improvements in all areas of their health from consistent use.

Are There Side Effects?

Luckily, most people who try out collagen peptides have nothing but great experiences with it! With that being said, there’s a small number of people who may experience some unpleasant side effects such as:

An allergic reaction
Bloating
Heartburn
Bad taste in your mouth
High calcium levels

To avoid experiencing these side effects start by slowly adding collagen peptides to your diet to see how your body reacts. Then you can start increasing your dosage over time!

When to Take Collagen Peptides

You’ll know it’s time to start taking collagen peptides when your collagen levels are low but how can you determine that?

If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above, it might be worth giving collagen peptides a try. People who suffer from issues with their gut health can see great improvements from the regular use of collagen. It works by keeping the intestinal lining thick to support gut health.

As women get older and are postmenopausal, they may experience a loss in bone density. This is where collagen peptides can really come in handy! Amazing results were seen in women who used collagen for 12 months. This can be a game-changer for women who start to feel weak and want to regain their strength.

For those struggling with weight loss, collagen peptides might help you keep the pounds off. Collagen peptides are known to contain a dietary fiber that supports weight loss for those who are overweight.

While many people turn to collagen peptides when experiencing specific symptoms or pain, it’s become more common for those who are in great physical condition to use collagen. Considering it helps support your muscles, bones, joints, and cardiovascular system, it’s great for those who exercise regularly and already live a healthy life. It will only continue to sustain your health or improve your health as you age. Talk about a win-win!

How to Use Collagen Peptides

If you’re wondering how to ingest collagen in order to experience the best results, then listen up. There are many ways you can start incorporating collagen into your everyday life. The Multi Collagen Complex is a powder that can easily dissolve in a hot or cold liquid or get mixed in with some of your favorite foods!

Here are some of our favorite collagen recipes to try at home:

Make collagen a fun part of your day by adding it to come of your favorite meals! It’s flavorless so you don’t need to worry about it affecting the taste of your food.

Want more collagen food inspo? Read our 9 Tasty Collagen Recipes here!

Adding More Collagen to Your Diet

While collagen peptides will cover your bases when it comes to receiving enough daily, there are a few ways you can naturally increase your collagen intake.

Let’s first touch on what to avoid. Sugar can weaken the existing collagen in your body so your first step should be to make sure you aren’t consuming too much sugar! It’s also important to limit your time out in the sun. Although the sun has many benefits, such as providing your body with Vitamin D, too much will break down collagen and age our skin at a much faster rate. Smoking is another no-no! If you smoke on a regular basis, you should focus on changing your habits and quitting before you try to add supplements into the mix.

Fortunately, there are many foods that can help boost your collagen. Foods such as flax seeds, dark leafy greens, mushrooms, berries, garlic, cashews, avocados, tomatoes, egg whites, cabbage, bell peppers and citrus fruits are great options. You should also know that any food that’s high in Vitamin C is always a safe bet because it will help produce more collagen naturally.

Are You Ready to Try Collagen Peptides?

If you’re thinking about whether or not to use collagen peptides, what’s holding you back? Something so simple as adding collagen to your breakfast smoothie or dessert can make all the difference when it comes to your health. Once it becomes a part of your daily routine and you start feeling your best, you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to dip your toes in the water!

How to Use Collagen Peptides: A Beginner’s Guide

Reading next