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Collagen dietary supplements within the type of powders, tinctures, bone broth and extra are all the craze proper now (and have been for the previous couple of years). Whereas the analysis round it’s nonetheless a comparatively small physique of labor, claims about ingestible collagen peptides vary from fewer wrinkles and fewer dryness on pores and skin, aid from joint ache, thicker and stronger hair and nails, and improved digestion. It’s been touted as reparative for inner injury attributable to autoimmune situations, and has been proven to spice up getting old pores and skin in mice, from the within out. However in the event you take collagen day by day, how a lot of a distinction do you discover? I attempted it to search out out—and right here’s what occurred.
My Drawback: Digestive Signs Brought on by Autoimmune Illness, Thinning Hair and Dry Pores and skin
My two autoimmune illnesses went undiagnosed for greater than 10 years, and in flip, my digestive tract is delicate and in perpetual want of restore and assist. I’ve had Small Intestinal Micro organism Overgrowth, candida, yeast infections and bowel points, all of which will be tied again to my autoimmune situations. On prime of that, I’ve handled my hair thinning and falling out, and excessively dry pores and skin, particularly as I grow old.
My Resolution: Collagen Water from Important Proteins
Full disclosure: I’ve taken collagen peptide dietary supplements on and off for the final two years, because of suggestions from my thyroid specialist MD and an herbalist/acupuncturist I’ve labored with earlier than. I often take it within the type of a powder, blended into my espresso within the morning.
For this experiment although, I made a decision to check the brand new Collagen Water from Important Proteins. The enchantment is that it’s utterly grab-and-go, whereas the powder must be blended into one thing (although it may be blended into pancakes or oatmeal or just about any drink you sip on the day by day—it’s colorless and flavorless). Plus, the waters have solely fruit juice for sweeteners, making them much more interesting, as I usually keep away from processed sugars. Every water accommodates 10 grams of collagen, which is the quantity I had been taking earlier than.
The Outcomes: A Actually Drinkable Strategy to Get Your Collagen
It’s no shock that these fruit-juice-enhanced collagen waters had been scrumptious to sip on. The flavors, starting from Authentic (only a trace of lemon) to Blackberry Mint and Strawberry Lemon, had been actually refreshing and a pleasant change from my afternoons of sipping plain glowing water. I additionally observed that they made me really feel fuller than a glass of water, which I believe speaks to the protein in every water’s collagen additive. I often drank them with some veggies and hummus or some plantain chips as a day snack, and located that they helped maintain me fuller till dinner.
I additionally discovered that they maintained the pores and skin glow and digestive aid that I’d skilled by taking collagen peptide powders (I ended taking these for the week I attempted the collagen waters, to keep away from overlap). I had no recurrence of my standard signs whereas having fun with these bevs day by day, which to me is a giant win.
One other profit: I’m abstaining from alcohol proper now, resulting from well being issues, and it was very nice to have one thing enjoyable to achieve for when pals wished to exit for blissful hour, or my husband was sipping on a gin and tonic on the deck. The collagen waters had been a deal with that I additionally felt had been serving to my well being.
The one draw back to me is the price. Collagen dietary supplements will be costly to start with, however the waters are available in a $4.50 a bottle, dearer than my former day by day kombucha behavior. So, for me, it didn’t really feel sustainable to proceed shopping for the collagen waters once I get extra bang for my buck with the collagen powder (and you’ll typically discover these dietary supplements on sale).
All in all, I’d undoubtedly seize a collagen water from Important Proteins once more, if I used to be on the go or touring in a special metropolis the place it’s tougher to take care of my regular collagen-in-coffee routine (although the model does an excellent job of crafting travel-friendly collagen packets too).
Excited by extra methods to include collagen into your day by day routine? Try our three collagen smoothie recipes for a fast, straightforward method to get a lift, from the within out.