It was about a month ago that Dr. Mixon talked me into buying a jar of collagen hydrolysate, a form of gelatin. And I do mean, talked me into it. He told me it should help my joint pain.
Truthfully, I’m not much on taking supplements. I tend to buy something then put it into a cabinet and forget about it. But I promised him I would try it, so as instructed, I poured a tablespoon of the powder into my coffee every morning and the same amount into a cup of herbal tea at night. I’d been doing this for about three weeks when I noticed that my hips weren’t as achy.
Now that’s a big deal. It’s the main reason I’d been scheduling bi-monthly appointments with my chiropractor.
So on my next visit I told the office manager I was sold and asked her to pack up another canister! While I was in the office I shared my experience with a few other patients. (Picture me, one hand in the air, a can of this amazing product thrust skyward, yelling “Eureka”. )
Well, maybe I wasn’t quite that dramatic, but after reading up on the product, I really do feel like I’ve found the fountain of youth. Here’s why:
5 ways collagen hydrolysate can transform your health
- Collagen strengthens the body’s connective tissues, reducing joint pain and rebuilding weakened cartilage caused by overuse and stress.
- Collagen improves skin health by stimulating cell growth to reduce the sagging and wrinkling that comes through normal aging and UV exposure.
- Increased energy and sense of well-being, along with amplified alertness, improved concentration, balanced mood, and even a better night’s sleep.
- Long-term use of hydrolyzed collagen can make hair shiny and strong and improve your nail growth
- Gelatin in the form of collagen hydrolysate can help heal a“leaky gut”.
Five great reasons to begin taking collagen hydrolysate as soon as possible, right? “But wait, there’s more!” as they say.
Collagen Hydrolysate is a form of gelatin that is designed to dissolve without gelling. Meaning, it’s simple to take, easily digested and is absorbed by the body in about 30 minutes. You get about 10 grams of protein from two tablespoons, making it a great source of added nutrition.
Amino acids — the key to collagen hydrolysate’s healing power
Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate is unique in its amino acid structure. It contains generous amounts of the amino acids glycine, lysine and proline. These amino acids are also found in other protein food supplements, but in lower quantities. Amino acids are smaller than proteins, and are essential to the body’s cells.
Unfortunately, as we get older, our bodies no longer produce the proteins we need in the same quantities as when we were younger. Time, lifestyle, injury, etc., all play a part in our increased need for protein and certain amino acids.
Collectively, all three amino acids aid in cell reproduction, which, in turn, reduces joint pain and promotes all the other benefits outlined in the earlier bullets.
Let’s take a look at each amino acid individually to better understand their contribution to the product as a whole.
Glycine
Glycine has been used to treat schizophrenia (along with other conventional medications) as it is involved in the transmission of chemical signals in the brain.
For the average person, the calming effect of glycine will improve alertness and concentration, balance mood, elevate energy, increase your sense of well-being and help you get a better night’s sleep!
Glycine also assets the liver in handling foreign, toxic substances, like chemicals, alcohol or tobacco.
Some researchers believe glycine may also play a role in cancer prevention, because it seems to interfere with the blood supply that certain tumors require in order to thrive.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid, because it cannot be produced by the human body. It must be consumed through either foods, such as eggs, meats (specifically red meats), soy, beans and peas, cheese (particularly Parmesan), and certain fish (like cod and sardines), or by supplements.
Lysine helps to increase intestinal absorption of calcium. It also helps to eliminate the excretion of calcium through the kidneys, suggesting it may be helpful to people suffering from osteoporosis.
Lysine is also being investigated for its effects on increasing muscle mass, lowering glucose levels, and improving anxiety. Some reports indicate lysine might even reduce the discomfort and pain associated with angina.
Proline
Proline is a necessary amino acid for the production of cartilage. It helps keep muscles and joints flexible. It’s also essential to the development and maintenance of healthy skin and connective tissue. Most noticeably it wards off skin wrinkling.
Proline and lysine together are two of the amino acids that help to form collagen and hyaluronic acid, which contribute to cartilage production and helps to cushion the body’s joints. There’s evidence that proline may provide benefit in the treatment of osteoporosis, persistent soft tissue strains, and chronic back pain.
Proline is also necessary to maintain muscle tissue, which is especially true for endurance runners and joggers or anyone who follows prolonged exercise programs.
People recovering from traumatic injuries, such as severe burns, or who have pain caused by cartilage loss may want to supplement with this amino acid.
To sum up
Great Lake Collagen Hydrolysate is light years away from the packages of gelatin you find in your local grocery or drug store. This gelatin is pharmaceutical grade, comes from pasture-raised beef, is odorless and dissolves easily.
Just by adding a rounded tablespoon twice a day to a cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of juice, you’ll be well on your way to rebuilding weakened cartilage, improving sagging and wrinkling skin, bolstering hair growth and texture, and increasing your energy. If you’re like me, you’ll also feel less joint pain.
Dr. Mixon tells me it’s the office’s top selling product — so if you want to try a canister for yourself, just stop by Texas Spine & Wellness or visit their vitamin website.
Today I’ve added my collagen hydrolysate to my morning glass of orange juice. Right now I’m raising my glass in a toast that I hope you’ll share with me, “Here’s to years of good health and happiness for all our family and friends.”