Last Updated on August 26, 2021 by Janie Wilson
Does Collagen Give You Diarrhea?
Collagen is creating ripples everywhere in recent years because of its immense health benefits. Whether you use it as a powder in smoothies or as a dietary supplement, the use of collagen supplements is currently on the rise. The question, however, that crop up in the minds of most people before taking collagen is: “Can collagen cause diarrhea?”. The answer to this question is: yes, collagen can cause diarrhea along with other mild digestive disorders. As collagen is an insoluble protein, it can be somewhat difficult for some people to digest, and this can disrupt normal bowel function.
Here’s what you need to know about collagen and how it can cause diarrhea.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the protein most commonly found in mammals. Collagen makes up 70% of skin, hair and bones. It’s also an important component of muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and even the lining of the gut. The structure of collagen is long and rigid, made up of three polypeptides that wind around each other in the shape of a helix. The triple polypeptide chains are connected by hydrogen bonds. The collagen in our body is divided into three main types. Type 1 collagen has a very high tensile strength and is found in the skin, bones and other rigid parts of the body. Type 2 affects cartilage-like structures, while type 3 is found in inelastic tissues such as blood vessels.
Can collagen cause diarrhoea?
Collagen intake can cause diarrhoea and nausea in some people. Symptoms of diarrhoea include bloating, stomach pain, thin or watery stools than normal. However, taking apple cider vinegar with collagen can reduce the risk of diarrhoea because it strengthens the stomach and makes it easier to digest the collagen. Drinking fluids can help treat diarrhoea quickly. Yogurt can also improve your gut health since it is a natural probiotic.
What are the benefits of collagen?
Collagen has a number of health benefits and here is a list of the advantages of taking collagen as a supplement.
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Gives you a beautiful and healthy skin
Collagen can help you get beautiful skin. Daily sun exposure and pollution increase the signs of ageing and make your skin look dull and lusterless. As you age, your skin becomes saggier, leading to wrinkles. The skin around your eyes is soft and vulnerable and you can develop wrinkles under your eyes and crow’s feet at a young age. Beauty products, including masks, moisturizers and serums, contain collagen and promote skin youthfulness. Collagen gives you a bright and beautiful, younger-looking skin due to its skin-firming properties.
Reduces joint pain
A lack of collagen can cause stiffness and pain in joints. A recent study shows that daily consumption of collagen diminishes knee pain. If you are a sportsman, collagen is a must for you to prevent stress fractures and other types of injuries. Collagen can rebuild muscle and strengthen cartilage. It also helps you avoid cramps or strains that you may get during sports. Collagen speeds up the healing of joint injuries and relieves pain.
Collagen for hair and nails
Hair loss is a common problem for men and women all over the world. This amino acid based product not only reduces hair loss but also stimulates hair growth. Besides, collagen strengthens brittle nails so you can maintain long and healthy natural nails. So you can say goodbye to heavy hair extensions and acrylic nails, because collagen can take care of that. Taking collagen daily is the best thing you can do for your hair and nails.
Stimulates metabolism
Metabolism is a chemical process that happens naturally in your body. Taking collagen can enhance your metabolism. A good metabolism helps you stay energetic and active. It also helps you lose weight. Collagen helps you digest food better and keeps you healthy and confident. It’s both good for gut health and the immune system.
Heart health
Daily intake of collagen helps strengthen the veins that keep blood flowing evenly throughout the body. If you are a heart patient, this improvement is for you because it promotes a healthy heart and reduces the risk of many cardiovascular ailments. It ensures good blood circulation in the body, reduces pressure on the circulatory system and keeps the heart healthy.
Other benefits
It is also known to have a positive effect on bones and muscles. It increases bone strength and regulates blood sugar levels.
Sources of collagen
Although some supplements and medicines are available both online and in local pharmacies, they are usually also available from natural sources. Here are some common food sources that promote the formation of collagen in your body.
Bone broth
When bones are boiled in water for a long time, you get bone broth. When bones are boiled in water, the collagen in the water is released and gelatin is formed. When you drink broth, your body converts it back into collagen and uses it to nourish cells, tissues and muscles. You should drink a cup of bone broth daily to maintain a healthy and strong body.
Eggs
Boiled, scrambled or fried eggs can eaten in different ways. Without eggs, breakfast is pointless. Eggs can play an important role in the formation of collagen in your body. The egg white has glycine and proline, which are essential amino acids needed for collagen formation. Egg yolk is also rich in nutrients and plays an important role in the maintenance of bones and muscles. So eat a few eggs every day and enjoy your well-being.
Fish
Fish is one of the best low-fat proteins. It is rich in unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids and minerals. Fish is also good for your eyes and your mind. It also helps your body form collagen. Analysts have shown that fish skin is a great source of collagen. So if you need collagen, don’t forget to eat fish along with its skin.
Chicken and burgers
Chicken and burgers are very familiar food sources. Who doesn’t like tasty steaks, burgers and roasts? Hamburgers and chicken contain important proteins that are needed to build collagen in the body. It is recommended that you eat meat twice a week to meet your body’s protein needs. In addition, cheese and butter made from the milk of farm animals are rich in the amino acids that constitute collagen.
Berries
A large variety of berries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries are rich in cancer-preventive substances and Vutamin C. Daily consumption of these delicious berries, with excellent color, promotes the absorption of collagen. Seeds are rich in nutrients and can be beneficial for the skin and body if eaten daily. It is prescribed not to forget a small cup of berries in your diet to get maximum benefits.
Various other sources
Other food sources that promote normal collagen formation in your body are broccoli, sunflower seeds, olive oil, shellfish and gelatin. These food sources can be effectively incorporated into your diet and improve collagen in your body.
Side-effects of collagen
In addition to the various benefits, foods containing collagen can also cause side effects in some people, such as
Skin rashes and allergic reactions
Although collagen is exceptional for the skin compared to other substances, it can cause allergic reaction in some people. If you have sensitive skin, your skin may become sensitive after using products containing collagen. You may experience mild redness, rashes or skin problems. The best way to avoid redness is to test the product before using it fully. If redness or worsening of your skin persists, you should consult a skin doctor.
Risk of kidney stones
If you have ever had a kidney infection, you should have a clinical examination before taking a collagen supplement. Scientists have shown that it can increase the risk of kidney stones. Kidney stones are formed by the crystallization of particles in the urine. These gems can turn into hard stones. It is very difficult to get rid of these stones. Nevertheless, adequate fluid intake can reduce the risk of kidney stones.
When is the best time to take collagen?
There is no ideal time to take collagen. It is equally successful at all times of the day. However, if you have a sensitive tummy, it is not recommended to take it on an empty stomach.
What is the difference between collagen and gelatin?
Cooked collagen is also known as gelatin. Since collagen is found in bones and connective tissue, it is cooked in the form of broth, which usually contains gelatin.
Wrapping up
In short, collagen is a wonderful substance that naturally exists in our body. It can very well be taken by way of supplements or normal foods that can promote its formation. If you want to have a bright and youthful skin and prevent the signs of aging, this comes as a breath of fresh air for you. It also has many other benefits for your hair, nails, muscles and bones. In other words, it helps you stay fit and healthy. In any case, it is best to seek advice from a specialist to avoid side effects if you find any while consuming collagen supplements.
However, you should not worry about the question that one generally asks: can collagen cause diarrhea? The answer is it does sometimes. But would you avoid something which is so much beneficial for a minor discomfort? I don’t think you should. Hence, if you like, you can take a close look at the best collagen supplements for sagging skin, where I have discussed the best products available on the market for the benefit of my readers.
