Can Collagen Cause Diarrhea?

Can Collagen Cause Diarrhea?

Collagen has become so popular in recent years because of its incredible benefits. Whether used as a powder in smoothies or as oral supplements, collagen has all the rage nowadays. The question that often arises in the minds of people before consuming it is, ‘Can collagen cause diarrhea?’ The answer to this question is: Yes, it may result in diarrhea or other mild digestive disorders. As collagen is an insoluble protein, some people may find it hard to digest, which may affect the normal working of the bowel.

Here is what you all need to know about collagen and how it can cause Diarrhea.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in mammals. Collagen makes 70% of your skin, hair, and bones. Also, it is a significant constituent of muscles, ligaments, connecting tissue even your gut lining. The structure of collagen is long and rigid, with three polypeptides inbound around each other in the form of a helix. The triple polypeptides chains are linked by hydrogen bonding. The collagen found in our body is classified into three main types. Type 1 collagen has high tensile strength and is located in your skin, bones, and other rigid body parts. Type 2 refers to cartilaginous structures, while type 3 is present inflexible tissues like blood vessels.

Can collagen cause diarrhea?

The use of collagen can cause diarrhea and nausea in some people. Symptoms of diarrhea include bloating, pain in the stomach, or feces thinner or watery than usual. However, the use of apple cider vinegar with collagen can reduce the risk of diarrhea as it strengthens your stomach and allows you to digest collagen easily. Consumption liquids can quickly treat diarrhea. Yogurt is a known source of probiotic and can improve your digestive health.

What is collagen good for

Collagen is very popular today because of its amazing benefits and uses. Following are some advantages of using collagen for ourselves.

Get beautiful and healthy skin

Collagen can help you to get a beautiful looking skin. Daily exposure to sun and pollution increases the signs of aging and makes your skin look dull and tired. When you grow older, your skin becomes loose as a result of which you get wrinkles. The skin around your eyes is susceptible, and you can get lines under eyes and crow’s feet even at a young age—the beauty products, including masks, moisturizers, and serums having collagen and encouraging youthful skin. Collagen contributes to beautiful and younger-looking skin because of its skin tightening properties.

Reduces joint pain

The deficiency of collagen can result in joint stiffness and pain. A study shows that daily consumption of collagen reduces knee pain. If you are an athlete, then collagen is a must for you to avoid stress fractures and other injuries. Collagen can rebuild your muscles and strengthen cartilage. Moreover, it helps you to prevent cramps or strains you may get from working out. Collagen speeds up the recovery from joint injuries while easing pain.

Collagen for hair and nails

Hair fall is a common problem faced by both men and women around the world. This amino acid containing product not only reduces hair fall but also encourages hair growth. In addition to that, collagen strengthens brittle nails so that you can get long and healthy natural nails. So, say goodbye to heavy hair extensions and acrylic nails as collagen has your back. Daily use of collagen is the best thing you can do for hair and nail health.

Boost metabolism

Metabolism is a chemical process that takes place naturally in your body. Consumption of collagen can boost your metabolism. A proper metabolism cannot only help you to stay energetic and active but also helps you to lose weight. Collagen helps you to improve the digestion of food and keeps you healthy and secure. It is fantastic for your gut health and immunity.

Good heart health

The daily use of collagen helps to strengthen the structure of blood vessels that allow the smooth flow of blood throughout the body. If you are a heart patient, this supplement is for you. This promotes a healthy heart and reduces the risk of many cardiovascular diseases. It ensures proper blood circulation in the body, regulates blood pressure, and keeps your heart healthy.

Other benefits

It is also known to improve your bone and muscle health. It increases bone density and regulates blood sugar levels.

Sources of collagen

While there are several supplements and medicines available online as well as in pharmacies, it can be gained from natural sources also. Following are some natural foods that promote the production of collagen in your body

Bone broth

The boiling of bone for an extended period in water gives bone broth. When bones are boiled for a long time, it releases collagen in water, and it becomes gelatin. When you drink this, your body again converts it into collagen and uses it to produce cells, tissues, and muscles. Drink a cup of bone broth daily and get a healthy and robust physique.

Eggs

Boiled, scrambled, or fried, eggs are consumed in many ways. Breakfast feels empty without eggs. Eggs can serve as a significant source of collagen production in your body. The egg white contains glycine and proline, which are the primary amino acids used to produce collagen. Also, egg yolk is rich in nutrients and plays a vital role in keeping bones and muscles healthy. So, do not forget to eat one or two eggs daily and enjoy good health.

Fish

Fish is one of the healthiest, low-fat form of protein. It is loaded with omega-three fatty acids and minerals. Fish is equally beneficial for your eyes and brain functionality. In addition to that, it helps your body to generate collagen. The researchers have shown that the skin of fish is an excellent source of collagen. So, if you want to obtain collagen, don’t forget to eat this superfood with skin.

Chicken and beef

Chicken and beef are popular foods. Who does not like juicy steaks, burgers, or roasts? Beef and chicken contain essential proteins used for the synthesis of collagen in your body. It is suggested to eat meat twice a week to meet your body’s protein needs. Also, fresh cheese and butter obtained from the milk of farm animals are rich in amino acids that make up the collagen.

Berries

All sorts of berries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. The daily use of these sweet and tangy, beautiful colored berries increases the absorption of collagen. Seeds are rich in nutrients, and if consumed daily, can do wonders for your skin and body. It is recommended to include a small cup of berries in your diet to gain benefits.

Other sources

Other foods that increase the natural production of collagen in your body include broccoli, sunflower seeds, olive oil, oysters, and gelatin. These foods can be easily included in your diet and will enhance collagen present in your body.

Side effects of collagen

Besides its numerous benefits, the products containing collagen may have side effects in some people

Skin rashes and allergies

Although collagen is one of the best anti aging products for your skin, it may cause allergies in some people. If you have sensitive skin, your skin may react after the application of products containing collagen. You may get slight redness, rashes, or irritation in your skin. The best way to prevent anger is to test the product by patch test before full application. If the redness or irritation on your skin persists, consult a dermatologist.

Risk of kidney stones

If you have kidney disease before, you need to seek medical advice before starting a collagen supplement. The researchers have shown that it may increase the risk of kidney stones. Kidney stones are formed as a result of the crystallization of particles found in urine. These crystals may develop into hard stones. It is excruciating to get rid of these stones. However, proper hydration may reduce the risk of kidney stones.

What is the best time to take collagen?

There is not any fixed time to take collagen. It is equally effective in all parts of the day. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, it is not suggested to take it on an empty stomach.

What is the difference between collagen and gelatin?

Cooked collagen is referred to as gelatin. As collagen is found in bones and connective tissues, it is consumed in the form of broth that mainly contains gelatin.

Final word

To conclude, collagen is a wonderful substance produced naturally in our bodies. It can be consumed from supplements or natural foods that can enhance its production. If you want to enjoy youthful skin and avoid the signs of aging, it is an incredible product for you. Besides this, it has a large number of other advantages for your hair, nail, muscles, and bones. In short, it helps to keep you both fit and healthy. However, it is best recommended to consult a doctor to avoid its side effects.

References

 https://healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/collagen

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov