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Improve your gut feeling

Besides strengthening bones and skin benefits, some experts believe collagen can heal digestive and intestinal disorders, too

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(Clockwise): Collagen is said to be instrumental in healing varied digestive disorders; Bone broth; Collagen can be also be taken in the form of powder, capsules and shots
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Drinking bone broth to enhance bone strength is an old grandmothers’ remedy. In recent years, some celebrities have taken to consuming collagen powders to improve skin elasticity and anti-ageing benefits. But did you know that collagen is also touted to have gut healing properties and improving digestive and intestinal disorders as well? We asked experts to shed light on these lesser known benefits... 

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

Collagen is one of the most commonly available protein in our body cells. It is present everywhere including skin cells, blood cells, bones cells, cartilage and ligaments cells etc. Glutamine, which is present in the collagen has a key role in preventing inflammation, says Dr NK Verma, Gastroenterologist, Axis Hospital. It helps in addressing digestive and intestinal disorders like stomach ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and gut syndrome, etc.

BENEFITS FOR THE GUT

Collagen is instrumental in healing varied digestive disorders like leaky gut, IBS, cases of autoimmunity that are again related to gut. The biggest digestive benefit of collagen on the digestive system is that it helps form connective tissue and therefore, reduces the intestinal permeability. Luke Coutinho, Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine — Holistic Nutrition, adds, “In fact, bone broths, the richest source of collagen helps to rapidly repair leaky gut and improving overall immune function. Collagen also has an affinity for water molecules. Hence, inside the gut it tends to draw water molecules towards itself and that helps in easing bowel movements and keeping intestines lubricated.”

CONSUMING COLLAGEN

Collagen can be introduced in many ways but they are all derived from non-vegetarian sources since it comes from the bones, cartilage and hides of animals. The most potent sources of collagen through food is bovine, chicken, fish and eggs (however, cooking eggs denatures collagen). Coutinho says, “Bone broth in the form of Paya soup/ Chicken broth soup / Mutton broth soup, can be consumed. 

Collagen is one of the most healing foods that helps protect gut linings. Collagen in the form of capsules, powder or shots can also be taken. However, one must be sure of the quality of meat and look specifically for organic, grass-fed sources that are antibiotic and hormone free. Also, prefer homemade broth instead of store bought broths and stocks because they are MSG loaded, which can further cause gut issues.”

He adds that another important point to consider about collagen is that, even though all forms of collagen are good for health, the rate of absorption of hydrolysed collagen is 90 per cent as compared to 27 per cent in food. When you hydrolyse collagen, collagen peptides become bioavailable. Hydrolysed collagen is mostly taken in the supplement form. Collagen supplements can either be added to smoothies, soups or into baked foods.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE?

Bone broth powder can be taken once a day and continued for a few weeks to a month. It’s best to consult your doctor before taking any such supplements. Powder forms with flavour can be given to children too. But consult a paediatrician, who has been seeing the child regularly, cautions Dr Verma.

RESULTS

“Practically speaking if you heal your gut, you are healing your entire body. Usually you should start observing the effect in a week’s time or so,” opines Dr Verma. On the other hand, Coutinho says that healing of the gut and intestinal disorders totally depends on case to case, severity of the condition, age or whether any other condition co-exists. Since healing is holistic, person’s mental and emotional state also matters a lot. In fact, stress plays a huge role in governing gut health.

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