Collagen and Hypothyroidism

Collagen has become a ubiquitous presence in the realm of wellness, making its way into drinks, capsules, and even morning coffee. It is not just limited to skincare and haircare products; collagen is now hailed as the latest health trend. But what exactly is collagen, and what benefits does it offer for individuals with hypothyroidism? If you're looking to boost collagen production, especially for the well-being of your thyroid gland, this article delves into the fundamentals of collagen and its potential advantages.

Understanding Collagen:

Collagen serves as the body's primary protein, forming the structural foundation for skin, bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and blood vessels. Constituting about 75% of the skin and approximately one-third of the body's protein, collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of various bodily tissues.

The body naturally synthesizes collagen by combining amino acids obtained from food. However, when collagen production decreases, evident signs include diminished skin elasticity, wrinkles, joint discomfort, muscle stiffness, elevated blood pressure, and issues like dry, lackluster hair and brittle nails.

Factors Influencing Collagen Production:

Collagen levels decline with age, notably plummeting after menopause in women, with a significant reduction in production by the age of 60. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as excessive sugar consumption, smoking, prolonged UV sunlight exposure, and certain autoimmune conditions can impact collagen production. A steady supply of essential nutrients, including proline, glycine, vitamin C, zinc, and copper, is crucial for optimal collagen synthesis.

Benefits of Collagen for Hypothyroid Patients:

For individuals dealing with hypothyroidism, collagen supplementation offers several health benefits:

1. Skin Health: Collagen supplements enhance skin elasticity, combat dryness, and reduce wrinkles associated with hypothyroidism.

2. Joint Health: Collagen supplementation shows evidence of improving joint elasticity and alleviating joint pain, common complaints in individuals with hypothyroidism.

3. Gut Health: The high glutamine content in collagen aids in healing the gut lining, potentially reducing inflammation and addressing issues like leaky gut, commonly linked to hypothyroidism.

4. Muscle Health: Collagen, coupled with resistance training, can help improve muscle strength and mass in hypothyroid patients experiencing inactivity or fatigue.

5. Cardiovascular Health: Collagen supplementation reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and lowers LDL cholesterol, addressing cardiovascular concerns prevalent in hypothyroidism.

6. Metabolic Support: Collagen supplements provide additional protein without the sleep-inducing effects of tryptophan, aiding individuals with hypothyroid-related fatigue.

7. Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Glucose Control: Collagen, rich in glycine, improves glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and reduces the risk of insulin resistance associated with hypothyroidism.

8. Weight Loss: The high protein content in collagen may contribute to a sense of fullness, potentially aiding in weight loss efforts.

Sources of Collagen:

Bone broth stands out as the best natural source of collagen, but various foods, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, leafy greens, avocados, and gelatin desserts, can enhance collagen production. And supplementing with ThyVita Pectin Collagen Gummies are an excellent way to boost your intake!

Supplementing with Collagen:

Experts recommend a daily intake of 35 grams of collagen protein, which can be challenging to achieve through food alone. Collagen peptide supplements, derived from grass-fed and organically raised animals, are a convenient and effective option. Collagen supplements are available in powder, capsule, liquid, and collagen water forms, with hydrolyzed collagen being more easily absorbed by the body.

Side Effects and Considerations:

While collagen supplements generally pose minimal health risks, potential side effects include constipation, diarrhea, reduced appetite, headaches, difficulty sleeping, and digestive discomfort. Adequate water intake is crucial to mitigate the risk of kidney stones.

Collagen vs. Biotin:

Collagen and biotin are often recommended together for improving hair, skin, and nail health. While collagen has no known impact on thyroid tests, biotin can interfere, leading to inaccurate results. Patients are advised to refrain from biotin consumption at least two days before thyroid blood testing.

In conclusion, incorporating collagen into your wellness routine can offer numerous benefits, especially for individuals grappling with unresolved hypothyroidism symptoms. Whether through natural food sources or well-formulated supplements, collagen can be a valuable addition to promote overall health and vitality. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any new vitamin supplement to ensure it’s right for your treatment plan.

REFERENCES:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8295344/

Paloma Health, Mary Shoman