Does Collagen Clog Arteries? All Your Questions Answered!

“Researchers have theorized that collagen supplements may help reduce the risk of heart conditions.”

Gavin Van De Walle, MS, RD, Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements

Collagen plays an important role in keeping us healthy. There are lots to be said about collagen and lots of questions that need answering. Let’s take a look at one particular question that is asked often and questions that arise from it: ‘Does collagen clog arteries?’

Other important information provided includes what is collagens role in regard to how it interacts with a blood vessel, and whether it lowers blood pressure.

What exactly is Collagen?

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Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissues of our bodies, including the skin, muscles, tendons, and bones. It’s one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, and it plays an important role in maintaining the structure and integrity of our tissues.

It is also a less commonly known fact that collagen also protects our blood vessels, can help reduce blood pressure, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, and keeps blood flowing! Collagen is made up of long chains of amino acids, which give it its strength and flexibility.

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen which can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin as well as joint pain and stiffness.

How Does Collagen Affect Your Heart?

Collagen also plays an important role in heart health. It helps to repair damaged blood vessels and prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries. Plaque can lead to heart attacks and strokes, so getting enough collagen is essential for maintaining a healthy heart.

Furthermore, collagen has been shown to promote heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

Now on to the question at hand: does collagen clog arteries? The short answer is no. Collagen does not clog arteries. In fact, there’s some evidence that taking collagen supplements can actually help improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and improving blood sugar levels. 

So there you have it! Collagen does not clog arteries, and might even help improve cardiovascular health.

Benefits of Collagen

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In addition to improving the appearance of our skin, collagen also has other benefits. It helps to strengthen our bones and joints, promotes wound healing, and can even improve gut health. It can also help to improve the condition of your hair and nails.

In addition, collagen has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for those suffering from conditions like arthritis.

Collagen is a vital protein that plays an important role in our overall heart health as well, surrounding every blood vessel and providing structure and protecting against damage. As we know the importance of our blood vessels and the role they play in keeping our blood flowing, it is no surprise we should be concerned with their overall health.

Joint Pain

When it comes to joint pain, collagen is often cited as a potential treatment or preventive measure. Collagen can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It can also improve joint function and reduce the risk of future injuries. 

Skin Health

When it comes to skin health, collagen is often hailed as a miracle ingredient. And for good reason – collagen is a protein that helps to support the structure of the skin. It’s found in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, where it provides strength and elasticity.

As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. That’s where collagen supplements come in.

By replenishing the body’s supply of this vital protein, collagen supplements can help to reduce the signs of aging and promote healthy, youthful-looking skin.

Hair Health

When it comes to hair health, collagen is beneficial in a few different ways. First, it helps to improve hair elasticity, which means that it’s less likely to break. It also helps to add volume and body to the hair, giving it a thicker, fuller appearance.

Finally, collagen can help to nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

While our bodies naturally produce collagen, the production declines as we age. This is one of the reasons why hair loss is more common in older adults. By supplementing with collagen, we can help to keep our hair healthy and prevent premature aging.

Anti-Aging Benefits

When there is less collagen in our bodies, it leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and thinning hair. Supplementing with collagen can help to reverse these signs of aging by replenishing the body’s supply of this important protein. 

Not only does collagen improve the appearance of the skin, but it also has other anti-aging benefits. It helps to improve joint health, promote healthy hair and nails, and boost metabolism. Collagen is a powerful anti-aging tool that is an easy way to improve your overall health and well-being as you age.

There are some studies that support the belief that an increased amount of collagen peptides that contain glycine, one of the primary amino acids can help with overall heart health and reduce high blood pressure.

Improved Digestion

A major component of the digestive system, collagen helps to form a protective barrier around the gut. Studies have shown that consuming collagen peptides can promote a healthy digestive system by helping to reduce inflammation and repair the gut lining.

In addition, collagen has been shown to improve digestion by increasing the production of stomach acid and improving motility. 

Are There Any Risks When Taking Collagen?

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Collagen is a popular dietary supplement that many people take for its purported health benefits. However, there are a few potential risks to be aware of before taking collagen.

First, collagen is derived from animal sources, so it may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Additionally, some people may be allergic to collagen or experience gastrointestinal upset after taking it such as bloating or gas. This is usually caused by the body’s inability to break down collagen. People with food allergies or sensitivities may also need to avoid collagen, as it can contain small amounts of allergens. 

Finally, collagen supplements have not been extensively studied, so their long-term safety is not known. Overall though, collagen appears to be safe for most people.

Can You Take Too Much Collagen?

Many people take collagen supplements in the hope of preventing age-related changes. But, can you take too much collagen? The answer is yes.

While there are no serious side effects of taking too many collagen peptides, you may experience some digestive issues if you exceed the recommended dosage. This is because your body can’t break down and absorb large amounts of protein at once.

If you do experience digestive upset after taking collagen supplements, try reducing your dosage or taking it with a meal to help your body process it more easily.

Reactions To Look Out For:

Stomach Issues

If you take more collagen than your body needs, you could experience side effects such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting. 

Stomach pain, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are also a sign of having taken more collagen than your body can handle.

Liver Issues

Taking too much collagen can also cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential risks before taking this supplement.

If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it’s important to stop taking collagen supplements and drink plenty of fluids. In most cases, the symptoms of taking too much collagen are relatively mild and will resolve on their own.

However, if you experience severe symptoms or your symptoms persist, it’s important to seek medical attention.

How To Boost Your Collagen Levels

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Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to boost your collagen levels as you age to help keep your skin looking healthy and young.

Eat Collagen Rich Foods

One way to boost collagen production is to eat foods that are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body to produce collagen, so foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli are all good choices. You can also take a vitamin C supplement if you don’t think you’re getting enough through your diet.

Eating foods that are rich in collagen peptides such as bone broth, fish and gelatin is a dietary option to boost your collagen levels.

Increase Vitamin D Intake

Another way to promote collagen production is to expose your skin to sunlight for short periods of time. This helps trigger the body’s natural vitamin D production, which also aids in collagen production. Just be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Topical Products

You can use topical products that contain ingredients like retinol or hyaluronic acid, which have been shown to help stimulate collagen production.

Let’s take a look at how antioxidants can boost your collagen levels. 

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that help to protect your cells from damage. They do this by scavenging harmful toxins called free radicals. Free radicals can cause all sorts of damage to your body, and they’re one of the main reasons why our skin starts to age. By using antioxidants, you can help to protect your cells and prevent some of the damage that leads to wrinkles and fine lines.

Antioxidants also help to stimulate the production of new collagen fibers while also helping to reduce the breakdown of existing collagen fibers. 

There are many different antioxidants out there, but some of the most popular ones include vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract. You can find these ingredients in many different skincare products, including serums, creams, and masks.

So if you’re looking for a way to boost your collagen supplements and keep your skin looking young and healthy, make sure to look for products that contain antioxidants!

Final Thoughts

So, let’s do a recap, does collagen clog arteries? No! There is enough evidence to say that collagen does not clog arteries, restrict blood flow, cause constriction of blood vessels, or increase blood pressure.

We hope that you have found this article very enlightening and that all your questions were answered but don’t stop here.  Be sure to check out our health blog and our collagen product page. An informed decision is the best decision! 

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