My thoughts on collagen (pros and cons)

This article is going to be my thoughts on collagen. I take it sometimes, not all the time. And have varied thoughts these days.

So for YEARS I've loved collagen (still do. I just have some “be carefuls.”) I started talking about collagen back in the day 8 years ago before people even really knew about it because I was a early adopter of Dr. Josh Axe’s argument for collagen. I preface that because I know some of you might say “But Katey I remember you recommending it to everyone back in 2017!” I’ve had my eyes on studies and the whole concepts around collagen for a long azz time and therefore of course my thoughts on things can ebb and flow as new information comes out.

Mainly- I loved collagen for being a “soother” of the gut. I loved it for skin health (and anyone who says there are no big studies on that have stopped their search at 2018! There are studies now showing us it does indeed help skin.)

I freaking LOVED taking my collagen and still recommend it to this day (just not to everyone anymore.) It's a source of protein yes, however not a complete source of protein as it does not have all 9 essential amino acids. I do think that’s important to note and was kind of left out of the argument back in the day (and still is sometimes.)

The reason I am not taking collagen regularly anymore is 1- some studies showing that if you have tumors in your body (and I do have one on my pituitary gland) it can increase collagen IN THE TUMOR not just your skin. It can be a risk. To be honest, I need to see what my DNA says because that will play a factor. I take collagen 1-2X a week, just not everyday. ***Keep in mind this may change once I get more data on myself.

Another big one to consider is that collagen can be high in histamine. Many people don't have issues with histamine, but I do sometimes. I tolerate some histamine foods, but I can’t be pounding histamine rich foods all day. I need to pick and choose. If I have yogurt that day, I’m not also having bone broth. If I had collagen, I may not have the yogurt. Ya feel me? It’s a balance I do pay attention to. (Many people can have the yogurt, kimchi, and collagen and be fine.) So yes I still include histamine foods, but I have to limit.

I do wish more collagen companies spoke up about the histamine thing- because a lot of people don't know. I also wish collagen companies were more transparent about the fact that you usually have to take way more than 2 scoops a day to truly make a difference. That sucks for the wallet but it's true. That exception is perhaps marine collagen which I do believe is superior to bovine collagen in MOST (not all) cases. Quality is a factor.

I do still take a supplements/powders that give me the perfect recipe for BUILDING collagen (which SOME argue is even more effective than collagen itself.) I’ll be sure to mention some of those products on stories.

But that is my current take on collagen! Long story short- Do I still use it? Yes, just not nearly as much. And I prefer marine collagen. I’ll be on the lookout for a great marine one to reccomend! Currently I’ve found high quality ones but don’t love the taste. So I stay on the lookout. :)

Hope this was helpful! Just my opinion!