If you suffer from the aches, pains, and soreness of chronic conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, you know how hard it can be just to complete ordinary tasks and get through the day. Don’t despair, though! Perfect Collagen may be just what you need to provide your body with the nutritional support to heal. Some benefits of taking a hydrolyzed collagen supplement for chronic aches and pains include:

• Less pain
• Reduced stiffness
• Increased joint elasticity
• Decreased inflammation
• Reduced swelling
• Improved mobility and function

Why would collagen help reduce pain?

Collagen is critical to the body, as it comprises nearly one-third of the proteins in the human body. Collagen is one of the main components of muscles, bones, joints, skin, cartilage, and connective tissues. As we age, our collagen levels tend to decline, contributing to loose skin and wrinkles as well as aches, pains, and bone loss. Some conditions known for causing chronic pain are associated with low levels of collagen. Therefore, collagen supplementation may be a natural remedy for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain disorders, and even osteoporosis.

Collagen is rich in amino acids, the “building blocks of life,” which, among other roles, are essential for growth and repair of body tissues. One particular amino acid in collagen, methionine, helps the body to produce sulfuric compounds. Those with arthritis have been found to have sulfur levels three times lower than their healthy counterparts. Methionine has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as stimulate cartilage production.

Research has found that collagen is more effective than glucosamine and chondroitin for relieving the pain of arthritis. MRI studies have found that those taking a collagen supplement for arthritis experienced a regrowth of collagen instead of the deterioration found in their non-supplementing counterparts. Muscle biopsies have noted that those with fibromyalgia have lower levels of collagen in the muscles, so collagen supplementation may benefit fibro sufferers as well. Another study found that those with fibromyalgia and temporomandibular joint pain experienced significant improvement in pain levels after 90 days of collagen supplementation. Other research suggests that supplemental collagen can improve the inflammatory response and, in effect, teach the body to control the T-cell reaction to prevent the breakdown of cartilage and connective tissues.

Collagen vs. Gelatin

Collagen is simply uncooked gelatin. While gelatin only dissolves in hot liquids, collagen dissolves in either hot or cold liquid, doesn’t change the taste, and doesn’t thicken. This means you can add it to plain water, any kind of milk or juice, coffee, tea, smoothies, and more. Another big advantage of collagen is that it’s lower molecular weight makes it easier to absorb than gelatin. Those suffering from chronic digestive issues may have a hard time breaking down the molecules in gelatin or bone broth, so collagen is an excellent, easy alternative.

How do I choose the best collagen supplement?

When choosing a collagen supplement, you’ll want to make sure the one you select is made from grass-fed, hormone-free cattle. The cows used to make Perfect Collagen feed on clean, green, pesticide-free pastures in Brazil. The cows are never given hormones or antibiotics. Perfect Collagen goes through a natural enzymatic process to break down the collagen into its most absorbable, bioavailable form. This process is called hydrolyzation. No chemicals, preservatives, flow agents, or fillers are added — only pure, pastured collagen.

Get the most out of your collagen supplement

• Vitamin C is a cofactor for collagen production, so this is an important supplement to take alongside collagen.
• You may also want to consider a B Complex supplement, as B vitamins support methionine in producing sulfurs in the body.

Does collagen have any side effects?

Collagen supplements are extremely well tolerated. Potential side effects include mild diarrhea or a slight rash, but most will experience no side effects from collagen supplementation. There are no known dangers or drug interactions associated with collagen.

What other natural remedies help with aches and pains?

• Emu oil is excellent for achy joints and sore muscles. An oral emu oil supplement provides anti-inflammatory omega fatty acids. Topical emu oil can be rubbed right into the aching joint to reduce inflammation locally.
• Calm Balm soothes sore muscles with menthol camphor and healing oils. This is a great natural alternative to Icy Hot.
• Magnesium is also extremely important for easing aches and pains, as it aids in the nerve response plus muscle contraction and relaxation.
• There is growing evidence that turmeric is as effective as aspirin in relieving pain — but without the gastrointestinal side effects
• Avoid sugars and excess carbohydrates in your diet, as these may contribute to inflammation in the body.

By Ali Wetherbee