Collagen: What it is and how we can support it

Collagen is one of the many words used to describe connective tissue that runs through our bodies. The word collagen comes from the ancient Greek word κόλλα (kolla), which translates to "glue". It’s part of a living matrix that adapts and remodels itself, constantly changing. ⅓ of your body’s protein is made of collagen. It is piezoelectric, which means it can carry energy throughout our body and acts like a super highway to transmit quantum information from head to toe. Collagen is surrounded by EZ (Exclusion Zone) water, which is structured water that is in liquid crystal form. It is super-conductive, which is what enables this super-speed information transfer, and interacts with light photons from our environment or biophotons made within our bodies. When it comes to collagen, its importance and role in the body is more about the space between than the protein itself. You can compare this to a house; the scaffolding makes the rooms, but it’s in the empty space that allows life to occur. Okay, that was very science-y, so we’ll keep it simple from hereon in. 


Many of us associate collagen with maintaining a glowing, buoyant complexion, or with cushioning our knees or hips. And while it plays an integral role in the structure of our skin and health of our joints, its ability to transfer energy signals throughout the body is where it really shines. Our collagen web funnels sub-atomic information and is likely the basis of the meridian system in Chinese medicine. In other words, it forms the highway for Qi, or energy life force, to flow through you.

Things that damage or reduce collagen

When collagen gets stiff, it becomes a precursor for disease. Tissue stiffness arises from a lack of this EZ water. Scar tissue or muscular knots can damage collagen and create “blocks” in the transfer of information. Fluoride (found in tap water) has also been shown to deteriorate collagen, so filtering your water is a good idea and be sure to use a fluoride-free toothpaste. Glyphosate, a pesticide sprayed on conventionally grown crops, is also a destroyer of collagen. It is structurally very similar to the amino acid glycine (a core component of collagen), which causes it to bind and denature collagen’s structure. To reduce glyphosate exposure, opt for organic foods when possible, and/or wash conventional produce with apple cider vinegar and water to remove pesticide residue. 

EMF exposure has also been shown to damage collagen (see study). Some ways to limit your EMF exposure are:

  • Put your phone on airplane mode when you sleep
  • Turn off wifi at night, or put your router on a timer
  • Use EMF-blocking headphones or add EMFblocking stickies to airpods 
  • Plug your router in a spot that is at least 10 feet away from your couch, bed, desk etc. if possible
  • Avoid putting your phone near your body (especially near genitals and breasts)
  • Download podcasts and playlists and go for a run or walk on airplane mode

So now that we know some of the things that reduce collagen, how do we improve and increase our collagen supply and quality? Keep reading.

Acupressure massage 

Manual pressure applied steadily to knots allows the tissue to soften. It hydrates the knot, releases hyaluronic acid, and unbounds the connective tissue so information can flow more freely. Just another reason to treat yourself to some healing touch. Another way to achieve this and the release of hyaluronic acid is foam rolling. 

Stay hydrated

This may seem obvious now that we’ve learned about how integral water is to collagen’s function. Dehydration is the root of so, SO many ailments – from wrinkles to cravings to constipation and everything in between. A great book to hammer home the importance of water is The Body’s Many Cries for Water by Dr. F. Batmaghelidj. When consuming water, aim for 8-10 glasses baseline, and an additional cup for every half hour of exercise. It’s a good idea to mineralize your water, too, with electrolytes or a pinch of himalayan salt to help the body absorb and utilize the water. 

Increase hyaluronic acid production

Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by our body but its production declines with age. It keeps joints hydrated and skin supple and can hold water up to 1000 times of its own weight for several days.. It does this by encouraging water to bind to collagen, making it more elastic and conductive. You can supplement hyaluronic acid, and increase your body’s production by consuming foods rich in magnesium like green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits (especially avocado!), and foods rich in phytoestrogens like organic, non-GMO soy. Bone broth is great for hyaluronic acid production, too.

Improve your nutrition

Collagen formation requires ample amino acid intake, which we get from protein. Aim to consume protein from a variety of sources, whether plant-based or animal based. Vitamin C is a building block for collagen production, which we can acquire from colourful fruits and vegetables. Zinc and copper also play a role in collagen formation, which we can source from animal products (especially seafood), nuts, seeds and beans. Another great way to support collagen production? High quality bone broth.   

Consume a high-quality collagen supplement

Supplementing collagen has been shown to increase skin hydration, elasticity, roughness and density (see study). We love Organika Collagen for being high quality and organic. You can add a few scoops of collagen daily to your smoothie, latte, soups, oatmeal, etc. You can purchase Organika Collagen at TurF :)

Movement

“Motion is lotion’, i.e. moving your body hydrates your joints and interconnective tissue. The more we move across different planes, the more we CAN move. Walking is one of the most effective ways to get your joints moving and collagen hydrated. Aim to move your body across as many different planes as you can, daily. Take a big stretch after meetings like a dog waking up after a nap (called pendiculation), take a twist in your desk chair, do some cat cows upon waking up, etc. 

Infrared light

Infrared light has been shown to build the EZ water that surrounds collagen. You can access infrared light through morning sunrise exposure, exercise by generating our own heat via mitochondria, cold exposure which causes mitochondria to produce heat, red light therapy, infrared saunas, even taking a bath! The infrared light interacts with the piezoelectric collagen and improves its organization. 

Collagen plays many roles in the body beyond creating supple skin and hydrated joints. It’s the superhighway that allows quantum information to travel throughout our body. Take what lands from this and try integrating it into your routine!

xo Trilby