Your Body Ages Rapidly in Your 40s and 60s: Here’s How to Slow It Down

Is there a certain time in your life to consider taking collagen daily? Collagen, a pivotal protein in our body, supports various aspects of our health, including skin vitality, joint functionality, and muscular strength. Let's explore when to consider collagen supplementation and its myriad of benefits. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I often engage with patients curious about what collagen supplementation entails, what the benefits are, and why it might be right for them. Ultimately the age you start is up to you, but knowing when collagen starts to decline in the body may help you choose when to start. The Onset of Collagen Decline Our body's collagen production typically begins to diminish in our mid-20s, accelerating around age 40, and significantly drops by our 60s. This natural reduction in collagen affects not only our physical appearance, such as decreased skin elasticity, but also the functional integrity of our joints and muscles. Understanding Collagen Production Decline Collagen’s reduction impacts the body's structural support, manifesting in changes in skin texture, joint discomfort, and a decrease in muscle mass. It's not just a cosmetic concern; it's a matter of maintaining bodily strength and mobility. Joint stiffness, reduced mobility, and an overall decrease in muscle strength, are common concerns as we age, and can impact our bodies ability to withstand injury. Research has shown that this decline is due to both intrinsic aging processes and environmental factors like UV exposure and pollution (Shuster et al., 2005). Delving into the Science of Collagen Supplements Research highlights the effectiveness of collagen supplements in addressing these age-related changes. For instance, a study published in 2019 demonstrated how collagen peptides improve skin hydration and elasticity (Bolke et al., 2019). This study highlighted that regular intake of collagen led to noticeable improvements in skin moisture and elasticity, suggesting its potential as a proactive measure against aging. Another study in 2021 highlighted collagen's role in promoting muscle mass and reducing joint pain in individuals across a wide range of ages (Khatri et al., 2021). These findings are significant as they illustrate that hydrolyzed collagen, which is more readily absorbed by the body, can significantly replenish depleted collagen levels, improving many aspects of health, from skin appearance to joint and muscle function. Naturopathic Recommendations on Collagen Intake In my practice, I recommend considering collagen supplementation around the age of 25 to 30. This proactive approach can support not only skin health but also joint functionality and muscle mass, contributing to overall well being. When advising patients, I consider their dietary patterns and overall health profile. Products like Enhanced Collagen Original by Organika is often my go-to recommendation due to ease of incorporation into daily routines and being an excellent source of protein. For pescatarians, Marine Collagen Powder by Organika is a suitable alternative. These supplements can easily be added to morning smoothies, oatmeal, coffee and even water. I recommend a holistic approach to health As always, a holistic health strategy is paramount, and collagen supplements should be part of a balanced lifestyle inclusive of a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Consultation with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen is essential to ensure it aligns with individual health needs and goals. In conclusion, understanding the onset of collagen decline and its effects is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. With the right knowledge and approach, collagen supplementation can be an effective tool in managing the signs of aging and supporting the body's structural integrity. In health, Dr. Courtney Clayson-Russell

As we age, our skin wrinkles, thins out, and may lack that ‘youthful lift’. Our joints become stiff and wear and tear can occur with any activity. Although aging is inevitable, thanks to research we continue to find more ways to add ‘grace’ to the aging process. Nowadays, fillers and Botox are a pricey, and sometimes a risky route many individuals will take to sustain youthful looking skin. Creams, lotions and serums can be priced in the thousands, with promises to reverse aging. It can all add up and become not only incredibly expensive, but in some cases not as effective as promised. What if I were to tell you that beyond a balanced daily diet and lifestyle, certain supplements can have a HUGE impact on the way your skin ages and your joints feel? Collagen is an important component of our skin and other tissues, and it needs a few key ingredients to stay strong, plump and glorious. Hyaluronic acid is one of those key ingredients! Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid (HA), is a naturally occurring substance in your body. HA attracts and holds onto water molecules, and in turn, acts as a natural lubricant for the joints and an internal moisturiser for the skin.1 More than half of our natural HA is found in skin tissues,2 and the rest is abundant in our joints, blood vessels, eyes and more.1 As we age, our natural stores of HA decrease, and this is seen in features of our skin such as wrinkles, which become more noticeable due to the loss of moisture.1 Supplementing with Hyaluronic Acid Taking a HA supplement daily is a targeted way to help with the health of your skin while aging, as well as keeping our joints in tip top shape! HA, alongside collagen supplementation, is a dynamic duo that will promote growth and stability in your tissues. The collagen in your skin needs to be well hydrated to maintain good flexibility, which allows it to avoid being easily broken down. Supplementing with HA is a good daily practice as it degrades quickly in our body3, so replacing it is key. Shop Hyaluronic Acid Summing it up Adding HA alongside a collagen supplement is a great way to boost the overall health of your skin and joints. Eating a diet rich in nutrients, and low in processed foods/sugar, will only compliment this process further. Just like any other supplement regime, it is always a great idea to talk to your healthcare provider before making any major changes. Be happy, be healthy and age gracefully! Amy Wilson References Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):253-8. Reed RK, Lilja K, Laurent TC. Hyaluronan in the rat with special reference to the skin. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 1988 Nov;134(3):405-11. Fraser JR, Laurent TC, Engström‐Laurent A, Laurent UG. Elimination of hyaluronic acid from the blood stream in the human. Clinical and experimental pharmacology and physiology. 1984 Feb;11(1):17-25.

Combien de fois pensons-nous à la santé de notre cerveau ? Avons-nous la possibilité de penser plus clairement et d'améliorer notre mémoire ? Que pouvons-nous faire pour aider à prévenir les maladies liées à l'âge, telles que la maladie d'Alzheimer et la démence ? Il y a tant de choses que nous pouvons faire pour garder notre cerveau en bonne santé et le fait d'être "attentif" maintenant nous aidera dans les dernières étapes de notre vie. Il existe de nombreuses possibilités pour vous aider à soutenir votre cognition globale : Faire travailler votre cerveau Oui, vous pouvez faire travailler votre cerveau ! Lorsque vous le faites, vous le mettez au défi de créer de nouvelles connexions et de renforcer les anciennes. Il y a quelques activités simples que vous pouvez faire pour exercer votre cerveau et le garder vif et sain. Lire, faire des mots croisés et des mots cachés sont de bons exercices pour votre cerveau. Vous pouvez également essayer d'utiliser votre main non dominante pour écrire ou effectuer des tâches quotidiennes, comme déplacer votre souris sur votre ordinateur. Ce sont des exercices simples mais efficaces pour votre penseur ! S'ils sont pratiqués régulièrement, ils peuvent avoir un effet profond sur la santé de votre cerveau. Supplément Lorsqu'il s'agit de la santé de notre cerveau, la crinière du lion est un excellent support cognitif. La crinière de lion est connue pour être un nootropique, c'est-à-dire une substance qui peut aider à améliorer la mémoire, à renforcer la créativité et, fondamentalement, à soutenir le fonctionnement global du cerveau. Les champignons, en particulier la crinière de lion, sont excellents pour le soutien du corps entier, mais lorsqu'il s'agit de soutenir votre cerveau, ce champignon est le roi de la cognition ! Manger correctement, faire de l'exercice et avoir un sommeil de qualité sont quelques-unes des choses les plus importantes que vous pouvez faire pour la santé de votre cerveau. Bien manger Trop de sucre dans l'alimentation peut avoir des effets néfastes et durables sur le cerveau au fil du temps. Nous assistons actuellement à une augmentation de ce que les experts appellent le diabète de type 3. Il s'agit d'une maladie comme le diabète de type 2, mais le cerveau est l'organe qui résiste à l'insuline. On pense que le diabète de type 3 peut entraîner des maladies comme la maladie d'Alzheimer. Pour faire court, trop de sucre peut provoquer un manque de clarté, de la fatigue et une progression précoce des maladies cérébrales liées à l'âge. Compléter une alimentation saine par de l'exercice physique L'exercice physique apporte un flux sanguin frais au cerveau et, avec lui, des vitamines et des minéraux. L'exercice aide également à contrôler la pression sanguine, ce qui est essentiel pour prévenir les accidents vasculaires cérébraux. Sommeil Une bonne qualité de sommeil est probablement la voie la plus importante pour protéger votre cerveau et le garder en bonne santé. Votre corps se répare pendant le sommeil, en particulier votre cerveau ! Il existe de nombreuses preuves de l'importance d'une bonne nuit de sommeil et des effets qu'elle a sur le cerveau. Il est peut-être utile de réfléchir à des nuits supplémentaires et d'améliorer la qualité de votre sommeil. Lorsque vous réfléchissez à vos objectifs de santé généraux, n'oubliez pas d'inclure votre cerveau dans votre régime de santé. Consultez toujours votre médecin naturopathe ou votre prestataire de soins de santé avant d'apporter des changements majeurs à votre régime quotidien, comme un exercice physique intense ou une supplémentation.