“The Secret of Youth Without Old Age: Understanding Collagen with Mihaela Bilic”

It’s no secret that Mihaela Bilic always gives golden advice to her followers so that they can have a healthier lifestyle. This time, the nutritionist talked about collagen, explaining that this is the secret of youth without old age. Many Romanians learned valuable information from it.

“Collagen, the secret of youth without old age

What do skin, bones, joints, muscles and tendons have in common? Collagen, a basic protein of the connective tissue, represents 25-30% of the total proteins in the body. This molecule is formed by a network of fibers that gives resistance and elasticity to many tissues: skin, hair, nails, bones and teeth, muscles, tendons and ligaments, joints and blood vessels. 75% of the skin structure and 85% of the muscle structure is represented by collagen. There is 1.6 kg of collagen in the bone system, 1.4 kg in the skin and 0.5 kg in the muscles.

What do we need to know about collagen? It is a protein made up of 19 amino acids. It is found exclusively in products of animal origin and does not dissolve in water. The collagen in the human body is in a continuous process of degradation and remodeling, every day 100 g of new collagen is synthesized.

What are the factors that affect collagen production? First of all, aging, collagen synthesis decreases by 1% per year, starting at the age of 20. Other negative factors: excessive exposure to the sun, smoking and alcohol abuse, pollution and stress. Every 10 years, women lose almost 10% of bone density and 7% of skin elasticity and thickness. In the first 5 years after menopause, due to the lack of estrogen, collagen synthesis decreases by approximately 30%. The increased level of homocysteine ​​or cortisol and all factors that increase oxidation at the cellular level have a negative impact on collagen.

What are the effects of optimal collagen synthesis? An elastic and firm skin, with a young appearance and without wrinkles. Strong bone and muscle system, with strong and flexible tendons and ligaments. Joints with well-nourished cartilaginous matrix and abundant synovial fluid. Wounds that heal quickly and without scars. An increased level of collagen means beautiful skin, healthy hair and nails, supple muscles and pain-free joints.

No wonder the collagen supplement industry has grown by 30% in the last 5 years – the more collagen, the better! With a small mention: even if we swallow collagen concentrates, this does not mean that they are all transformed into collagen!?! Explanation: collagen from food and supplements is absorbed from the intestine and broken down like any protein into amino acid fragments. Later, new proteins will be synthesized from these amino acids, depending on the current needs of the body. We take collagen in vain to improve our skin or joints, our body may need amino acids for other priorities: hormone synthesis, cell renewal in the digestive mucosa, antibody production, etc. We want one, he does another!

So what is the solution? Let’s increase the body’s internal collagen synthesis, stimulate the natural production mechanisms and protect the existing collagen against degradation. We do not lack the raw material, the daily diet ensures a sufficient intake of amino acids necessary for the production of collagen. Regardless of whether we eat animal or vegetable proteins, from meat, fish, eggs, cheese, cereals, legumes, grains and oilseeds, we can synthesize collagen. What we need is a catalyst for this reaction, an element to stimulate domestic production. Who is he? Silicon!

There are supplements with stabilized silicon in the form of orthosilicic acid that activates the key collagen-generating enzymes. These supplements are 100% vegan and do not contain collagen, but protect your own collagen by neutralizing the oxidative factors that destroy it. The secret of youth without old age? A drop of silicon, which will keep the natural synthesis of collagen at high levels!”, said Mihaela Bilic, on Facebook.