If you’re like me and you’ve taken collagen only to have amazing results, you may be yearning to learn everything you can about this protein. There’s so much more to it than you may think, and it’s doing wonderful things for your body!

In today’s article, I want you to learn all there is to learn about our favorite protein. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of 25 amazing fun facts about collagen. I bet you don’t know all of them!

Check them out:

1. Collagen is the most abundant type of protein in the human body, making up about 30% of all your body’s protein.

2. Collagen is just as important for animals as it is for humans. For example, collagen also makes up about 30% of the protein found in dogs.

3. The name “collagen” comes from the Greek word kólla, meaning “glue”, with the suffix “-gen”, meaning “producing”.

4. Collagen is found in many critical parts of your body. It’s integral to the structure of the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s also a major component of your skin, and is key to the appearance of your skin. On top of this, collagen can be found in blood vessels, the cornea of your eye, teeth, cartilage, discs between your vertebrae, and the digestive tract. It maintains the health and function of all these parts of your body.

5. The strength and fibrous nature of collagen make it a great protective casing for your kidneys and other organs. 

6. In addition to connecting large scale things such as bones, ligaments, and tissue, collagen helps keep cells from all over your body connected.

7. Collagen is the perfect structural protein for three reasons: it’s thermally stable, meaning it’s resistant to breaking down from heat; it has a lot of mechanical strength; and it can interact with other biomolecules.

8. The only thing standing in collagen’s way is age. The older you get, the less collagen your body makes. And the collagen it does make is of lower-quality than the collagen of your youth. This impacts the appearance of your skin, function of joints, and much more. 

9. Your collagen levels (and quality) starts declining in your mid-twenties. 

10. When you break them down, proteins are just groups of amino acids. This is true for collagen as well. It includes the amino acid groups glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. 

11. The body naturally makes its own collagen by breaking down dietary protein into amino acids. 

12. However, vitamin C is needed for the synthesis of collagen. Without enough vitamin C, the body wouldn’t be able to begin this process.

13. The structure of collagen is what gives it its unique strength. It’s a triple helix – three chains which are twisted around each other. Because of this and the different cells which make the protein, it can be stretched without breaking apart.

14. In each of the three chains that make up collagen, there are over 1,050 amino acids. Glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline make up the bulk of these amino acids. These are held together with hydrogens – the smallest atom.

15. Sixteen different types of collagen exist in the body, each with different structures and functions.

16. That being said, most of the collagen that exists in the body is type I, type II, or type III.

17. On a gram-for-gram basis, type I collagen is stronger than steel.

18. Type I collagen makes up about 90% of the collagen in your body. 

19. Type I collagen is the strongest collagen because it’s made of fibers densely packed together. It’s a structural component of your bones, tendons, skin, cartilage, teeth, and connective tissue. 

20. Your arteries, organs, and muscles rely on type III collagen. 

21. Sugar and other refined carbs can inhibit your collagen’s repairing abilities. 

22. Another enemy of collagen is the sun. UV rays can diminish the production of collagen. 

23. Speaking of – enemy #1 for collagen is smoking. Cigarettes greatly hamper collagen production.

24. Nutrients that can help boost collagen production are vitamin A, vitamin C, copper, and a phytonutrient which gives berries their color called anthocyanidins. 

25. Another way to help with collagen production is to load up on the amino acids which help make it up. It’s no guarantee that it can help, but it certainly doesn’t hurt! For glycine, try protein-dense foods like meats, seeds, or beans. When it comes to proline, eat eggs, dairy, mushrooms, or asparagus. 

In conclusion…

Now you know 25 new cool things about collagen! 

And learning some of the science behind it really helps drive home why it’s such an integral part of our body. 

This is why when your levels get low, it can really have a big impact. 

Just click here to see how low collagen affected my hair (and how Complete Collagen Plus made a world of a difference!)

UPDATED before and after photos in the link above.

As research into the gut and the microbiome unfolds, we continue to see more interesting findings that can help us improve our health. 

Like, for example, did you know that the health of your gut can affect the health of your skin?

Well, you do now!

Researchers have discovered a clear link between the gut and the skin. As it turns out, the health of the gut can have an impact on inflammation in the skin, along with the many skin conditions which may arise from it. [1]

In today’s article, I’ll go over everything you need to know to understand this connection, as well as how you can help keep your skin clear of rashes, acne, and other inflammatory outbreaks. 

What’s the microbiome?

If you need a refresher, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. 

The microbiome is the universe of microorganisms that call our bodies home. Every area of the body has a unique culture of (mostly good) viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Even your skin has an important microbiome, responsible for regulating inflammation and serving as a barrier between pathogens that are attempting to infiltrate your body on a daily basis. Some of these microorganisms can even help kill certain types of pathogens.

But not all microorganisms that want to live on your skin are good. Some can actively work to eliminate the good bacteria on your skin. When this happens, an imbalance can occur, and this can trigger skin conditions like acne or eczema. 

We can help manage this by being easy on our skin so as to not kill off our good bacteria. Another way is through the introduction of probiotics. 

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria that support the good bacteria in your body and help eliminate the bad bacteria.

Research is showing more and more that the introduction of probiotics to one’s diet can help keep the skin healthy. [2]

Exposure to UV rays from the sun – known as photoaging – is a well-known major contributor to aging skin. Certain probiotics have been shown to protect against this damage. For example, L. rhamnosus – one of the most well-studied probiotic strains – was shown to delay skin damage when exposed to UV rays in mice, as well as increase the amount of immune cells important to skin health. [3]

Research is also showing that probiotics can help slow the aging of the skin in other ways. [4]

For example, a higher skin pH can cause the skin to dry out and create an environment in which bad bacteria can easily grow. Research suggests that probiotics can feed healthy bacteria, balancing the skin’s pH levels. [3]

But still, this all may have you wondering…

How is the skin connected to the gut?

As we learned above, the microbiome includes the microorganisms all throughout your body, working in tandem.

What we didn’t learn above is that:

• The body contains tens of trillions of these microorganisms and…
• These microorganisms make up approximately 70% of your immune system.

Your microbiome is a key regulator of the immune system. Its goal is to maintain homeostasis. This occurs by having your organs and tissue all communicate back and forth with each other. When the bacteria in your gut – where most of your body’s microorganisms live – becomes unbalanced with more bad bacteria than good bacteria, it alters the immune response. This allows for skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, acne, dandruff, and more to take place. [5]

What’s more is that an imbalance of the gut microbiome can pose other consequences such as digestive disorders, weight gain, poor immunity, and mental health disorders. [6, 7]

L. rhamnosus

As mentioned above, L.rhamnosus is one of the most studied strains of probiotics out there, with hundreds of studies supporting its health benefits. 

Regarding the skin, research has shown that L.rhamnosus can support the function of the skin barrier. This is the layer of the skin which keeps the skin hydrated and blocks against unwanted invaders attempting to penetrate the skin. [8]

It’s also been shown to protect skin cells from disease-causing bacteria. [9]

Additionally, one study from 2016 found that it helped reduce acne in adults. [10]

If you’re thinking of adding probiotics to your regimen, L. rhamnosus is the perfect place to start! 

Click here to learn why it stands out from other strains of probiotic (and why you should take it on its own).

Cleaning your home is an important and necessary job. Of course, it’s not always fun, but you don’t want to make things worse by damaging your skin with the products you’re using.

Sometimes even the best store-bought cleaners can get onto your skin and cause irritation and dryness. Gloves don’t make you bulletproof, either. The cleaner can leak into the gloves or simply hit your skin in other spots. Not to mention the ingredients in many of these cleaners can be bad for your eyes and lungs.

That’s why today I wanted to offer some cleaners that you can easily make at home with gentle ingredients. That way, when and if you do get cleaner on your skin, it’s nothing to worry about!

Are citrus and vinegar disinfectants?

Many of the cleaning mixtures below call for a type of vinegar or citrus. These are both great deodorizers and do have some ability to kill bacteria, but they’re not technically disinfectants. If you need to make sure you’re killing all types of bacteria – including pathogens – then you should consider something stronger. But for everyday cleaning, that’s not usually necessary! 

Even though these mixtures aren’t as harsh as store-bought cleaners, it would still be a good idea to wear gloves when handling these, especially if you have sensitive skin. The acidity of vinegar and citrus can cause irritation. 

 Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on marble, as it will eat into the stone. 

1. Scented all-purpose cleaner

Here’s what you’ll need for this fresh-smelling all-purpose cleaner:

• One part white vinegar
• One part water
• Lemon rind
• Rosemary sprigs

Combine all ingredients into an empty spray bottle, shake, and let infuse for about a week before using. Once done, you can use this cleaner to wipe down garbage bins, wall stains, hard water stains, and more.

2. Kitchen cleaner and deodorizer 

Here’s all you need for this simple, yet effective, kitchen cleaner:

• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 quart warm water

This mixture is great for kitchen counters, appliances, and the inside of your fridge. To deodorize and create a nice shine, rub the above ingredients into the surface as a paste. Then, rinse and buff dry. 

3. DIY glass cleaner

Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and easy glass cleaner:

• 2 cups water
• ½ cup white or cider vinegar 
• ¼ cup 70% concentration rubbing alcohol 
• 1-2 drops orange essential oil (optional)

Combine these ingredients into a spray bottle and use them on your windows. Due to the alcohol, it may be best to wear gloves, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

Don’t wash your windows on a hot, sunny day, as the cleaner will quickly evaporate and leave streaks. If you’re cleaning mirrors, spray the solution onto a cloth or paper towel before wiping.

4. Homemade brass cleaner

Easily put together this polishing cleaner with the following ingredients: 

• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Table salt  

For this one, dampen a sponge with the vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on the salt. Lightly rub the sponge over the surface – this could work for decor, door handles, or bathroom fixtures – and then rinse well with water. Dry it off with a soft cloth right away. 

5. Natural marble cleaner

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple solution:

• 2 drops gentle dish soap
• 2 cups warm water

Mix these two ingredients and then soak them up with a sponge. Use the sponge to clean marble, rinsing well after, and drying with a cloth immediately.

Natural cleaners

Chances are, you have many of these ingredients in your home already. So, not only are these cleaners better for your health, they’re easier on the wallet as well! 

Remember, it’s crucial to protect your skin from not just the outside, but the inside. 

Complete Collagen+ can help with that.

>>> Click here to learn how Complete Collagen+ can help strengthen your hair, skin, and nails

If you know anything about me, it’s that I LOVE putting Complete Collagen+ in my coffee. With the caramel taste, it creates a delicious drink that’s sugar free!

But believe it or not, I’m not the first one to come up with putting collagen in coffee (it just hasn’t always tasted so yummy).

Collagen itself has a neutral taste, so adding it to foods and beverages to give them an extra boost is a popular choice for many looking for better skin, nails, hair, joint health, and energy levels. 

But this has some people wondering…

Does the hot coffee impact the collagen peptides?

Collagen and heat

The main concern with collagen and coffee is that the heat of the coffee will destroy the quality of the supplement.

Generally speaking, when proteins are exposed to high temperatures or acidic and alkaline solutions, they become denatured and their structures can change slightly. 

This does include collagen. But you have two reasons to not worry…

The first reason is because of the amount of heat that collagen can endure before breaking down. 

Researchers exposed collagen proteins to the extremely high temperatures of 302–788ºF (150–420ºC) and found that the collagen didn’t even start to degrade until 302ºF (150ºC). [1]

The boiling point for water is 212°F (100°C) and coffee is typically served at 195–205ºF (90–96ºC) – much lower temperature ranges.

But if you still weren’t feeling fully confident in this putting-collagen-in-your-coffee business, then here’s another reason you can put your mind at ease…

Here at EverBella, we wrap our collagen in lipids called micelles and liposomes. These are fatty molecules that are natural to your body. First, the collagen is wrapped in a micelle, which serves the purpose of assisting the collagen through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. This micelle is then wrapped in a liposome, which protects the collagen from breaking down in the digestive tract before it can get to the intestinal wall. 

These liposomes aren’t invincible to heat, but they don’t begin to break down unless boiled. 

So, long story short, as long as you’re not drinking your coffee while it’s literally boiling (which I hope for your sake you’re not!) then you don’t have to worry about losing any of the collagen’s potency by adding it to your coffee. 

When you add Complete Collagen+ to your coffee, not only are you providing your body with one of its most needed proteins, you’re making your coffee taste delicious!

>>> Click here to see how else you’re supercharging your coffee with Complete Collagen+

Think of it this way…

You’re having coffee anyway. You may as well add some beneficial stuff to it!

References and resources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21723833/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18226454/ 

Do you feel especially zonked at the end of each day? Or do you feel tired throughout the day no matter how much sleep you get?

This could be happening for several reasons. One of them could be that you’re doing (or not doing!) something that’s just draining the energy right out of you.

In today’s article, I’m going to go over 8 things that could be negatively impacting your energy levels and preventing you from being at your best every day!

1. Too much caffeine

This one may or may not be surprising. Caffeine is supposed to give you energy, right? Well, of course! It can make you feel like you can achieve anything.

Well, except for sleep…

Research has found that having coffee even six hours before you hit the hay can impact not just how long of a sleep you get, but the quality of your sleep. [1]

Now, I’m not saying ditch the coffee. I’m not a monster. But experts do recommend not having a cup of joe – or any caffeine – after 2PM. 

2. Multitasking

Nothing feels better than knocking out a bunch of tasks at the same time. It’s called multitasking. This term comes from the 1960s, when computers were first being developed, to describe the capabilities of a computer. 

And that’s just it…

Computers can multitask, but we can’t. Our brains can’t actually focus on two things at once. So, when you’re doing what you think is multitasking, you’re actually switching between the two tasks. 

This constant re-focusing exhausts the oxygenated glucose in your brain, making you tired, and actually less efficient at completing your tasks. [2]

3. Dehydration

You know those people that walk around reminding you to drink water? 

Listen to those people!

Especially if you feel tired. Research shows that even mild dehydration can plummet energy levels, especially in women. [3]

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to have some water. At that point, you’re already dehydrated. Casually drink water throughout the day, setting an hourly alarm to have a few gulps if you have to!

Hydration is needed for your body to function properly. It’s a relatively easy way to help keep yourself healthy and energized!

4. Complaining

Sure, we all complain about things here and there. But here’s the thing about complaining… it changes nothing.

Well, almost nothing. Researchers have found that complaining, criticizing, and focusing on the bad can have negative impacts on your productivity. 

It was found that those who focused on the positives and, instead of complaining, looked for ways to improve things were more protective and energetic. Those who simply complained were much more drained at the end of each day, with nothing more to show for it. [4]

5. Going online before bed

Before bed, it’s best to unwind. Something like knitting, reading, or listening to a podcast are good options. But bringing your phone, tablet, or laptop to bed are not good options.

The blue light from these devices can negatively impact your sleep-wake cycle. It does so by interrupting the release of melatonin – the hormone that tells your body it’s time to wind down and go to sleep. [5]

As a result, it can take you longer to fall asleep, and once you do, your body may not properly go through the sleep cycles, such as REM. This leaves you groggy and tired the next day.

Try to avoid these at least an hour before bed. And if you do need to be on a device right before sleep, most of them should have a blue light filter, or “night shift mode” that you can toggle on. Alternatively, you can find a blue light filter for the screen or blue light filter glasses.

6. Skipping the gym

It doesn’t have to be at an actual gym, but if you’re skipping your workout, it may be tiring you out.

Wait, what?

Yeah, it doesn’t seem to make sense until you look at the science. Researchers state that this has to do with the mitochondria in our cells – the less energy you expend, the less energy they produce. [6]

A 2013 study out of the University of Georgia found that just one bout of exercise increased energy levels. Fatigue decreased mostly after low-to-moderate exercises which lasted at least 20 minutes. [7]

So, even if you’re not feeling up to it, getting your exercise in – even just a light one – can help boost your energy levels for the day. 

7. Slouching

Did you know that slouching can drain your energy levels? Well, you do now.

Poor posture can have many negative effects on your health like decreasing circulation, causing headaches, and increasing pressure on the joints. 

But research shows that it can also tire you out. Poor posture and the consequences of it require more energy to compensate for the misalignment of the spine. [8]

It can be hard to remember at all times, but be mindful of your posture while standing and sitting. If you work at a desk, consider investing in an ergonomic chair that can support your back and ensure that your screen is at eye level so you’re not looking downward all day.  

8. A deficiency 

If your body isn’t getting the nutrition it needs, you will certainly feel the effects. 

Trust me, I’ve been through this.

Your body needs vitamin B12 to form red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen throughout the body, delivering it to the cells that need them. Which is all of them.

So, if you’re low on vitamin B12, it’s like suffocating your cells.

This can lower their output…

And greatly impact your energy levels. 

To learn more about this click here.

References and resources:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/sleep-newzzz/201312/new-details-caffeine-s-sleep-disrupting-effects
2. https://www.sciencealert.com/how-multitasking-drains-your-energy-reserves-and-what-you-can-do-about-it 
3. https://today.uconn.edu/2012/02/even-mild-dehydration-can-alter-mood/ 
4. https://www.thecut.com/2015/03/being-negative-at-work-will-drain-your-energy.html 
5. https://www.brighamandwomens.org/about-bwh/newsroom/press-releases-detail?id=1962 
6. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-for-energy-workouts-that-work#1 
7. https://news.uga.edu/uga-kinesiology-exercise-boosts-energy/ 
8. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/slideshows/10-ways-poor-posture-can-harm-your-health?slide=4 

Men like to rock beards for many reasons. It could be for confidence and looks, or comfort and warmth. If you have a beard, or you know someone who has a beard, you know that it can take some upkeep.

But what about the skin underneath?

The unfortunate truth is that facial hair can absorb moisture, taking it away from the skin. This can lead to dryness or itchiness. What’s even worse is that facial hair can catch dirt and oil near the hair follicles, clogging pores and causing acne. 

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t grow a beard. If you follow the tips below, you can keep the beard and have healthy skin beneath (which can help make your beard even nicer)!

My husband does these and, well, just look at his fabulous beard! >>> 

Clean thoroughly and often

Don’t worry, I’m not accusing you of not washing your beard! But it is crucial to wash it extensively at least once a day. 

In the shower, let the steam of the warm water loosen the hairs of your beard, then give it a nice wash with a facial scrub. 

If you’re using beard oils, it’s a good idea to do a wash again at night, as these oils can get trapped around the hair follicles and lead to inflammation. 

Treat your face like your scalp

Alternatively, if your beard is extra thick and/or extra long, just treat it like you do the hair on your head!

In the shower, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to work it into the skin so that you can free up those trapped oils and dirt. 

Exfoliate regularly (but not too much)

When you shave, you remove the top layers of the skin. This acts in place of exfoliation, removing dead skin cells, allowing your skin to be cleaner, at lower risk of clogged pores, and better able to absorb hydrating products. 

But when you have a beard, you’re not shaving this away. As a result, it can build up. This is why it’s important to exfoliate.

To do so, get your beard and the skin beneath it wet with warm water. Then, in a circular motion, apply an exfoliating face wash (a cream-based cleanser with abrasive ingredients designed to actually scrape away the dead skin) to the skin beneath the hair. 

Be sure to only exfoliate 2-3 times per week. Doing so more than this can risk the skin becoming too sensitive and vulnerable to damage.

Moisturize after washing

Now that your skin is clean, exfoliated, and clear of built up oils and gunk, it’s time to hydrate!

Find a moisturizer that’s free of fragrances, parabens, and other ingredients that can harm your skin. Work it into your beard and the skin beneath until absorbed.

Inside and out

Like the hair on your head, your beard is fueled by the nutrients and compounds you consume.

That includes collagen.

If you’re taking care of your beard on the inside and the outside, you’ll have the best beard in town!

>>> Click here to see the amazing things an absorbable collagen can do for hair growth (whether on your head or your face)