You’ve heard the term “Food is Medicine”, yet have you ever paused to think about what that actually means? For holistic women’s health, collagen is one such “food” that is more helpful to our bodies than many medicines on the market.
Food makes up the building blocks for our body. In today’s post, we are breaking down how collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and elasticity of skin, joints, and connective tissues.
For women in their childbearing years, ensuring adequate collagen levels can offer many benefits that support both maternal well-being and fetal development. As a Holistic Physical Therapist and mother of three, I also use the essential protein for my young children. Truly, the whole family will gain from its role across the lifespan.
Collagen is more than just a trendy supplement—it’s a powerhouse of support for women navigating the full spectrum of the childbearing continuum. From preconception to pregnancy and throughout postpartum recovery, collagen offers a range of benefits that align with a holistic approach to women’s health.
Let’s dive into why collagen is a must-consider for nurturing your body during this transformative time.
1. Skin Elasticity and Hydration
A holistic approach to women’s health emphasizes natural ways to support the body through its natural life cycles. Collagen is a key player when it comes to skin health. During pregnancy, your skin stretches rapidly to accommodate your growing baby, often leading to dryness and stretch marks. Collagen supplementation works from the inside out to improve skin elasticity and hydration, reducing the appearance of stretch marks and potentially eliminating their onset in the first place.
You will often hear estheticians boast the benefits of collagen from a skin elasticity standpoint for the diminishing of wrinkles. This works in the same way, supporting the skin’s natural integrity from the inside out.
2. Eases Joint Pain & Enhances Mobility
Throughout the childbearing years, the body experiences significant physical demands, from weight shifts during pregnancy to the hormonal changes that affect ligaments and joints postpartum. Collagen can help maintain the health and cushioning of your joints, supporting mobility and reducing discomfort as your body grows, changes, and heals. This supple joint support is especially crucial for staying active and maintaining a gentle movement practice, a vital component of holistic well-being throughout the lifespan.
Of course, we must pair “Food is Medicine” with “Exercise is Medicine” and joint health is a perfect example of that. This is why I care about how we nourish our bodies as a Holistic Physical Therapist. When our movement routine is great but nourishment is not, it shows. The same is true for the opposite. When we focus on BOTH movement and nutrition as medicine to fuel our bodies, you will experience the greatest amount of impact.
3. Strengthens Bones and Reduces Risk of Depletion
Bone health is a major concern for women across the childbearing continuum. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can put a strain on the body’s calcium reserves, making bone density a priority. Collagen provides a natural scaffolding for bone strength, working synergistically with other nutrients to maintain the structural integrity of your bones and reduce the risk of bone loss.
Emphasizing bone health holistically can ensure long-term resilience for your body. As an Orthopedic and Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, I program bone-density building exercises for my patients that directly benefits from collagen intake. When we give our bones the proper nutrients to build and repair faster, the exercise programming I provide is that much more beneficial.
4. Supports Gut Health and Reduces Digestive Disturbances
Gut health is central to holistic well-being, and collagen can be a game-changer in supporting digestive wellness.
Pregnancy often comes with gut challenges like bloating, nausea, and constipation. Collagen contains amino acids, including glycine and glutamine, which help repair and maintain the health of your gut lining. A healthy gut not only eases digestive symptoms but also boosts nutrient absorption, vital for both you and your baby.
5. Accelerates Postpartum Healing and Tissue Repair
The postpartum period is a time of intense healing and restoration. Collagen’s role in tissue repair is essential for recovery, aiding the body in healing pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and supporting overall tissue regeneration. If you’ve heard of Prolapse or Diastasis Recti, these concerns are especially in need of the building blocks to aid their tissue repair. Specializing in Women’s Health across the lifespan, this is a common point of education with clients in my office.
As you rebuild strength and balance after childbirth, collagen can be a powerful ally, especially when paired with holistic practices like nourishing foods, gentle movement, and progressive strength building routines.
Holistic Integration of Collagen Into Your Routine
Incorporating collagen into your holistic wellness routine can be simple. Focus on nutrient-dense, collagen-rich foods like bone broth, slow-cooked meats, and dishes made with gelatin. For extra support, high-quality collagen powders (like this one!) or gummies (like this recipe!) can be beneficial and easy to use daily.
As always, before adding new supplements, consult with a healthcare professional who understands holistic women’s health to tailor the approach to your needs. I see clients 1:1 in Sidney, Ohio and Virtually wherever you are. You can easily book your appointment online via my Scheduling Portal.
By embracing the full range of collagen’s benefits, you’re investing in a stronger, more nourished body, ready to thrive throughout every stage of the Women’s Health continuum. From preconception to postpartum to perimenopause, collagen is a valuable piece of the puzzle in your holistic wellness toolkit.
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