Collagen for Sex drive, Vaginal Health, Intestinal Health, Urinary Tract & Liver
Sex drive: The amino acid Phenylalanine is converted into phenylethylamine (PEA) in the body (Nootriment). This is considered a natural “love drug” and is associated with infatuation, sexual desire and the sex drive. Vaginally: according to the National Institute on Aging, during the menopausal transition collagen under skin (fatty tissue and protein) is lost in the vaginal area, leading to dryness and a greater risk of tearing and infection. Type III collagen, a by-product of type I, makes up a good part (84%) of the arcus tendinious fasciae pelvis (ATFP), which in turn supports the vagina. Without adequate collagen post menopausal women are likely to experience a loss of tensile strength in the and are at risk of developing a prolapsed anterior vaginal wall (Moalli, et al., 2004). Arginine or L-arginine helps with blood circulation. It is in this way that Arginine improves the male sex drive (Axe, 2015). Arginine also helps in the release of nitric oxide into the blood, this relaxes blood vessel walls and improves circulation and improves the elasticity of the arteries, these effects can lead to lower blood pressure. Over time, Arginine helps with erections, potency, stamina and sexual performance (Williams, Abumrad, & Barbul,2002). Intestinal health: Historically gelatin has been used to treat colitis, dysentery, celiac disease, ulcers and other digestive problems (Peat, 2006). Collagen is helpful with leaky gut syndrome, (when undigested food particles, bacteria and toxins leak through the intestinal wall). People with inflamed or irritable bowels (IBS) have been shown to have lower levels of collagen (Koutroubakis,2014). Collagen can help re-establish the integrity of the intestinal lining. Glutamine is pivotal in avoiding gut wall irritation and in helping heal leaky gut syndrome. Glutamine slows inflammation and oxidative stress linked to openings in intersections in the intestinal linings connective tissue (Lin., et al, 2014). Collagen (Types I, III & V) helps intestinal walls repair themselves due to damage or inflammation (Graham, Drucker, Diegelmann, & Elson, 1987). Collagen can help with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis as well. Glycine, which is antispastic, can lesson the severity of muscle spasms and increase digestive juices (Peat, 2016). Collagen has been shown to aid digestion in human and animal studies. This is as collagen is high in glutamic acid which is converted to L-Glutamate, an amino acid that helps regulate stomach acid. Glycine stimulates the secretion or production of stomic acid (Wald & Abidi, 1982). This in turn reduces the chances of heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers and digestive problems (Lim, et al., 2014). Collagen helps in the intestinal breakdown of other foods (carbohydrates and proteins). Collagen (Types I, III & V) helps intestinal walls repair themselves due to damage or inflammation (Graham, Drucker, Diegelmann, & Elson, 1987). Further, glycine and proline help support a healthy stomach lining and lesson the likelihood of stress-related ulcers (Tariq, & Moutaety, 1997). Urinary tract: Collagen III is necessary for normal human bladder functioning and normal volume changes (Chang, Howard, Koo, & Macarak, 1998). Further, in animal models type III collagen (found in type I) has been associated with normal bladder tension development and contraction (Stevenson, Kucich, Whitbeck, Levin & Howard, 2006). Bladder function can be disrupted by the abnormal synthesis of connective tissue due to a decrease in type 1 collagen (Baskin, Howard, & Macarak, 1993). Liver: Glycine has been shown to have a protective effect on the human liver regarding cancer or tumor formation (Peat, 2016). In animal studies glycine prevents liver cell death, or lactate dehydrogenase leakage and when animals are deficient in choline and methionine supplementing with glycine prevented liver damage (Barakat & Hamza, 2012). Glycine also inhibits liver injury and positively effects liver related enzymes (selfhacked.com) and, intravenous glycine is shown to lesson liver injury by reducing inflammation and maintaining the production of energy at the cellular level (Sheth, 2011). In animals who suffered from induced liver disease, or bile duct ligation, glycine helped maintain vitamin D levels in the blood which slowed liver damage (Chen et al., 2013; Froh, et al., 2008). Glycine was found to reduce liver damage and also lesson death rates in animals who suffered sepsis, a serious bacterial infection (Yang, Koo, Chaudry, & Wang, 2001). In human studies glycine lowers alcohol levels and lessons intoxications if taken before drinking (Blum, Wallace, & Friedman, 1974). And, in animal studies, also positively effects alcohol absorption, which may be beneficial to the liver. Here glycine slows down the absorption of alcohol by reducing the rate the stomach absorbs alcohol and moves it into the intestine (Akao, & Kobashi, 1995). References for collagen found here.