Use Gelatin and Collagen for Better Gut Health

If you’re reading this article, you may be one of the many people searching for digestive relief. Gastrointestinal disorders are amongst the most common health issues to affect Americans. The complications lead to daily digestive distress, missed work, hospitalization, and in severe cases, cancer (1). Some of the most common disorders are:

Acid reflux
Ulcers
Lactose and other food intolerances
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD or IBS)
Celiac Disease (CD) and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
Chronic constipation and/or diarrhea

A recent survey of over 2000 Americans revealed that 72% deal with some type of digestive distress on a regular basis (2). This is a staggeringly high number that is not to be taken lightly. Discomfort is a sign that there is a more serious underlying issue, yet healing from these disorders seems illusive to many.

Temporary Relief Comes at a Cost

Prescription or over-the-counter drugs like antacids, steroids, anti-spasmodics, gas-relievers, and even anti-depressants are commonly used to treat digestive distress. And many people find relief upon initial use of these so-called remedies. But the side effects of this temporary relief can be drastic and often serve to exacerbate the issues the medicine was used for to begin with.

For example, antacids are one of the top ten most prescribed drugs in the US (3). Most people with heartburn buy into the ads that claim they have too much stomach acid and rely on antacids to decrease their seeming overabundance. As natural health expert Chris Kresser explains, the true cause of acid reflux is actually too little stomach acid (4). And because an antacid will only further decrease stomach acid, a reliance on the drug will likely persist indefinitely. Low stomach acid can cause further problems like increased food allergies, poor nutrient absorption, and hormone imbalance (5, 6, 7).

Collagens (and Gelatin) Can Provide True Healing

Our Collagen Proteins gelatin and Collagen Peptides hydrolysate are a great, natural alternative to quick-fix medications. Rather than simply masking symptoms, the 18 amino acids found in collagen have the power to prevent and even heal many digestive disorders.

Increase stomach acid: aminos acids increase gastric acid secretion, helping to better digest your food and prevent heartburn and GERD (8)
Heal stomach ulcers: the amino acids glycine and proline protect the stomach lining from injury and even prevent ulcers due to stress via a positive impact on the central nervous system (9)
Aids in digestion: when eaten with other proteins or carbohydrates, gelatin will help to break down foods for easier digestion (10); and the gelling power of gelatin also holds water in the intestines where it is needed to help food move smoothly
Heal and seal the gut lining: the amino acid glutamine is proven to improve the lining of the intestinal track and heal “leaky gut” syndrome, a common condition where the lining of the intestines becomes weakened (11); a strengthening of the intestinal lining helps to prevent food allergies by keeping food from leaching into the bloodstream (12)

How to Use Gelatin for Better Gut Health

When choosing which product is right for you, consider your overall gut health. Our Collagen Proteins are a gentle, yet powerful gut-healing option. Thanks to their gelling power, they absorb water in the intestines and keep it there to aid in digestion.

For those with more serious gut issues, our Collagen Peptides might be a good place to start. They are produced via hydrolysis, which essentially helps to pre-digest them so they assimilate into the body quicker. They do not gel but will dissolve into any liquid, hot or cold, making them a very simple addition to your diet.

We recommend taking 1-2 servings per day to get the best of collagen’s gut healing power. Although the Peptides can easily be taken as a daily supplement by mixing into a little water, many people love to incorporate them in more creative ways. You’ll find countless recipes here on the blog to inspire you to integrate the gelatin or the peptides into your diet in some pretty delicious ways.