Collagen is a type of structural protein that is naturally found in our body and makes up about 25 to 35 per cent of the whole-body protein content and over 75-80% of our skin. It is the protein in our skin responsible for firmness, plumpness, elasticity, and youthfulness and protects it by impeding the absorption of toxins and pathogens. Collagen is also found throughout the body including in the muscles and bones where it provides necessary strength. The word collagen comes from the Greek word ‘kòlla’ and the French suffix ‘-gene’ that translates to glue producing. It diminishes as we age, making it important to include certain vitamins and minerals that can help boost collagen production in the body.

What factors destroy collagen?

When you are young and skin is healthy, it repairs and makes new collagen regularly and keeps skin smooth, resilient, and free from fine lines. However, when our skin is exposed to factors like UV rays, smoke, pollution, erratic diet and stress that produce free radicals in the skin. These free radicals are one of the major causes for the breakdown of collagen fibers and loss of skin elasticity, thinning skin and accelerating the skin aging process. As a result, our skin starts to sag, and fine lines and wrinkles appear on the face.

 

How to boost collagen naturally? What Ayurvedic secrets are there for boosting collagen?

In the present time, numerous artificial techniques work on boosting the collagen in the skin. However these invasive techniques do not get to the root of the issue, they are temporary remedies. Nevertheless, Ayurveda’s holistic approach to aging gracefully known as “Rasayan Chiktsha” that rejuvenates skin through various natural herbs, therapies, foods, and other ingredients to boost collagen and other proteins in the skin to maintain its long- lasting beauty. Nutrients that aid the process of collagen production include zinc, vitamin C, and copper. Vitamin C helps produce pro-collagen, the body’s precursor to collagen. Therefore eat lots of fruits and vegetables that will help tighten the skin and keep you Ageless.

1. Critic fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are rich sources of Vitamin C.
2. Tomatoes can provide up to 30% of important nutrient for collagen, and has lycopene, a powerful antioxidant for skin support.
3. Bell peppers contains Vitamin C and capsaicin, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps combat signs of ageing.
4. Tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, pineapple, and guava also contain Vitamin C.
5. Guava also has a small amount of zinc, another co-factor for collagen production.
6. Astringent fruits like apples, berries, cherries, strawberries, Indian goose berry, raspberries and blackberries can help tighten the tissue and skin, and reverse the ageing process.
7. Garlic and can boost our collagen production, as it is high in sulfur, which is a trace mineral that helps synthesize and prevent the breakdown of collagen.
8. Soups made from leafy greens like spinach, kale, swiss chard, and other salad greens have chlorophyll, known for its antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that consuming chlorophyll increases the precursor to collagen in the skin.
9.. Beans are a high-protein food that often contain the amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis. In addition, many of them are rich in copper, another nutrient necessary for collagen production.
10. Cashews contain zinc and copper, both of which boost the body’s ability to create collagen.

Note: Moreover, ensure to stay away from too much sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can cause inflammation and damage collagen.

 

1. In Ayurveda, the Vata pacifying diet is recommended for building the Ojas (the unifying factor of all the vital essence) in the body. Here are the important components of the anti- ageing diet: a) Cow’s ghee, nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds are vital in building Ojas. b) Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger and cinnamon are powerful cleaners that cleanse the blood, lymph, and liver. c) Leafy greens and rainbow- colored fruits are rich sources of cell renewing antioxidants and literally help flush toxins out of the body and enhance the complexion.

 

2. Antioxidants or youth activating herbs: In Ayurveda, a myriad of herbs are categorized as Rasayana or rejuvenators. Gotukola, Ashwagandha and Bala are some potent reparative herbs that work on the skin by boosting collagen production.

 

3. Eternal youth emulsion: Ayurveda’s beauty elixir â€œghee” is also known as a goldmine of nutrients for skin. And, specifically if it is aged cow’s ghee or Purana Ghrita, it becomes a tonic for skin which is extremely nourishing in nature, with age arresting, skin toning and smoothing qualities.

 

4.   Therapies for anti- ageing: According to Ayurveda, regular intensive oil treatments like massage with natural oils is another way to replenish the body. Unrefined organic black sesame, sweet almond oil and cow’s milk are very effective for keeping skin supple, soft and toned by restoring firmness, increasing collagen and giving it a sheen.

 

What are the Homeopathic remedies that boost collagen production?

--Abrotanum is recommended when skin looks more aged in spite eating well and having lot of wrinkles. This medicine tones skin by building the collagen.

--Aurum muriaticum is given to aged groups with wrinkles on face.

--Cal Carb is used in obese people who lose their fat to get slim and skin sags. This helps in skin toning by collagen building.

--Calcarea Phos – this is useful in thin personality with all over wrinkles. It can be given in low potency.

--Silica given in lower potency to boost collagen naturally

--Cal Flour is a biochemical medicine that helps in strengthening the elastic fibers and bones and vascular walls. This is used as anti-aging remedy in homeopathy.

--Calendula and Echinacea mother tincture can be used externally as toners on the skin every day once or twice by diluting mother tincture with one spoon of distilled water.