This fibre forming substance is a major component of the connective tissue. Be it skin, muscle, bone, blood vessels or cartilage, collagen provides a mesh scaffolding for areas of regeneration. It combines with the protein Elastin, to keep the skin smooth and wrinkle-free, and with the proteoglycans Glucosamine and Chondroitin. In order for the body to produce collagen, it needs the raw materials in the form of an adequate diet, especially high in vegetable proteins, sulphur containing foods and vitamin C.
The destroyers of collagen:
Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to the strong ultra violet rays of sunlight is known to cause irreparable damage to the collagen fibres in the skin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles. Brown pigmentation and skin cancer are also a direct result of sun damage.
Remedy: high factor sunscreen, a good moisturiser, Vitamin B PABA (Para amino benzoic acid) 1000mg daily [it is suspected that this vitamin might increase the tolerance to sunlight in those who are ultra sensitive], adequate body cover and a diet rich in antioxidants and vegetable protein. Equally important – keep well hydrated with lots of water and Elete Electrolyte Add-in.
Stress
Prolonged and severe illness or trauma causes the body to overproduce hormones to be release by the pituitary and adrenal glands. This causes a tremendous and rapid breakdown of protein, if the diet is not adjusted. Cells in the lower layers of the skin are destroyed, scar tissue forms and contracts resulting in the wrinkled appearance of the skin.
Remedy: a diet rich in protein, vitamins B2, B5, B6 and Vitamin C - which is necessary for the formation of connective tissue – and Vitamin E which is instrumental in preventing scar tissue from becoming irreparable.
Lack of the mineral sulphur:
Next to calcium and phosphorus, sulphur is the most abundant mineral in the body and vital for the production of collagen and the protein ‘keratin’ that makes up hair and nails. Large proportion of these two proteins is made up of sulphur. MSM organic sulphur occurs as part of the earths natural sulphur cycle. It collects in the stratosphere and falls to earth dissolved in rainwater and is abundantly available in the vegetation such as fresh fruit and vegetables that are grown outside, as well as raw milk from the cows that are pasture fed. MSM is readily destroyed by heat, therefore pasteurized milk contains very little.
A deficiency of MSM in modern diets may well be responsible for the number of skin conditions exhibited nowadays. This ‘beauty mineral’ is vital to a smooth skin and glossy hair, so make sure you have an adequate supply!
Remedy: a daily diet of a variety of sulphur containing foods such as eggs, onions, garlic, beans, seafood – especially algae and seaweed products.
Supplements:
If it is not possible for you to eat the foods necessary – or you eat non-organic foods, then the supplements you could take are:
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