Collagen - The glue that holds us together - ADHD connection?

Introduction:

In the intricate machinery of the human body, there's a crucial element that often goes unnoticed but plays a fundamental role in maintaining our vitality and strength. It's called collagen – often referred to as the body's "glue" – and its significance cannot be overstated. We tend to only think of it as helping our skin be supple and avoid wrinkles.  But as professionals in various fields, understanding the importance of collagen not only enhances our knowledge but also empowers us to make informed choices for our health and well-being.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, constituting about one-third of our total protein composition. It serves as a structural scaffold, providing strength, support, and elasticity to various tissues, including skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Essentially, collagen acts as the glue that holds our body together, ensuring optimal function and resilience.

How Collagen Affects Our Brains:

Collagen helps keep our brain cells healthy by ensuring they get the oxygen and nutrients they need to function correctly. When collagen levels are low, our brain cells might not work as efficiently, leading to problems with memory, concentration, and even mood.

What Happens When We Lack Collagen:

If we don't have enough collagen, our brain cells might not get the support they need to function properly. This can lead to problems like forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or feeling more anxious or depressed. In severe cases, a lack of collagen in the brain can contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative disorders.

Taking Care of Our Brain and Collagen:

To support our brain health, it's essential to take care of our collagen levels. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein-rich foods, like meat, fish, eggs, and beans, can help ensure we're getting enough collagen-building nutrients. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can also support collagen production and brain health.

The Role of Kinesiology in Collagen Assessment:

Kinesiology testing can be utilised to identify imbalances or deficiencies in the body's collagen composition. Since collagen is essential for muscle function and structural integrity, disturbances in collagen levels can affect muscle strength and responsiveness. By evaluating muscle response during kinesiology testing, practitioners can detect patterns indicative of collagen deficiencies and pinpoint the specific collagen types that may be lacking.

Implications of Genetic Collagen Deficiencies:

Genetic collagen deficiencies can have profound implications for affected individuals, impacting their physical health, mobility, and quality of life. Common manifestations of collagen disorders include joint hypermobility, chronic pain, skin fragility, skeletal deformities, cardiovascular complications, and vision problems. The severity and clinical features of collagen disorders vary widely depending on the specific genetic mutation and affected collagen type.

Where Kinesiology Can Help:

Based on the findings of kinesiology testing, practitioners may recommend targeted nutritional interventions to support collagen synthesis and repair. This may involve supplementation with collagen peptides, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids essential for collagen production and tissue repair.  Even if there is a genetic deficiency - help can be given with fat soluble vitamins that can allow the body to accept and produce the collagen.  

Conclusion:

Collagen is not just essential for keeping our skin and joints healthy; it also plays a crucial role in supporting our brain function. By understanding how collagen affects our brain health and taking steps to support collagen production, we can promote better cognitive function and overall well-being. Remember, taking care of our brains is just as important as taking care of the rest of our bodies!