Collagen is commonly known as the most abundant protein in our body that rejuvenates and maintains hair, skin, and nails strong and healthy. But it’s not just a superficial beauty booster, it’s much more. Collagen is a fundamental building block of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments! Derived from the Greek word “kólla,” which means glue; collagen, in a sense, is the “glue” that holds all these things together. It provides structure to various places in our body, predominately in our bones, skin, tendons, and ligaments. However, after 25 our natural collagen production declines and the structure we once had falls with it. That’s where we at Just Bloom come in! 

*Before we get started it’s recommended to always check with your doctor before starting any supplement or medication.*

There is a lot of advice about what vitamins and supplements you need to take when pregnant that help boost you and your baby's health. Such as collagen which has a lot of health benefits. It’s advised that pregnant women consume an average of 70-100g of protein a day. However, not many women can meet these guidelines due to food aversions, the source of protein, or lack of time. But with the glossy thick hair and glowing skin that pregnancy blesses you with, why are pregnant women taking collagen supplements? 

Collagen is an easy supplement to add to your daily routine. For example, Collagen Sips can be added to pregnant mothers’ daily routine! Collagen Sips are easy to carry around and collagen helps restore energy when consumed. Collagen supplements can help both pregnant and postpartum women who experience brittle hair and even hair loss because collagen helps restore hair back to health. Another postpartum benefit results from collagens’ ability to aid skin elasticity which helps tighten the skin on the stomach. In addition, collagen is known for improving mood and reducing anxiety, which can help to reduce the chance of suffering from postnatal depression.

Many women’s bodies go through a hormone free-fall as their body tries to balance itself to pre-pregnancy levels. Collagen can help aid with hormone balance postpartum due to many women not getting enough nutrition, as their bodies are producing milk and trying to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. Our hormones require amino acids (proteins) in order to produce the correct balance. Certain amino acids are involved in the production of certain hormones. For example, meats are high in tryptophan and cysteine, which are involved in producing cortisol (the ” stress” hormone).  However, meat lacks glycine and proline, which are involved in producing thyroid hormones. Glycine may also contribute to improving the occasional sleepiness and fatigue induced by sleep restriction and improve overall sleep quality! Collagen peptides are high in both of these amino acids! That’s why collagen peptides can help encourage hormone balance — and help a slightly underactive thyroid to rebound.

Pregnancy, while incredible, is notoriously hard on the body, due to the remarkable changes that occur to support the growing life within. Both pregnancy and breastfeeding require a lot of nutrients and f there isn't enough of a particular nutrient available in the body, the mom is the one who goes without, so it is crucial to support your body through this period of drastic change. Collagen gives not only gives skin its structure; it is found in our connective tissue, cartilage, bones, joints, blood vessels, organs, hair, and nails so it’s no surprise then, that collagen supplementation during pregnancy can be beneficial to support the changes occurring in the body. In other words, collagen peptides (aside from marine collagen) is safe during pregnancy, but it is always best to check with your doctor before starting any supplement or medication.