However, many popular collagen products are little more than a waste of money. They either do not contain the right type of collagen or the right amount. There is a collagen catch.

Transform Your Skin? The Collagen Catch

Did you know that most studies that show a significant transformation in skin appearance use 5 to 10, and sometimes even 12+ grams of collagen per day?

What’s more, there are over 30 different types of collagen. The type that can transform your skin is Type I. But, if you’d like more benefit from your collagen powder, you can choose a collagen that has 3-4 different types that support ligament, joint, digestion, and immune health.

How to Get the Right Amount and Type of Collagen for Skin

How do you get Type I Collagen?

Type I Collagen is most abundant from bovine and marine sources. However, some experts have concerns regarding bovine (cow) allergies and disease from cows. Many believe the “cleanest” and best Type I collagen comes from marine sources like fish (1).

In addition, it’s important to get enough. Since most human studies show benefits when participants consume 5-10 grams of collagen per day, powders are the best form. Unfortunately, gummies, pills, and collagen-fortified foods often contain 0.5-1 grams collagen.

Lastly, for best results, choose collagen in the form of hydrolyzed collagen powder. Hydrolyzed collagen is the form that is most efficiently absorbed and distributed throughout the body and skin. In the skin, hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to 1) provide building blocks for skin collagen and elastin fibers, and 2) stimulate the creation and growth of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid (2).

How Does the Right Amount of Type I Hydrolyzed Collagen Transform Your Skin? The Research

1. Hydrolyzed Collagen Supports Skin Elasticity

A 2014 study of 46 women, ages 35-55, showed that eight weeks of collagen powder supplementation improved skin elasticity within just 4 weeks (3).

When skin’s elasticity is improved it can stretch and rebound better, without sagging. This increases a youthful appearance.

2. Collagen May Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles

Another 2014 study concluded that collagen supplementation reduced wrinkles after just 8 weeks of use (4).

What’s more, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology concluded that collagen supplementation not only improved skin moisture but also produced younger-looking, less-fragmented skin (5).

3. The Structure of Skin is Affected by Collagen Intake

In a 2017 lab study, researchers found that 6 months of oral consumption of collagen increased the collagen content in the skin. It also improved the skin structure and improved the density of different types of collagen (type I and type III).

This resulted in improved color and luster of the skin and fur. While this was a study on mice, it is promising for human skin and hair as well (6).

4. Collagen Can Increase Skin Hydration

The same study that showed increased skin elasticity showed a measurable decrease in transepidermal water loss and dryness of skin.

What’s more, another study of 20 Japanese women concluded that 10 grams of Hydrolyzed Collagen per day improved the water absorption capacity of the skin compared to the placebo group (7).

5. Get More Skin Antioxidant Activity with Collagen

Our skin is constantly under assault from oxidative stress from our environment (smoke, pollution, UV rays, etc.). By increasing the antioxidant activity in the skin, we increase our chances of fighting these assaults and reducing age-related results (8).

6. Better Wound Healing with Collagen

In a 2009 lab study, researchers found that collagen supplementation produced quicker wound closure and better tissue regeneration at the wound site. What’s more, the treated mice also formed thicker and better-organized collagen fibers (10).

7. Collagen Helps the Body Absorb More Nutrients

We depend on our digestive tract to absorb the nutrients our cells, tissues, and organs need to thrive.

Collagen can help improve digestion, thereby increasing the beneficial nutrients, fats and amino acids that reach the skin.

What Else Can Collagen Do?

Again, there are over 30 types of naturally-occurring collagen. Many types support human health.

First, Type II collagen supports your immune function and encourages recovery when you are sick. It also supports joint, ligament, cartilage and digestive health. Type II is a major part of our gut lining, and it acts as a barrier between the substances we consume and our bloodstream. This helps both digestion and immune function. It is found in chicken- and bovine-sourced collagen.

Next, Type III Collagen promotes cardiovascular health. Remarkably, it helps form arterial walls. Type III collagen is often sourced from bovine and other animals.

While 80-90% of human collagen is types I, II, and III, there are other types. Two other important types are V and X. These are important for cell membranes, placenta health during pregnancy, bone formation, and more. When you get chicken or bovine sources collagen, you are usually getting at least a small amount of these types as well.

Get the Best Hydrolyzed Collagen to Transform Y0ur Sin & More!

Ready to add hydrolyzed collagen to your daily routine? Fortunately, it’s easy.

In fact, Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen and Marine Powder is a great source of all these collagens, especially Types I, II, and III. Since it is marine and chicken sources, you’ll get enough Type I collagen to support skin health, while also benefiting from Type II and Type III collagen.

What’s more, each serving contains 16 grams of total collagen!

It’s incredibly easy to mix into your coffee, yogurt, or smoothies. Or, try our Daily Whipped Frappe for Healthy Joints!

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking to transform your skin, joints and ligaments, or support immune health, Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder is a great start! It includes both chicken and marine collagens, and you get the 3 most important types of collagen in each scoop! It’s easy to add to your daily routine and has so much to offer your body. Get started today!

The post Collagen Can Transform Your Skin…But There’s a Catch appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

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The best part?

Not only do these natural pain relievers reduce pain, but they also promote whole-body health. Instead of just numbing the pain, they can promote strong joints, ligament, tendons, bones, and bodies.

Here are our 8 effective natural pain relievers for winter aches and pains.

8 Effective Natural Pain Relievers

1. Ginger

What’s ginger got that other spices don’t? Gingerols and shogaols. These active medicinal components are potent phytochemicals with pain-reducing qualities. In fact, ginger has been used as one of many natural pain relievers in eastern medicine for centuries. It’s known to aid many ailments from joint pain to nausea and motion sickness to bacterial infections (1).

Study after study has validated it as a natural pain reliever.

One such study from 2014 found that ginger effectively relieved pain from osteoarthritis within 24 weeks (2). Another concluded that topical ginger ointments and creams reduced pain in joints (3). What’s more, studies confirm that gingerols are strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents (4).

For a wonderful ginger dip, try our Keto Zone Spicy Ginger Dip.

Or, add a 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to Turmeric Tea Recipe listed below.

2. Turmeric

Curcumins are turmeric’s secret weapon. And while it’s difficult for researchers to fully understand how curcumins work to decrease joint pain, their works conclude that it is effective.

For example, a recent meta-analysis found that the curcumins in turmeric extract are effective in treating arthritis (5). Additionally, animal studies show that curcumins actually protect cartilage (6).

Another study of 50 arthritis sufferers showed a 58% reduction in stiffness and pain with curcumin treatment in 90 days. What’s more, curcumin effectively reduced inflammation in the participants: C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation, decrease by 16-fold!

Want a great winter recipe to increase your turmeric intake? Try Keto Zone Turmeric Tea.

If you suffer from pain, also add Dr. Colbert’s High Potency Turmeric Supplements each day.

3. Black Pepper

Black pepper also contains a secret weapon: Piperine. And piperine is a strong anti-arthritis nutrient.

Many studies have supported it as a compound that reduces pain, increases healing and decreases pathology in arthritic animals and humans (7).

As a bonus, piperine increases the absorption of curcumins by up to 10 times. It stimulates “transporters” in our intestines to increase absorption, so take them together by simply adding freshly ground pepper to anything that contains turmeric (Dr. Colbert’s High Potency Turmeric Supplements contain both).

4. Lemongrass Essential Oil

While essential oils are a confusing area of natural pain relievers for many, lemongrass essential oil is effective, safe, and easy to use when applied correctly.

As a simple explanation, plants manufacture chemical compounds (essential oils) to protect themselves, heal themselves, and even repel disease and animals that may hurt them. Some of the chemical compounds are at a molecular size that can be absorbed through human skin and/or respiration.

Lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus) is one such compound. Many animal studies have shown it to reduce pain, inflammation, arthritic symptoms, and depressed serotonin in animals (8, 9).

However, care must be taken when using it.

First, make sure to use it in a diluted form. To do so, simply mix 10 drops “100% pure lemongrass essential oil” with no less than 1 tablespoon carrier oil. A carrier oil is simply an oil used to dilute essential oils. Examples include fractionated coconut oil, castor oil, argan oil, and/or olive oil.

Second, try using the diluted lemongrass oil in just a small amount on a small area of the body. Wait at least 3 days to make sure you don’t have a reaction. Then, apply it up to twice per day on painful areas. If applying by hand (rather than will a roller-bottle) make sure to wash hands and not get the oil in your eyes.

Third, realize that essential oils aren’t regulated by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it’s important to only use brands you trust and oils that are 100% pure. You can look for oils manufactured by a brand that’s a member of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.

While essential oils have the potential to be amazing health aides, they are potent and should be used with care.

5. Compression

While many mistakenly believe that compression apparel only provides external support to joints (like a  brace), they actually do much more internally than externally. In fact, most compression sleeves are slender and minimal, allowing the joint to flex and extend freely without structurally supporting it. So how do they help pain?

Compression apparel are natural pain relievers since they:

• Modulates spinal cord excitability for many pathways and muscle groups
• Significantly improve accuracy in movements
• Increase the sensitivity around the joint in which the sleeve is applied

This means that the compression sleeve can help the mind-nerve-body pathways filter out irrelevant information and increase sensitivity to task-related sensory information and enhance movement (10).

When movements are performed precisely and biomechanics improve with compression, pain and soreness decreases (11).

6. Collagen

We’ve discussed collagen’s benefits at length for joints, ligaments and tendons, skin, digestion, and overall health.

When it comes to pain, the best type of collagen is “type II collagen” derived from chickens. It specifically contains hyaluronic acid, glucosamine sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate to support healthy cartilage and joints.

In fact, one 2008 study found that athletes who took hydrolyzed collagen had less joint pain at rest and when active (12). Another found that type II specifically reduced knee pain in those with osteoarthritis (13). Yet another 6-month study showed that it can improve lower back joint pain (14).

The best option for collagen is none other than Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen and Marine Powder. It includes all 3 types of important collagens, so you get every type you need in one powder. What’s more, the addition of probiotics makes it even better digested and absorbed, and a whole-body pain reliever.

7. Weight Loss

If you are currently overweight, one of the best things you can do for joint and bone pain is to lose weight. If you don’t know where to start, you’re in luck, because we have the resources you need.

In fact, you can start our  Keto Zone 21-Day-Challenge today, and it’s FREE. You’ll find the resources, recipes, and information you need to get started with Keto Zone, the most effective and healthy weight loss plan available.

Not only will you lose disease-promoting abdominal weight, but you’ll also lose it safely and efficiently while improving whole-body health and reducing joint pain. Start for free today!

The post Winter Aches & Pains? Try these 8 Effective Natural Pain Relievers Today appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Believe it or not, if you’re a coffee drinker and you asked your body the same, it would tell you that it would miss out and quite a bit. While you may think of coffee as a semi-healthy drink in small amounts, unhealthy in large, but overall a neutral crutch for those who don’t sleep enough, you may be surprised. In fact, coffee serves the body well.

It promotes health in ways other “superfoods” lack. Here are 13 Jaw-Dropping Health Benefits of Coffee.

Who’s Drinking Up All the Benefits of Coffee?

Believe it or not, coffee makes up the majority of antioxidants and functional nutrients in many people’s diets. This may be an indication that the rest of their diet, if Standard American Diet, is lacking, or it may speak to nutrition potency of coffee.

According to the National Coffee Association, 64% of Americans drink coffee daily, and the average daily consumption is 3.1 cups (~25 ounces) (1).

Worldwide, humans consume almost 10 million tons of coffee per year. And the top coffee-drinking nations? Top 5:

• Finland (average of 26.5 lbs. coffee consumed per year per person)
• Sweden (22 lbs.)
• Iceland (20 lbs.)
• Norway  (19 lbs.)
• Denmark (18.5 lbs.)

The United States actually comes in outside of the top 10, at under 5 pounds per person per year (2). But, there might be reasons to aim a bit higher. Take a look at these health benefits of coffee.

13 Jaw-Dropping Health Benefits of Coffee

1. Brain Health: Better Focus and Concentration

The caffeine in coffee has a direct and almost immediate effect on your brain.

In short, it improves focus and concentration. While this may not make you smarter, it takes the cognitive abilities you have and helps you focus them on the task at hand (3).

2. Brain Health: Less Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Depression

Amazingly, coffee also offers neuroprotection.

While exact mechanisms are not known, it appears to be a function of both the caffeine and the antioxidants in coffee.

For example, studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease (4, 5), but do not show the exact reasons.

With the reduced risk of Parkinson’s, it seems to be caffeine-dependent. Studies support that coffee drinkers have lower incidences of Parkinson’s disease, by 32–60% compared to non-drinkers (6, 7, 8, 9). However, these results don’t hold up for people who drink decaf (10).

Moreover, coffee seems to reduce the risk or improve symptoms of depression. A long-term (10-year) study of 86,000 female nurses shows a reduced risk of suicide and depression in the coffee drinkers (11). Another study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that women who drink 4 or more cups of coffee were 20% less likely to suffer from depression (12).

3. Better Heart Health

Want to improve your heart health? That cup of joe may help.

While caffeine may modestly increase blood pressure (typically a rise of only 3–4 mm/Hg) (13, 14), it can do much more good than harm to overall heart health.

In fact, there is evidence that women who drink coffee have a reduced risk of heart disease (15). What more, other studies also show that coffee drinkers have a 20% lower risk of stroke (16, 17).

In fact, researchers from Korea found that study participants who consumed 3-5 cups of coffee a day were less likely to experience the beginning signs of heart disease (18). Another study from Brazil found that 3+ cups of coffee per day resulted in less calcification (hardening) of coronary arteries. Other studies have confirmed these findings (19 ).

4. Stronger DNA

DNA strand breakage is not something you want happening in your body. As you age, it becomes more and more important that DNA strands, and telomeres (the ends of DNA) remain strong.

One study published in the European Journal of Nutrition showed that coffee drinkers have stronger DNA, with significantly fewer instances of spontaneous DNA strand breakage (20). Another study, from 2016, showed longer telomere length among coffee drinkers vs. non-drinkers (21).

5. Less Pain and Reduced Sense of Effort

Among athletes engaging in physical activity, coffee and caffeine have an amazing quality: It can reduce pain and sensation of effort.

If running a marathon, the reduction of pain and effort is invaluable.

In fact, a study from 2016 showed that athletes were able to perform more work for a given amount of workout-associated-pain with caffeine than without (22). In other words, the athletes could increase effort despite the pain.

And after a workout? Two cups of coffee can reduce post-workout muscle pain by almost 50% (23).

6. Reduced Cancer Risk

Almost any natural substance that can reduce the risk of cancer, or fight cancer, is worth exploring.

Coffee has been shown to be such a substance. It appears to be protective against two types of cancer specifically: liver and colorectal cancer.

Studies show a 40% lower risk of liver cancer among coffee drinkers vs. non-drinkers (25, 26).

What’s more, a study of over 489,000 people linked 4–5 cups of daily coffee to a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer (27). Another study found a lowered risk of 26% (28).

7. Eye Health

Coffee may even help prevent retinal damage. A study from Cornell University found that coffee may prevent retinal damage that occurs from oxidative stress.

Caffeine isn’t the hero here, but the potent coffee antioxidant called chlorogenic acid (CGA) (29).

8. Extra Fat Burning

Related: More Energy

The post 13 Jaw-Dropping Health Benefits of Coffee appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

In fact, one study from 2018, specifically showed improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and appearance of wrinkles.

It isn’t the only study supporting collagen as a skin anti-ager.

Let’s go over how our skin ages, what collagen is, and how it affects our skin, the research to support it, and why Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen + Marine with Probiotics is a great option for all the benefits.

What Ages Our Skin?

What ages our skin? In one word: the sun.

Exposure to the sun and its aging effects on our skin is called photoaging. It’s induced by chronic sunlight exposure and is a form of extrinsic aging (from outside our bodies).

On the other hand, our skin also ages from the inside out. Intrinsic aging occurs from the decline of biological function and the effects of free radicals (1).

Although both intrinsic and extrinsic effects are affect aging, the effects of photoaging are much greater. One way we know: the age of skin on the face is significantly more advanced than the age on the buttock skin, which sees very little sun (2,3). Both have the same cellular intrinsic aging factors.

In skin with severe photoaging, the elastic fibers are highly disheveled and disorganized throughout the skin layer. In mildly photoaged skin, the fibers are only gradually fragmented (4,5,6,7).

The appearance of photoaged skin includes coarse wrinkles, dryness, loss of elasticity, pigmentation (1) from loss of collagen and elastic fibers (1,8,9).

What is Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Hydrolyzed collagen powder is a supplemental powder that has been hydrolyzed (broken apart to smaller pieces by hydrogen) from bones, hooves, skin, ligaments, and tendons of animals.

It contains powerful and effective nutrients and amino acids that are largely absent in modern diets.

In this powdered form, it’s easy to add to the diet. What’s more, compared to the larger molecules of gelatin, collagen readily mixes and dissolves in liquids.

Why Collagen is Studied As an Anti-Ager

The major structural constituents of the matrix outside cells in the skin are collagen, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid (10,11,12). Collagen likely makes up >70% of the dry weight of the human skin dermis (13,14).

The Study: Collagen Improves Wrinkles and Skin Health

In 2018, researchers studied the effects of taking oral collagen on 64 women.  They wanted to evaluate the effect of the supplements on human skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity (15).

The Method

The 64 women were randomly assigned to the collagen group or placebo group. The collagen group consumed 1000 mg of collagen supplement once daily for 12 weeks.

Skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity were analyzed at the beginning of the study, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks.

The Results

When the collagen group was compared to the placebo group, the researchers found:

• Skin-hydration values were significantly higher in the collagen group after 6 weeks and 12 weeks.
• Visual assessment score and skin wrinkling of the collagen group were significantly improved compared with the placebo group after 12 weeks.
• One of the three parameters of skin elasticity was significantly improved in the collagen group after 12 weeks. The other two were improved.

There were no adverse reactions or safety concerns.

Other Studies

This is not the only study showing that collagen improves wrinkles and skin health. Other studies include:

• A 2014 study of 46 women, ages 35-55, showed 8 weeks of collagen powder supplementation improved skin elasticity within just 4 weeks (16).
• Another 2014 study concluded collagen supplementation reduced wrinkles after just 8 weeks of use (17).
• What’s more, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology concluded collagen supplementation, not only improved skin moisture, but also produced younger-looking, less-fragmented skin (18).
• In a 2017 lab study, researchers found that 6 months of oral consumption of collagen increased the collagen content in the skin. Collagen also improved the skin structure and improved the density of different types of collagen (Type I and Type III). This resulted in improved color and luster of the skin and fur. While this was a study on mice, it is promising for human skin and hair as well (19).

What Type of Collagen Improves Wrinkles and Skin Health?

When trying to gain benefits from collagen, it’s important to use the right type of collagen. Believe or not, over 30 types have been identified. When it comes to wrinkles and skin health, you need Type I Collagen.

Type I Collagen makes up 90% of our hair, skin, and nails.

Type I is most abundant in bovine and marine collagen. However, there is a relatively high incidence of allergy to bovine collagen among humans, and there are some concerns about disease in the cows transferred to humans. The best source is from fish. Check your sources and make sure they include fish (20).

Why Hydrolyzed Collagen?

The best option for collagen is hydrolyzed collagen powder. While native collagen may have the same amino acids, hydrolyzed is more efficiently absorbed and distributed throughout the body and skin.

In the skin, hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to 1) provide building blocks for skin collagen and elastin fibers, and 2) stimulate the creation and growth of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid (21).

Bottom Line

There is strong evidence to support that collagen improves wrinkles and skin health. Hydrolyzed Type I Collagen from marine sources, such as Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen + Marine with Probiotics, is the best option to start improving your skin today.

The post Real Evidence: Collagen Improves Wrinkles and Skin Health appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

But not all foods are hair-growers.

Here are our top 7 real foods and drinks for hair growth and health, and how you can add them alongside supplements for hair.

Top 7 Real Foods to Help Your Hair Grow

1. Beef, Bison, Elk, and Venison

As discussed in Thinning Hair Part 1, iron, protein and amino acids play a big part in hair health and growth. These “red” meats contain all three, in highly absorbable forms.

In fact, red meats specifically help hair grown. Their iron and other minerals promote oxygenation of cells and tissues, including, hair follicles (1).

In addition, deficiencies in protein and iron have been linked to hair loss (2, 3).

When buying red meat, do your best to get top-quality sources. If possible, buy local meats from a rancher or butcher. Wild elk and venison are great meat choices!

2. Bone Broth and Collagen

While modern diets can contain many great nutrients, they are lacking some traditional ones. For example, the amino acids found in bone broths, which our ancestors received by using entire animals and boiling bones for soups, are largely missing.

Fortunately, you can get these amino acids just like they did, by consuming bone broth, or in powdered form, from gelatin or collagen.

How does this help your hair?

Collagen Type I specifically improves skin, nail, and hair quality.

In fact, animal studies show improved color and luster of the skin and fur with collagen supplementation (4).

What’s more, collagen and bone broth provides great amino acids and antioxidants to fight hair and tissue aging and thinning. And thankfully, Keto Zone’s Hydrolyzed Collagen contains Type I Collagen + Probiotics for great absorption.

3. Salmon and Sunshine

If ever you need food to support health in the human body, salmon is a good bet. In the case of hair, salmon offers 3 distinct nutrients that help:

1. Vitamin D: Animal studies support the supplementation of vitamin D for hair growth and health, and human studies link hair loss with low vitamin D status (5, 6, 7). Vitamin D is also created in the human body with exposure to sunshine.
2. Omega-3 Fats: While studies are a bit sparse, two studies have shown reduced hair loss, and increased density and growth in women with thinning hair while supplementing with omega-3s and antioxidants (8, 9).
3. Proteins and Amino Acids: Proteins are vital for tissue growth and repair. At about 7 grams of protein per ounce, salmon is a great source of protein and essential amino acids.

4. Egg Yolks

Eggs are a nutrition powerhouse, conveniently wrapped up together in a handy shell. Whether you like your eggs hard-boiled,  fried, poached, mixed, or otherwise, they support hair growth and health.

How?

Eggs are a great source of protein, folate, biotin, zinc, and selenium. While folate and biotin are often marketed for hair growth, the research has been inconclusive. Zinc and selenium, on the other hand, support hair growth and health. What’s more, if you buy omega-3 eggs, you’ll also get healthy fats to improve hair health, making the egg a great whole food for hair.

There’s more.

New research has found a water-soluble peptide (part of an amino acid) in egg yolks stimulates human hair follicles and cell growth. It’s been dubbed “hair growth peptide (HGP)” (10).

5. Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots & Vitamin A Foods

Those dark and vibrantly colored veggies are for more than a pretty salad. In fact, any food that has a high vitamin A content can help your hair.

It’s the vitamin A that typically gives orange vegetables their color.

Spinach also has a lot of vitamin A, along with folate, and iron to improve hair health.

If you’re worried about getting enough Vitamin A foods on Keto Zone, never fear! Two great sources of vitamin A, sweet potatoes, fruits, and vegetables are the Keto Zone Shake and Fermented Green Supremefood.

6. Oysters

Oysters are specifically good for cells, tissues, and hair due to their high zinc content (11). Zinc is a known mineral that supports hair health and repair (12).

What’s more, zinc deficiency is linked with telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss that is specifically caused by nutrition deficits. On the flip side, when those low in zinc supplement with the mineral, hair loss can be reversed (13, 14).

But use caution, as too much zinc, like many minerals, can affect the thyroid and cause hair loss. (15).

7. Water

While drinking more water won’t cause your lovely locks to begin growing, it is a vital fluid for cell, tissue, and hair health.

In fact, fluid intake has a direct effect on dermal cell pH and hydration status. Since hair follicles and dermal health are interwoven, we can trust that hydration status plays a role in hair health and condition (16).

Thinning Hair Series

In case you’ve missed it, this post is Part 3 in our Thinning Hair Series. You can find more on Thinning Hair and Hormone Balance below:

Thinning Hair? Nutrient Deficiencies (Part 1)

Thinning Hair? Nutrient Excesses (Part 2)

Hormone Zone for Hormone Balance

Thyroid Zone for Thyroid Balance

Bottom Line

Starting today, you can eat foods that help your hair grow. It’s easier than you might have thought. These simple, Keto Zone friendly foods are widely available and likely already in your home. Eat well to help your hair grow and maintain health!

The post Thinning Hair? Real Foods May Help Your Hair Grow (Part 3) appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

The post Keto Zone Green Smoothie with Probiotics appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

Some are more important to human health than others. Among these, the different types have different functions.

If you want the benefits of collagen powder, it’s important to know which type does what, and ensure that you are taking the right type of collagen for your goals.

What is Collagen Powder?

Collagen powder is a supplemental powder that has been hydrolyzed from bones, hooves, skin, ligaments, and tendons of animals.

Sounds delicious, right?

While it may not be the most appetizing of supplements, it contains powerful and effective nutrients.

In fact, its nutrients are amino acids, and many of these amino acids are absent in modern diets.

Really, there are 3 ways you can get collagen on a daily basis:

1. You get it when you drink bone broth.
2. You get it when you eat small tiny bones that are within seafood (some bones are usually eaten when you eat salmon for example).
3. You can use a gelatin or collagen powder.

For most people, collagen powder is the easiest way to add it to the diet routinely.

Ease of Collagen Powder

While both bone broth and tiny bones are great for health, they are not always easy to come by (or cost-effective) in a daily diet.

Collagen powder, on the other hand, is easy to use. You can add it to coffee, tea, smoothies, soups and more.

Unlike gelatin, it dissolves easily and does not “gel” liquids.

It only takes a small amount, about 2 tablespoons per day, to get the benefits boosted in research, as long as you are taking the right type of collagen.

How to Make Sure You’re Taking the Right Type of Collagen

There are different types of collagen, and each type can be helpful in a different way in the body.

Collagen powders are usually made from cow, chicken, fish, pig or egg sources.

Type I Collagen

Type I Collagen makes up 90% of our hair, skin, and nails. If you’re looking to improve your appearance, Type I is the right type for you.

In fact, Type I Collagen can help ward off the hallmarks of skin aging, like the stretching out or thinning of the skin.

How? There are a few distinct ways:

1. Improved Elasticity of Skin and Tissue

A 2014 study of 46 women, ages 35-55, showed that eight weeks of collagen powder supplementation improved skin elasticity within just 4 weeks (1).

When skin’s elasticity is improved it can stretch and rebound better, without sagging. This increases a youthful appearance.

2. Reduced Wrinkles

Another 2014 study concluded that collagen supplementation reduced wrinkles after just 8 weeks of use (2).

What’s more, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology concluded that collagen supplementation not only improved skin moisture but also produced younger-looking, less-fragmented skin (3).

3. Improved Skin and Tissue Structure

In a 2017 lab study, researchers found that 6 months of oral consumption of collagen increased the collagen content in the skin. It also improved the skin structure and improved the density of different types of collagen (type I and type III).

This resulted in improved color and luster of the skin and fur. While this was a study on mice, it is promising for human skin and hair as well (4).

How do you get Type I Collagen? It is most abundant in bovine and marine collagen. However, there is a relatively high incidence of allergy to bovine collagen among humans, and there are some concerns of disease in the cows transferred to humans. The best source is from fish. Check your sources and make sure they include fish (5).

Type II Collagen

Type II collagen in the most important form when you’re sick. This is one reason why good chicken soup or broth can help.

In fact, Type II Collagen is known for its immune-boosting and joint-supporting properties.

How?

It improves your digestion. Type II is a major part of our gut lining and helps it act as a barrier between the substances we consume and our bloodstream. This helps both digestion and immune function.

In addition, Type II Collagen is a major building block of cartilage, which is why it’s so crucial for joint health.

So, take Type II to improve immune function and joints.

Where does it come from? Chicken bone broth and bovine (cow) sources. 

Type III Collagen

Type III Collagen is important as well, and specifically, it promotes cardiovascular health.

This collagen helps form arterial walls. It is often found alongside Type I Collagen in human and animal bodies.

So, when you get Type III, you are also often getting Type I Collagen. This means both cardiovascular and skin health improvements.

How is it made? Type III collagen supplements are often made from bovine (cow) and other animal sources. 

Other Types of Collagen

While 80-90% of human collagen is types I, II, and III, there are other types. Two other important types are V and X. These are important for cell membranes, placenta health during pregnancy, bone formation, and more. When you get chicken or bovine sources collagen, you are usually getting at least a small amount of these types as well.

Your Best Collagen Powder

Fortunately, the Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen and Marine Powder is a great source of these collagens, especially Types I, II, and III.

The benefits are plentiful, including support of joint, skin, ligament, skin, heart, and digestive health. It’s easy to add to many liquids and foods and makes a great source of collagen amino acids in your everyday diet.

Bottom Line

Unless you proactively add it, your diet is likely lacking in the amino acids found in collagen. Thankfully, hydrolyzed collagen powders make it easy. And since Keto Zone Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder includes both chicken and marine collagens, you can get the 3 most important types in each scoop. Whether looking to improve skin, immune function, joints, or heart health, you’ll receive types of collagen that do it all. Add it today.

The post Are You Taking the Right Type of Collagen? appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

There must be foods and nutrients that reduce aging in our appearance, cells, tissues, joints, heart, and brain, right?

The good news is, there are.

These anti-aging foods and nutrients promote health and longevity, and can even reverse some of the aging and damage caused by free radicals, oxidative stress, inflammation, and more. Here are the top 10 Keto Zone Anti-Aging Foods.

Top 10 Keto Zone Anti-Aging Foods

1. Purified Water

Okay, water is not exactly food. But, as the substance that makes up most of the Earth, and most of our bodies, water can provide a lot of healing, nourishment, and beauty to them.

One surefire way to appear older is to have dry skin. Dry skin increases the appearance of wrinkles and lines in our skin.

Staying hydrated with water each day can keep your skin looking supple, vibrant, and smooth.

2. Hydrolyzed Collagen

Hydrolyzed Collagen is a protein made from the bones, tissues, and hooves of animals. Although this doesn’t sound very particularly beautiful, the amino acids in collagen can improve the health of our own tissues and skin.

In fact, it can do wonders for dry, winter skin. Collagen improves the elasticity of skin and tissue, reduces wrinkles, and more.

A 2014 study of 46 women, ages 35-55, showed that 8 weeks of collagen powder supplementation improved skin elasticity within just 4 weeks (1).

Another study showed that collagen increases moisture in the skin to produce younger-looking, less-fragmented skin (2).

3. Omega-3 Fats

Omega-3s fats are strong dietary anti-inflammatories.

When consumed, especially in amounts that improve their ratio to omega-6s, they cause our bodies to produce less harmful inflammatory hormones and more healthful anti-inflammatory hormones.

How does this slow aging?  Omega-3s keep us youthful by:

• Improving heart health by reducing triglycerides, bad cholesterol, and cardiovascular inflammation. A healthy heart is a youthful one.
• Improving blood sugars. Balanced blood sugars mean less stiff arteries and healthier (younger) organs.
• Improving brain health. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are implanted in the brain and can affect cognitive decline (vs. a youthful brain), mood, and overall brain health.
• Increasing calorie burn and decreasing fat storage. Leaner, stronger bodies appear younger. Recent studies show an increase in calorie output with approximately 2000 mg DHA/EPA per day (you’ll average 1000 mg per day by eating 12 oz. salmon per week, so consider supplementing another 1000 mg per day). Furthermore, since the fats make your cells more sensitive to insulin, they reduce fat storage.

4. Raw Cacao, Black Pepper, and Cinnamon

Raw cacao, black pepper, and cinnamon are anti-aging foods that work at the cellular level. They are extremely high in antioxidants. Their antioxidants are so potent at the cellular level they go beyond the normal reduction in oxidative stress to promote longevity and health in the body.

Raw cacao’s nutrients cross the blood-brain barrier to affect brain health and mood (3).

One study of older adults showed an increase of 10% brain blood flow with cacao. Other studies show improved blood flow and cognition in those with and without a deficit, indicating a potential use for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Cinnamon, which has been found to have one of the highest antioxidant capacities among foods, can increase antioxidant activity by 13% when consumed daily!

Black pepper can keep joints feeling young: Study after study has shown reduced pain, increased healing, and decreased pathology in arthritic animals and humans (4).

5. Cucumbers and Celery

Some foods and nutrients help our bodies rid themselves of excess fluid. Cucumbers and celery are two such foods.

When we eat sugars, drink alcohol, eat foods too high in sodium, or even subject ourselves to high heat in the middle of winter, our skin can become puffy, giving us a more aged appearance.

The natural diuretic action of cucumbers and celery can reduce puffiness and improve the appearance of our skin.

6. Detox Vegetables: Kale, Cauliflower, and Broccoli

Many vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering nutrients.

Specific vegetables take it one step further and promote cellular detoxification to keep our cells healthy and young.

Cauliflower, broccoli and kale support our cells’ complete detoxifying process. Our cells are bombarded with toxins each day. When they are overloaded and need to detox, they undergo a 2-step process: Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification. Their antioxidants, which contain sulfur and nitrogen, make compounds that support both phases of detoxification.

An easy way to get the most out of detox vegetables? Try Fermented Green Supremefood.

7. Green Tea

Green tea is a youth-inducing drink. Its antioxidants repair and protect cells.

One specific antioxidant, EGCG goes for the brain.  In fact, in mice induced with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, it helped to protect brain cells from dying, as well as ‘rescuing’ already damaged neurons in the brain, a phenomenon called neurorescue or neurorestoration.

What’s more, EGCG has antibacterial properties that promote oral health in tea drinkers. A healthy smile is a youthful one.

It also helps keep eyes young and healthy. EGCG is absorbed by cells in the eye, and provide protective effects for up to 20 hours after consumption.  This has led many experts to believe it may have a role in reducing diseases of the eye and glaucoma.

Lastly, EGCG can help our bodies oxidize and burn fat.  Multiple studies have shown an increase in metabolic rates, weight loss, decreased waistline and fat loss with consistent green tea ingestion.

8. Vitamin D

When you consume vitamin D, you’re actually consuming a pre-hormone (a nutrient that acts as a precursor to hormones).

Vitamin D specifically can help keep our hormones balanced as we age.

It helps regulate other hormones, including adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine production in the brain, and serotonin. These hormones contribute to our emotional responses (5), metabolism, weight, and energy levels.

9. Youthful Hormone-Balancing Nutrients

Vitamin K2 is often deficient in adults. It improves bone health specifically in post-menopausal women. Bone health is important for a youthful body, as failing bones and joints can keep us from doing the youthful activities we want.

In fact, supplementing both K2 and D3 can promote balanced hormones that affect bones, and reduce spinal fractures, hip fractures, and osteoporosis while improving dental health (6).

Diindolylmethane (DIM), a compound produced by our bodies when we eat green vegetables, is important for balanced hormones because it alters the metabolism of estrogen. DIM blocks an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen and converts “bad estrogens,” into good estrogen metabolites (bad estrogens cause most pre-menstrual and menopause symptoms).

Good estrogens, on the other hand, promote lean muscle mass, beneficial collagen, strong bones, and heart health (6).

If you’re interested in consuming more of these nutrients that slow aging and balance hormones, check out this Hormone Zone supplement.

10. Ginger and Turmeric

Two of my favorite anti-inflammatory foods can help your cells, gut, joints, brain, and tissues turn back the clock.

Ginger and Turmeric and amazing foods, alleviating arthritis, joint pain, and muscle pain. What’s more, they improve gut health, brain health, and whole-body health. This can keep you feeling spry and young.

Bottom Line

Just as there are foods and nutrients that expedite aging, there are the opposite: Nutrients and foods that slow aging. Keep eating anti-aging foods for whole-body health and strong, youthful cells.

The post Top 10 Keto Zone Anti-Aging Foods appeared first on Dr. Don Colbert, MD.

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