If you're battling the unpredictable bloating, pain, and urgent dashes to the bathroom that come with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you know the struggle.
It's frustrating when your gut starts calling the shots, leaving you searching for anything to bring relief from the misery.
But, what about taking collagen supplements for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Can this natural supplement truly help your complex IBS symptoms?
Let's find out if collagen could be the key to a calmer gut...
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS (Not to be confused with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)), is a relatively common health condition which affects the digestive system.
In the UK, it is estimated that between 10-20% of the population have IBS - but as it is often undiagnosed due to the nature of its symptoms, it is likely that this figure is much higher.
The onset of IBS usually happens between the ages of 20 and 30 years. IBS is also twice as common in women compared with men.
Interestingly, food intolerances such as lactose and gluten intolerance have also been found to be precursors for IBS. So you're more likely to have IBS if you have a food intolerance or allergy.
However, it should be noted that having IBS is thought not to increase your risk of other bowel-related conditions, or of bowel cancer.
What Triggers IBS in The First Place?
IBS is a complicated condition and is not always black and white in terms of a) what causes it, or b) how it presents itself as symptoms.
However, it is very common that the symptoms of IBS can exist from one or a combination of factors that may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Stress (nervous system dysregulation)
- Unresolved trauma
- A poor quality inflammatory diet
- Food allergies or intolerances
- An imbalanced microbiome
- High alcohol intake
- Persistent use of medications
- Low stomach acid
- Bacterial infection, yeast infection or parasitic infection
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Histamine intolerance
- Pancreatic dysfunction
- Gallbladder insufficiency
- Thyroid imbalances (and more!)
It therefore probably isn’t a surprise to know that collagen is unlikely to be a miracle cure for complex imbalances! Nevertheless, collagen may well improve your digestive symptoms and overall gut health - which can really help.
Signs & Symptoms of IBS
As IBS is a digestive condition, most of its symptoms relate to the gut and digestive system.
Symptoms can vary between individuals, over time and are also affected by external factors like stress and the food we eat.
IBS symptoms can include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain & cramps
- Wind
Less common symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Nausea
- Lack of energy
- Mood changes
👉 Remember: If you have experienced any of these symptoms, we'd recommend discussing that with your GP. It's also super important to discuss any changes in your bowel habits with a medical professional - and avoid self-diagnosing something like IBS.
Can Supplementing with Collagen Fix My IBS?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is needed for healthy joints, bones, tissue, tendons and skin.
It is also used in the digestive system to provide strength and structure to the gut wall.
We make our own collagen in the body, but this natural production declines as we age - from as early as in our 20s.
So, supplementing your diet with collagen can help to mitigate the effect of this and optimise health throughout the body.
A huge benefit of our collagen peptides is that they are gluten and dairy free, as gluten and dairy are common food triggers that some people struggle to tolerate in certain types of IBS.
8 Benefits of Collagen for IBS
As collagen supplementation has been shown to support a healthy gut, there is much discussion around the potential of collagen to help manage IBS.
First things first, at the moment there is sadly no cure for IBS - that incudes collagen.
That's because IBS is considered to be a lifelong condition - so nothing can truly heal it as such - but we can work to putting it into remission.
IBS can be very well managed with diet and lifestyle. One thing which could help is supplementing your diet with collagen. Let's explore!
1. Collagen Supplementation Can Help Reduce Digestive Symptoms
One study found that after 6 weeks of daily collagen supplementation, 93% of participants with IBS reported a reduction in digestive symptoms, including bloating, pain and irregular bowel movements.
Collagen may help alleviate gut inflammation. Its amino acid composition helps, and it has the power to make your gut lining stronger. Those particular amino acids in collagen, like glycine, have anti inflammatory properties. They can help fix and rebuild your gut lining, which inflammation can certainly mess with. This means a better working gut barrier and less permeability, potentially leading to less inflammation.
2. Collagen Supports Overall Digestive Health
Collagen protein powder has been shown to help to repair damage in the gut and strengthen the gut lining. It contains the amino acids proline and lysine, which help to strengthen the intestinal wall and reduce gut wall permeability. As IBS is a condition which can potentially damage the gut, collagen can be a useful supplement to help mitigate the effects of this.
3. Collagen Supplements Are Free From Lactose & Gluten
Lactose and gluten are commonly found in many foods and supplements, but some IBS sufferers need to avoid them due to an associated increased prevalence of lactose and gluten intolerance. As collagen protein powder is free from lactose and gluten it is a safe, allergen-free supplement for people who are intolerant to them.
4. Collagen May Help Reduce The Risk Of Conditions Associated With IBS
As IBS is a lifelong condition, it can cause damage to the gut - even with an early diagnosis and good management. Taking a collagen supplement can help to repair the gut and prevent the onset of associated conditions such as Leaky Gut Syndrome.
5. Collagen May Help To Improve Hydration In The Gut
Collagen is a hydrophilic molecule, which means that it is attracted to water. If you take collagen mixed with water, this can help to hydrate the gut and keep it functioning optimally. This can also be helpful for keeping bowel movements regular.
6. Collagen May Help To Boost Circulation In The Gut
Studies have shown that collagen's function in strengthening arteries and blood vessels means that it can help to improve circulation. This means that nutrients are delivered to the gut more efficiently, which can also help to promote healing.
7. Collagen Could Help To Balance Ph Levels In The Gut
Imbalanced pH levels in the gut can accelerate stomach acid production and worsen symptoms of IBS such as indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. Research has shown that collagen supplementation helps to rebalance pH levels throughout the body, including the gut - hopefully helping to manage these symptoms.
8. Collagen Is Great For Overall Health And Wellness
As well as having amazing benefits for the digestive system, collagen is an all round friend of the body and helps to nurture optimal health. It also contains amino acids which support a healthy immune system, which is beneficial to any health condition - including IBS.
Which is the Best Collagen for IBS?
The potential for collagen to help manage and improve symptoms of IBS is promising, but, like most things, it requires more research to support these claims.
What we do know for sure is that collagen supplementation has some incredible benefits for the immune system, digestive system and for overall health - making it an invaluable supplement for IBS sufferers.
Finding the best collagen to help soothe or improve your IBS symptoms is a great question, and we have an option that might be just what you're looking for...
Why Hunter & Gather Collagen is a Good Option for IBS Sufferers
Hunter & Gather Collagen Powders are 100% pure and hydrolysed collagen, thoughtfully sourced from Grass Fed bovine and Wild Caught fish.
Designed with your digestive health in mind, our products provide a way to support your body's natural collagen levels and potentially ease IBS symptoms.
Here's how our Collagen can help you feel better:
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Supports Gut Lining Integrity: Collagen is a vital component of your gut lining. Our hydrolysed peptides, rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, can help strengthen and repair the intestinal wall. This is crucial for IBS sufferers, as a compromised gut barrier ("leaky gut") can contribute to discomfort and inflammation.
-
Aids Digestion: Collagen attracts water and acidic molecules, helping them move smoothly through your digestive system. It can also assist in breaking down food, which is particularly beneficial if you struggle with digesting certain foods, a common issue with IBS.
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Highly Bioavailable for Better Absorption: We've ensured our collagen peptides are unrivalled in bioavailability, meaning they're incredibly easy for your body to absorb and utilise effectively. This ensures you get the maximum benefit for your gut health.
- Lab-Tested Purity & Allergen-Free: Our collagen is lab-tested for purity and free from common allergens, including gluten and dairy. This is a significant advantage for those with IBS who often have sensitivities to these ingredients.
By adding Hunter & Gather Collagen into your routine, you're providing your gut with the building blocks it needs to potentially reduce digestive symptoms like bloating and discomfort, and support overall gut wellness.
You can add between 10-30g collagen peptides to your usual meals and drinks, for a daily collagen boost.
Grab yours to see what all the fuss is about for yourself!
🐄 Grass Fed Bovine Collagen Peptides
🐟 Wild Caught Marine Collagen Peptides
What Else Can I Do To Help My Ibs?
Taking collagen supplements may help with IBS, however, If you are experiencing unexplained gut symptoms, or have been diagnosed with IBS and given no clear guidance of how to manage it, then we recommend seeking the guidance of a qualified practitioner to support you.
It is also important to assess your stress levels and make sure that you are chewing your food effectively, and eating in a calm state, away from distractions and screens, as this will help to switch your body into its parasympathetic state - more commonly known as ‘rest and digest’ - ready to eat.
You may also want to assess your diet and ensure that you are not eating lots of ultra-processed foods, high sugar foods, foods rich in seed oils, or drinking lots of alcohol, and instead, switch to cooking real, whole foods from scratch.
Learn more about the health benefits of Collagen Peptides...
👉 The Benefits of collagen for optimal gut health
👉 Marine Collagen: Everything you need to know about fish-based collagen
References
- https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/QS114/documents/irritable-bowel-syndrome-in-adults-qs-briefing-paper2
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9198822/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12589194/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983973/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25407511/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14600124/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4089350/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/
All information provided on our website and within our articles is simply information, opinion, anecdotal thoughts and experiences to provide you with the tools to thrive.
It is not intended to treat or diagnose symptoms and is definitely not intended to be misconstrued for medical advice. We always advise you seek the advice of a trained professional when implementing any changes to your lifestyle and dietary habits.
We do however recommend seeking the services of a trained professional who questions the conventional wisdom to enable you to become the best version of yourself.
