Collagen and Longevity: The Secret to Radiant Skin, Strong Joints & Cellular Repair
- Travis Montique
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
At Ocean Ki Wellness, we often remind patients that wellness isn’t just about feeling good today — it’s about maintaining the integrity of your body’s foundation for years to come. One of the most important structural proteins behind healthy skin, strong joints, and youthful vitality is collagen.
But as we age, collagen production naturally declines. The good news? You can rebuild and protect collagen through targeted nutrition, lifestyle habits, and holistic care.
What Is Collagen — and Why It Matters
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body — accounting for about 30 % of all protein. It acts as the scaffolding for your skin, cartilage, ligaments, arteries, gut lining, and even your eyes.
When collagen breaks down:
Skin loses elasticity and firmness
Joints become stiffer
Arteries lose flexibility, increasing blood-pressure risk
The spine and connective tissue weaken
According to a 2023 review in Nutrients, “Collagen supplementation improves skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density.”🔗 Nutrients Journal (MDPI, 2023)
Why Collagen Declines Over Time
Starting around age 25, the body’s collagen production slows. Environmental and lifestyle factors accelerate this loss:
Refined sugars and starches
Industrial seed oils (canola, corn, soy)
Smoking and excess UV exposure
Chronic stress and lack of sleep
These elements create oxidative stress, damaging the amino-acid bonds that hold collagen together.
💬 “Collagen loss is one of the earliest visible signs of aging — but it’s also one of the most reversible with the right inputs.”— Dr. Jennifer S. Jackson, Clinical Director, Ocean Ki Wellness
The Truth About Collagen Sources
You cannot get true collagen from plants — vegan “collagen boosters” typically supply vitamin C, zinc, and amino-acid cofactors that support collagen synthesis.
To form actual collagen, your body needs animal-derived amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. That’s why foods such as bone broth, chicken skin, and fish skin are collagen-rich.
According to Harvard Health, “Collagen supplements appear safe and may improve skin elasticity and joint function.”🔗 Harvard Health Publishing, 2021
Types of Collagen and Their Benefits
Collagen Type | Primary Sources | Supports |
Type I & III | Fish skin, chicken skin, bone broth | Skin elasticity, hair, bone density |
Type II | Chicken cartilage, chicken feet | Joints, spine, ligaments |
Type V & X | Egg membrane, organ meats | Cellular repair, eye and arterial tissue |
The Rare Superfood: Rooster Comb
One of the most potent — yet least-known — sources of collagen is the rooster comb (the red crest on top of a rooster’s head). It’s naturally rich in hyaluronic acid, a compound used by dermatologists to restore volume and elasticity in skin.
Studies show that oral hyaluronic acid from rooster comb extract can improve joint lubrication and reduce pain in osteoarthritis.🔗 PubMed – Hyaluronic Acid Study
While not common in U.S. markets, rooster combs can sometimes be found at Asian or Filipino grocery stores or as supplements.
Other High-Collagen Foods to Include
Chicken feet: Affordable, collagen-dense, perfect for soups and stews.
Fish skin: Especially from salmon — rich in omega-3s and Type I collagen.
Beef tendons: Excellent for connective-tissue repair.
Bone broth: A staple in many holistic healing traditions, supporting gut and joint health.
To boost absorption, combine collagen foods or supplements with vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, berries, peppers). Vitamin C is essential for collagen cross-linking — which is why deficiency causes scurvy, leading to weakened gums and connective tissue.
Holistic Ways to Protect Collagen
Eat anti-inflammatory foods (greens, berries, fatty fish).
Avoid excess sugar and seed oils.
Stay hydrated — dehydration accelerates skin aging.
Try acupuncture and facial rejuvenation treatments to stimulate collagen naturally.
Exercise regularly to support tissue repair and circulation.
Ocean Ki Wellness: Science Meets Natural Beauty
At Ocean Ki Wellness, our practitioners specialize in acupuncture, microneedling, and nutritional therapies that encourage your body’s own collagen production from within. Whether you’re seeking joint relief, smoother skin, or improved energy, our integrative approach helps you look and feel your best — naturally.
Middletown & Warwick, RI
401-862-4894
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