For many people, stress is a constant companion in life. It shows up at work, on the street, and even, at times, in our closest relationships. Nearly 80% of patients worldwide have symptoms caused by stress, says Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, an expert on the topic from Harvard University. It affects the body in many negative ways, and can lead to stomach problems, disturbances in the cardiovascular system and the immune system, stiffness, muscle pain and more.
One of the areas where stress has a particularly strong effect is the production and synthesis of collagen in the body. It disrupts the processes related to its proper functioning, and over the long term this has significant (and visible) consequences.
How Does Stress Break Down Collagen?
Stress „reaches“ our collagen in several stages, namely:
- The stress hormones – cortisol and adrenaline – begin to be released;
- Inflammatory processes occur in various places in the body. Inflammation produces enzymes that speed up the breakdown of collagen molecules;
- At the same time, the stress hormones slow down the processes involved in producing collagen.
The harmful effect of stress on the production and breakdown of collagen in the body mainly comes down to damage to the condition of our largest organ – the skin. In it, the type 1 collagen found in the dermal layer is affected. It makes up about 80% of the total collagen in the body, which is why damage to it also causes problems in the bones and muscles.
Cortisol – One of Collagen's Main Enemies in the Body
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Its release can be triggered by various physical and psychological stress factors (stressors) and can contribute to changes in key structures of the body.
A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences examined the effect of cortisol on the behavior of type 1 collagen in the skin, while also observing the effect of ingested collagen peptides. After treating human dermal fibroblasts with three different concentrations of cortisol, it became clear that cortisol inhibits (suppresses) the synthesis of type I collagen. This causes the frequent appearance of wrinkles and pigment spots, as well as a loss of elasticity.
At the same time, it has been found that additional intake of collagen peptides can restore the cortisol-induced inhibition of collagen in the skin. Hydrolyzed collagen is able to repair the „damage“ caused by stress when taken long term.
Hair Loss
Besides the skin, tension can affect various other processes in our body. Hair loss is a fairly common occurrence for most people. It usually appears with the change of seasons and with hormonal imbalance, and these factors are also directly linked to stress. In changeable weather and with unusual hormone levels, the body experiences a strain that sometimes goes unnoticed by us but weighs heavily on our physiology.
Hair growth goes through three main phases - growth, transition and rest (shedding). Chronic stress, through cortisol and adrenaline, disrupts this cycle, pushing the hair follicles into the resting phase prematurely. As a result, thinning and hair loss can be observed, sometimes reaching unexplained and worrying rates.
Slowed hair growth can also be a consequence of excessive tension – the hair follicles are directly affected when it comes to stressful situations. High cortisol levels can disrupt the normal functioning of the follicles, which leads to reduced protein production in the hair shaft. The result – weaker, slower-growing hair. Hydrolyzed collagen is precisely the protein that makes up hair, skin and nails. It strengthens them, supports the overall structure of the hair follicle, and effectively improves troublesome hair loss.
The Gut Microbiome
It's no coincidence that when we're tense and worried, we feel discomfort in the stomach area. The brain and the gut microbiome are directly connected, and unpleasant emotions affect the function of the gastrointestinal tract. Stress directly affects gut motility and can increase intestinal permeability, resulting in conditions such as constipation, diarrhea or bloating.
Additionally, taking hydrolyzed collagen supports the recovery of intestinal epithelial cells and helps reduce inflammation in the gut. It also strengthens the outer wall of the intestines, reducing their permeability.
Conclusion
Anxiety, tension and stress are increasingly common symptoms among people who work actively. They are an unavoidable part of everyone's everyday life and can imperceptibly take over our minds, leaving lasting consequences on a physiological level. Responding to stress levels and preventing them requires a set of practices that should be followed daily and become part of who we are.
One of the main components of the body affected is our collagen. It is directly influenced by stress hormones, breaking down faster and not being fully utilized. Taking care of our collagen is an investment in the long-term radiant and elastic look of the skin, healthy hair, and nails that don't break.
To take care of our collagen and preserve it for longer, it's important to pay attention to the habits that push us toward creating more stress, and try to manage them. Identifying the stress factor takes time and attention to our inner needs. We touched on this topic in our article “10 Useful Habits That Can Improve the Quality of Every Day”, in which we give practical advice on small changes aimed at achieving calm and inner balance.
Sources (studies):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125628/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19523511/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125628/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620305028
