Your body has many moving parts that help keep it healthy, especially when trying to conceive. We could dive into so many of those aspects, but this time around, we want to focus on just one important part — protein intake.
Studies have found that increased protein intake is important to support everything from your joints to preparing your body for pregnancy.
Now you may be asking, how much do I increase my protein intake when trying to conceive, or what should my baseline protein intake be? The truth is, there’s no magic number. How much protein you should consume daily depends wholly on who you are, your weight, your age, and more.
But once you have zeroed in on an amount of protein that feels right for you, it’s time to find ways to meet your goals. Enter collagen protein.
What is collagen protein, exactly?
According to Harvard, “collagen is the most abundant protein in the body," making up a significant portion of our skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and even blood vessels. Collagen provides structural support and helps maintain the integrity, strength, and elasticity of our body's various connective tissues.
Collagen proteins are composed of amino acids, particularly glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which have a unique sequence and arrangement that give collagen its distinct properties. As we age, our body's natural collagen production decreases, which can lead to changes in the appearance and functionality of our joints, skin, and other tissues.
How can collagen protein help support my fertility?
Adding collagen protein to your daily routine can help support your fertility by closing any gaps between your protein intake goals and how much protein your food naturally contains.
Since not everyone can ensure that their meals contain an ideal amount of protein all of the time, protein in a powder form helps supplement where possible. It enables you to reach your goals without worrying more, which is always good, especially when trying to conceive can feel overwhelming.
Collage protein, specifically, checks the box in four ways that support the body:
Supports joints and bones
Collagen is an amino acid that helps strengthen and cushion your ligaments, tendons, joints, and bones. It helps keep you strong and supported, according to studies. Taking collagen while trying to conceive can help ensure that your body has adequate levels of this essential protein, which can provide a solid foundation for fertility and a healthy pregnancy when the time comes. And when you are pregnant, it can continue to help support your body’s physical changes.
Offers extra glycine
Glycine is the smallest and most common amino acid in collagen, but it packs a big punch. It's credited with supporting joints and bones, as mentioned above, while also encouraging proper reproductive hormone production. Some studies even suggest that glycine may have a positive impact on insulin sensitivity, which could promote blood sugar balance. And since there's nothing you need more when trying to conceive than knowing your body is working exactly how it should be to support a pregnancy, this seems like a win-win.
Helps you meet your increased protein requirements
You can add collagen protein to your smoothies, oatmeals, or even soups come colder months. This simple addition to your daily habits can help you meet any new, increased protein goals without stressing at mealtime. Beli’s Prenatal Collagen Protein Booster, specifically, is designed to close your protein gap before conception, during pregnancy, and even after delivery. Think about everything from keeping your blood sugar in check to helping support healthy hair and maybe even minimizing morning sickness.
Supports a healthy gut
Collagen protein’s MVPs glycine and the rest of its amino acids don’t just help support your gut lining; they also help repair your gut lining, too! This is why it’s especially important to check your favorite collagen protein’s ingredient list for elements that may trigger your specific gut health, like gluten or soy. Beli’s Prenatal Collagen Protein Booster is gluten, soy, and dairy-free, ensuring that it won’t upset your stomach unnecessarily. And, you can get 15% off with code RESCRIPTED15!
You’re navigating an exciting and unknown time whenever you’re trying for a baby. Finding ways to lessen your mental load and support your body without needing to think twice can be incredibly helpful.
Vivian Nunez is a writer, content creator, and host of Happy To Be Here podcast. Her award-winning Instagram community has created pathways for speaking on traditionally taboo topics, like mental health and grief. You can find Vivian @vivnunez on Instagram/TikTok and her writing on both Medium and her blog, vivnunez.com.
