By Health Writer Charlotte Dormon
I never thought the day would come when I could walk into a French Bistro, confidently order a plate of Fromage or enjoy a frothy latte, and not end up paying for it with a day of bloating headaches and horrid belching. Yet, here I am, living my best foodie life – thanks to one game-changing addition to my morning routine: marine collagen.
Yes, collagen. The youth-boosting supplement you always hear about for glowing skin and healthy hair turns out to be the unsung hero of gut health. I never thought something so simple as adding a scoop of collagen to my coffee – which I initially purchased to ward off midlife wrinkles and help my hair grow – would finally allow me to enjoy foods I had spent over a decade diligently avoiding.
The Gut Health Struggle Is Real
Let me take you back to my pre-collagen days. My gut and I had a tumultuous relationship. Cheese? No chance. Creamy Gelato, I don’t think so! Dairy was my sworn enemy, and eating anything creamy and indulgent like a panna cotta or creamy mashed potato meant suffering the consequences of bloating, headaches, and the sense that my body was staging a rebellion.
For years, I blamed my sensitive digestive system. I avoided the foods I loved and resigned myself to free-from, relatively unappealing, and limited vegan cheese options. Travelling was especially tough. France, with its creamy cheeses and decadent desserts, was a no-go for the sake of my stomach. Italy, forget it. I had to deal with food FOMO everywhere I went, always watching jealousy as my friends or boyfriends happily devoured delightful dairy-filled dishes whilst I had to say no or pay the consequences.
Like many women hitting their 40s, I initially committed to a collagen routine to revive my midlife skin. I’d seen enough research to know its benefits in helping skin elasticity, fine lines, and hydration, so I was prepared to make my new supplement a daily habit. I just wasn’t prepared for what happened next.
A Scoop a Day Keeps the Bloating Away
The changes started subtly. I’d been adding a scoop of collagen to my morning coffee every day, religiously, for about six months when I realised something amazing: my bloating was easing. Meals that used to leave me feeling like my stomach was a balloon about to pop were suddenly not a big deal.
I did a little digging (because I’m a health writer, after all), and it turns out collagen isn’t just a skin saviour, it’s also a gut healer. Our digestive system is lined with a thin barrier called the intestinal wall, which can get damaged from stress, poor diet, or intolerances. Collagen, rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, helps repair that barrier, making your gut stronger and more resilient. It also supports the production of stomach acid and enzymes, which are crucial for breaking down food properly. In layman’s terms, marine collagen gave my digestive system the TLC it desperately needed.
Life After Collagen: Travel, Decadent Dessert, and Cheese Is Back on the Menu!
Fast-forward to a year later, and I feel like a whole new person. Gone are the days of scrutinising menus for dairy-free options or bringing my oat or almond milk with me when I stay with friends or family. Now, I can enjoy foods I had said no to for years and can now say yes to the odd cheese board, ice cream, and creamy desserts if I want to without feeling awful afterwards.
Travel is a delight. France, Italy, and anywhere with a love affair with dairy has become my playground. I no longer fear food. Last year, I travelled to France for the first time in years, and also to the Italian island Sardinia twice, where I could feel part of the action, trying local cheeses and tasting dishes I would have restricted before. Although I still eat many dairy-free alternatives at home, such as oat milk in smoothies and coconut oil for frying, it’s just so freeing to have a choice, and as and when I want to enjoy a bit of butter on my toast, jacket potato or scrambled eggs, I can. This has also made life so much easier and more exciting for me when dining out and travelling.
And yes, my skin is glowing even more than before, thanks to the collagen and coffee morning routine. Friends and strangers alike have commented on the appearance of my skin and how well I look, which is a huge bonus. But honestly, the real win is my gut. Feeling good on the inside makes everything on the outside shine brighter, too.
Why Marine Collagen?
I’ve stuck with Correxiko Marine Collagen in my coffee daily, as it has no sugar, sweetener or artificial ingredients that may upset the gut microbiome. It’s made from wild-caught fish, a cleaner, higher-quality source of collagen. It blends seamlessly into my coffee (no fishy taste, I promise!) and doesn’t disrupt my morning routine.
Consistency is key, and I’ve learned that, like with any health practice, sticking to it daily makes all the difference, especially when it is as easy as this one, with huge benefits.
I always advise people to get checked by a GP or a gastroenterologist to ensure there are no underlying health issues. Once that is done, if you’ve been battling gut issues, feel restricted by your diet, or want to take better care of your skin, gut, and overall health, try collagen. This simple health habit could be all you need to feel better.
