My latest gut health obsession: gelatin (2024)

You know how a growing number of modern ills particularly autoimmune diseases are now deemed to stem from the gut? And how more of usare suffering withcrook guts that are leaky, nervous and cranky? Yeah?

My latest gut health obsession: gelatin (1)

Well, you’d really have to agree that that would make fixing your gut our number one health priority. No?

The boon is this: It’s also something we can do now to fix our various compromised situations. I write about this oftenand about how food really is the best medicine (not just a jaded slogan). Truly, it is. We can take charge now.

And, so I introduce gelatin. Gelatin is basically cooked collagen and comes form the bones, hides and connective tissues of animals. Gelatin makes up almost one-third of all the protein in the human body and not having enough of it affects our joints, our skin, and our guts. It comes as a powder that can be used to make jelly/jello, panna cotta, marshmallows, gummie bears and… other gut-giving goodnesses.

I’ve shared before how the gelatin in bone broth is a boon. But, of course, not everyone’s freezers are over-flowing with the stuff. Which is why gelatin can be so handy.

I still have you?

Oh, yes. And there’s this note to be made. I’m not talking crappy commercial gelatin. I’m talking the stuff that comes from pasture-raised cows. To that end, since you’ll ask, I use Great Lakes gelatin which is available online.Click here to order some in Australia or here to order elsewhere. I’ve also heard Bernard Jensen gelatin is great too. (PS, If you want to know more about what to look for in a gelatin powder this link is great.)

I’m going to post a recipe or two shortly. Meantime, a primer:

Why eat gelatin

  • Gelatin is a fast and furious source of protein. It contains 18 amino acids, many of which are “essential”, meaning they must be acquired as part of our diet. PLUS: Gelatin balances out your meat intake. Muscle meats contain elevated levels of certain amino acids, which can be inflammatory over time. Gelatin contains two anti-inflammatory amino acids, thus balancing, completing, and complementing the other meat sources.
  • It helps heal the gut liningby enhancing gastric acid secretion and restoring a healthy mucosal lining in the stomach. When your body can effectively break down and absorb the food you’re eating, you reduce the amount of inflammation in the gut and get more out of every bite. (Research fromGotthoffer, NR,Gelatin in Nutrition and Medicine.)
  • Plus there’s this good gut stuff:

Gelatin helps seal the colon so that nutrients may be absorbed.

Gelatin helps food gel within the stomach for more consistent digestion.

Gelatin reduces heartburn, ulcers, and acid reflux by binding acids with the foods.

Gelatin can also help break down fats and proteins which will make it easier for your body to absorb. Here’s some great information if you’d like to read more.

  • Plus, studies show it reduces cellulite and wrinkles.You can read the study here.
  • It helps your liver detox. Gelatin provides the amino acid glycine, which assists the liver in ridding toxins from your body.
  • You work out? Well, know this: Gelatin helps build lean muscle. Collagen is the body’s building blocks. It’s found in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and muscle tissues, all crucial to the body’s structure and musculature. You can read more here.
  • For added value – it also helps build bones and joints. According to a University study, gelatin was shown to have a positive healing effect on the joints of athletes. The gelatin not only reduces inflammation which can trigger pain receptors and cause stiffness in the joints, but it can also help repair small tears in thecartilage.
  • For my auto-immune-y friends: gelatin is very high in anti-inflammatory amino acids such as glycine and proline and thus reduces inflammation.
  • And it boosts metabolism and can be used for weight loss. The protocol for using gelatin for weight loss is to stop eating at least three hours prior to bedtime and consume at least 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder right before bed.
  • Oh yeah, it helps with insomnia.Research has shown that taking glycine just before bed can actually help improve sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness as well as improve memory. This is partially due to the role glycine (one of the amino acids in gelatin) plays in the neurotransmitters within the brain. Before bed, try drinking 1-2 tbs. of gelatin in a shake or smoothie. Gelatin, due to the presence of glycine, can act as a natural sleep aid. Here’s a great resource to read more if you’re interested.
  • And it fills you up…so it’s actually a very sound cravings strategy.
  • And just when you thought it couldn’t keep on giving: Gelatin helps balance hormones, too.Seriously the Swiss Army knife of the food world. “Too much estrogen in the body can cause inflammation, infertility and promoteacceleratedaging. The wonderful, and seemingly endless, benefits of gelatin have anti-estrogenic effects which can help offset the effects of excess estrogen in the body.”Read more here.

How to eat gelatin

There really isn’t a limit to how much gelatin should be eaten in a day, though many say

2 – 3 tablespoons a day sounds about right to make a difference to your gut.

You can:

  • Add it to your smoothies. Simply add 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder instead of protein powder.
  • Make “gummies” or jellies (chewable lollies)… I’ll be posting on this shortly.
  • Use it as a hair mask.
  • Add to your tea and coffee; just add a teaspoon and drink as normal.
  • Make panna cotta with it.
  • Add it to pancakes and cookies/biscuits.
  • Make homemade bouillon.
  • Add it to homemade whipped cream. (This helps it hold its shape better too, especially in warm weather). Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water (per quart of whipping cream), warm over low heat until fully dissolved, then when the cream begins to hold soft peaks, drizzle it in while whipping and continue whipping until the cream holds firm peaks.

Stay tuned for a few of my gelatin recipe experiments over the coming weeks!

My latest gut health obsession: gelatin (2024)

FAQs

Does gelatin help gut health? ›

Gelatin Heals Your Gut.

Gelatin also absorbs water and helps keep fluid in the digestive tract, promoting good intestinal transit and healthy bowel movements. Gelatin-rich soups and broths are also one of the key components of the GAPS diet, which has been designed to heal the gut and promote healthy digestion.

Can gelatin heal leaky gut? ›

Being rich in glycine, gelatin helps repair the gut lining by strengthening and protecting the mucous membrane layer of the stomach and is a key ingredient in helping to restore a leaky gut.

How to drink gelatin for weight loss? ›

How to use Gelatine on The 28 Day Diet. Take one teaspoon of gelatin powder in your coffee / tea in the morning to keep your skin supple and your stomach full. Try to include it in your diet from the start so it can help keep loose skins supple as you lose weight systematically.

What does gelatin do to your stomach? ›

Gelatine also helps seal the colon so that nutrients may be absorbed. It helps food gel within the stomach for more consistent digestion; reduces heartburn, ulcers, and acid reflux by binding acids with the foods and can also help break down fats and proteins which will make it easier for your body to absorb.

How much gelatin should I take daily for leaky gut? ›

2 – 3 tablespoons a day sounds about right to make a difference to your gut. You can: Add it to your smoothies. Simply add 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder instead of protein powder.

How much gelatin should I take a day? ›

If consuming gelatin as a supplement, the National Institutes of Health suggests that taking up to 10 grams a day for up to six months is safe. Gelatin can also be found in other foods, including soups, broths, candies, and desserts.

Does gelatin help inflammation? ›

These results suggest that gelatin tannate exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the specific cytokines and adhesion molecules involved in several inflammatory disorders.

What are the three Superfoods for leaky gut? ›

You can also manage a leaky gut when you eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, seaweed, nuts, and seeds. Omega-3 assists in reducing inflammation, which is often the reason for the leaky gut symptoms.

What's better collagen or gelatin? ›

The Bottom Line. Collagen and gelatin are almost identical in terms of amino acids and health benefits. Since hydrolyzed collagen is easier for your body to digest than normal collagen peptides and gelatin, it's a better choice for reaping the full range of health benefits.

Can I drink gelatine everyday? ›

When taken by mouth: Gelatin is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. But taking high doses of 15 grams daily might increase the risk for side effects, including sore throat, swollen gums, and mouth sores.

How quickly does gelatin work? ›

Allow the gelatin to set for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you let it sit, the thicker it will become.

Is gelatin good before bed? ›

The amino acid glycine, which is abundant in gelatin, has been shown in several studies to help improve sleep. In two high-quality studies, participants took 3 grams of glycine before bed. They had significantly improved sleep quality, had an easier time falling asleep and were less tired the following day ( 24 , 25 ).

What is the healthiest gelatin? ›

Whole-protein gelatin is better for improving gut health. It helps carry fluid through the intestines and can even coat the lining of the digestive tract as a soothing and protective layer. This is the type used to make gummy snacks and desserts and must be mixed into warm liquids.

Is gelatin good for arthritis? ›

“Gelatin reduces arthritis pain probably because it's just ground-up cartilage,” says D'Adamo. However, don't overdo sugary flavored gelatin — sugar in the diet actually contributes to overall inflammation and will make your joint pain worse.

Does gelatin make you gassy? ›

There's some evidence that gelatin in doses up to 10 grams daily can be safely used for up to 6 months. Gelatin can cause an unpleasant taste, sensation of heaviness in the stomach, bloating, heartburn, and belching.

What is the best way to consume gelatin? ›

Gelatin can be added to just about anything, whether it be in the form of bone broth or the powdered version. Adding Gelatin to a smoothie is a fantastic way of getting more protein into your diet. You can add Gelatin to soups, gravies, stew, herbal teas, coffee, anything you like. You can even make amazing desserts.

How much gelatin should I take for joint pain? ›

For a powder, 1 to 2 Tbsp per day should be enough; and for a capsule supplement, follow manufacturer instructions. You can also drink bone broth (which is high in gelatin) or eat gelatin-rich cuts of meat (anything that is on the bone or has connective tissue attached) such as shank, oxtail, and even pig's feet.

Does gelatin help with mucus? ›

Gelatin is seen in studies to help to improve the mucus layer, which is an integral part of this barrier. It may also heal intestinal cells, and help build new tissue, especially the villi – those small fingerlike projections throughout the intestine.

Does gelatin cause weight gain? ›

Consuming gelatin-based products as part of a balanced diet may help promote weight loss due to gelatin's high protein and low calorie contents. Protein helps people feel full , making them less likely to overeat.

Does gelatin make your hair grow? ›

Is Gelatin Good For Your Hair? Gelatin is made up of proteins similar to the composition of your hair. Studies show that consuming gelatin or treating your hair with it provides benefits like increased hair growth, greater hair thickness, and slowing of hair loss.

What is the number one food to fight inflammation? ›

green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards. nuts like almonds and walnuts. fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

Is gelatin good for nerves? ›

Gelatin can help calm the body and balance cortisol levels. Sylvie writes, “The research shows that the glycine in gelatin has a calming effect on our nerves which can promote sleep and reduce stress.”

Does gelatin help muscles? ›

Gelatin, while it is rich in amino acids, does not contain the ones needed to build and repair muscle, and athletes need to make wise choices in the post-workout window; eating gelatin instead of meat, eggs, seafood or even a supplement such as whey protein is not one of them.

Do bananas heal the gut? ›

This friendly yellow fruit helps stabilize gut bacteria and fight inflammation. Plus, they're portable, delicious, and cheap. When your gut is out of balance, send bananas to the rescue: They're great at combatting diarrhea and settling upset tummies.

Is peanut butter OK for leaky gut? ›

Other foods that may improve gut health include: vegetables such as eggplant, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and zucchini. fruits including blueberries, grapes, oranges, papaya, and strawberries. nuts and seeds, such as almonds, peanuts, cashews, and pine nuts.

Is gelatin anti aging? ›

May help reduce signs of skin aging

Collagen and gelatin may improve signs of skin aging, such as dryness, scaling, and a loss of elasticity that results from a reduction in your skin's collagen content ( 10 ).

Can I take gelatin and collagen together? ›

However, bovine collagen contains 14% more proline and 41% more hydroxyproline than marine collagen. I personally like to combine getting my gelatin from food - along with taking supplemental collagen and gelatin powders - because I try to get as much as possible and it is really easy.

Does gelatin prevent wrinkles? ›

Gelatin is a dietary source of collagen and eating or drinking collagen helps to increase the body's own collagen production. Increasing your collagen production helps to smooth out fine line facial lines and create firmer, plump skin.

Does gelatin affect the kidneys? ›

Acute kidney injury (AKI) was observed to occur more frequently in patients receiving gelatin based on observations in several cohorts of septic and surgical patients [11], [12], [13]. Gelatins also increased the risk of anaphylactoid reactions several-fold in comparison to human albumin [14].

Is gelatin A Superfood? ›

Yes, gelatin. This ancient super food can remedy health ailments by healing holes in the gut, filling in nutrients missing from the Standard American Diet, and provide the structural matrix for your skin, hair, muscles, and bones.

Does gelatin help with pain? ›

The collagen in gelatin gets broken down when you eat it. It wouldn't travel directly to your joints. Nonetheless, there is some evidence that gelatin could help ease joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. In animal studies, gelatin supplements also reduced swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Can gelatin help with cellulite? ›

Whether you use gelatin or collagen peptides, or better yet, both – you'll notice a significant improvement in your cellulite thanks to the fact that it strengthens collagen. Try it along with the many other remedies and products we've shared to help reduce cellulite.

Do you Dissolve gelatin in hot or cold water? ›

-1 envelope of gelatin will softly set 3 cups of liquid. You will not be able to unmold this type of dessert. -Both sheet and powdered gelatin should be dissolved in cold water. If hot water is used, granules of gelatin will swell on the outside too quickly, preventing the water from getting into the center.

Does gelatin affect hormones? ›

Gelatin can potentially increase how much human growth hormone is produced in the body and can also boost metabolism.

Is gelatin full of sugar? ›

There are 0 grams of total carbohydrate, including 0 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of fiber in gelatin. Because gelatin contains no carbohydrates, it will not impact blood sugar levels when consumed.

Is jello as healthy as gelatin? ›

Jello is low in calories but also high in sugar or artificial sweeteners and low in nutrients. While gelatin supplements may have some beneficial effects on your health, it's unlikely that jello will provide the same benefits.

Which gelatin is best for joints? ›

Animal natural gelatin

For the entire course of treatment for joint pain you will need about 150 grams animal gelatin.

How can I build cartilage in my knee naturally? ›

Foods that Help Rebuild Cartilage
  1. Legumes. For optimal joint function, it is important to beat inflammation wherever possible—inflammation is the primary source of collagen and, by extension, cartilage breakdown. ...
  2. Oranges. ...
  3. Pomegranates. ...
  4. Green Tea. ...
  5. Brown Rice. ...
  6. Nuts. ...
  7. Brussel Sprouts.

Does gelatin strengthen tendons? ›

Consuming a gelatin supplement, plus a burst of intensive exercise, can help build ligaments, tendons and bones, new research concludes.

Does gelatin increase metabolism? ›

Stimulates Muscle Growth: Gelatin is an excellent source of amino acids and its high protein content improves your body's metabolism. This doesn't just mean that it speeds up the burning of calories or encourages weight loss, but it means that all metabolic activities are enhanced.

Is gelatin good for GERD? ›

The amino acid, glycine contained in gelatin is believed to assist in increasing the production of gastric acids as well as promoting a healthy mucosal lining in the stomach. To enable good digestion, we need these gastric acids. Heartburn and acid reflux can also be reduced by increasing these gastric acids.

Why do hospitals serve green jello? ›

Gelatin stimulates the secretion of gastric acid and restores a healthy mucosal lining of the stomach, which in turn improves the gut integrity and digestive strength. This is very important as low stomach acid and impaired gut barrier are the two most prevalent digestive issues in the modern world.

Is collagen or gelatin better for gut health? ›

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, and gelatin is a degraded form of collagen. Therefore, they have virtually identical nutritional profiles and may both improve joint, skin, gut, hair, and bone health.

What are the disadvantages of gelatin? ›

Gelatin can cause an unpleasant taste, sensation of heaviness in the stomach, bloating, heartburn, and belching. Gelatin can cause allergic reactions in some people. There is some concern about the safety of gelatin because it comes from animal sources.

Is gelatin hard on your stomach? ›

Gelatin supplements can cause side effects such as: Upset stomach. Burping. Bloating.

Does gelatin make hair grow? ›

Is Gelatin Good For Your Hair? Gelatin is made up of proteins similar to the composition of your hair. Studies show that consuming gelatin or treating your hair with it provides benefits like increased hair growth, greater hair thickness, and slowing of hair loss.

Can gelatin cause weight gain? ›

Gelatin is practically fat- and carb-free, depending on how it's made, so it's quite low in calories. Studies show it may even help you lose weight.

Is gelatin good for the brain? ›

Brain function – gelatin also shows to improve mood and cognition as glycine is one of the amino acids that acts as an calming neurotransmitter in the brain.

Should you take gelatin on an empty stomach? ›

To date, there has been no conclusive evidence that taking collagen at a certain time of day provides the best results, so take it when you like!

Why is gelatin better than collagen? ›

Native collagen (collagen in its whole form) is harder to digest than gelatin, making gelatin a better option for bioavailability. However, hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides have been broken down into even smaller pieces than gelatin, making this type of collagen more bioavailable.

Can you just drink gelatin? ›

Swallow gelatin in water or raw milk before going to bed.

Simply stirred into room temperature water or raw milk, it can be swallowed as you would a powdery supplement. The high protein content is also beneficial to the metabolism when consumed before bed, due specifically to the amino acid arginine.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Carey Rath

Last Updated:

Views: 5743

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Carey Rath

Birthday: 1997-03-06

Address: 14955 Ledner Trail, East Rodrickfort, NE 85127-8369

Phone: +18682428114917

Job: National Technology Representative

Hobby: Sand art, Drama, Web surfing, Cycling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Leather crafting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.