collagen – Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie

Daily Food Diary – Day 306 of 365

November 3, 2025November 3, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 306 of my Daily Food Diary! 💓

Yesterday in my blog, I wrote about my yeast allergy and how it has affected my health.

I was born with three health issues – asthma (which I was diagnosed with in my thirties), allergies (I have been officially diagnosed with environmental allergies but have yet to be tested and officially diagnosed with food allergies), and a collagen disorder/deficiency.

Of the three health issues – the collagen issue has been the most detrimental when it comes to my quality of life. For the first fifty some years of my life, I struggled with head to toe issues that affected me physically and emotionally. The most difficult part being that I had absolutely no idea why I struggled so much – just that I did!

Finally, in my fifties, my grandson was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome – Type 3 (a genetic mutation that affects the collagen in one’s body. I started searching reputable health sites on the internet and I discovered information regarding not only the prevalence and importance of collagen in our bodies – but that the information described me and my long standing health issues perfectly. During the past twenty years, others in my immediate and extended family have likewise been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos 3 and/or with relative collagen issues.

Doctors that I have seen have brushed me off EVERY time I have brought up the subject. My respiratory therapist acknowledged the possibility that EDS could be affecting my respiratory system and my optometrist explained how it does affect my eyes.

Just having a solid lead as to the root of so many of my health issues has helped me immensely. For the first time ever, I understand my body. I have been able to make lifestyle changes that have helped me to live better.

This year, I began taking collagen supplements to see if they could possibly be of any benefit – particularly to my muscles and joints. While I had found a lot of information on collagen and Ehlers Danlos – I did not find much suggesting collagen supplements would be beneficial.

In the first two months, I noticed positive results to my nails, hair, skin, muscles, and joints. I was starting to notice an improvement to my sinuses. Then I saw my respirologist who put me on a course of antibiotics and 50mg Prednisone per day for ten days. (In a follow up visit, blood tests and X-rays indicated a possible minor infection/inflammation – which my respirologist said was nothing but that I had extra prescriptions on file if I required them. For an infection that I didn’t really have in the first place ?)

Within a few days of starting the antibiotics and Prednisone, I noticed that I was losing the benefits that I had been getting from the collagen supplements. My nails were breaking, my hair was thinning and falling, I was feeling like a dishrag and struggling to exercise with 5 pound weights.

I went back to the medical sites on the internet and found evidence that Prednisone inhibits the synthesis of collagen. The same Prednisone that doctors had been prescribing to me regularly (up to six times a year) for decades.

I continued to take the Collagen Supplements and once again (as the effects from the Prednisone wore off) began to see positive results. Except, that four months in, not only am I seeing an improvement to my nails, hair, skin, muscles, and joints, sinuses – I am feeling a notable improvement to the airways throughout my respiratory system. Despite, having recent issues with a flare up of environmental allergies, I can breathe easily. I can lay down or recline back in my chair without feeling like my airways are collapsing and that I am smothering. And I have upped my weights to eight pounders because the five pounders just weren’t cutting it. 👍

**These are the Collagen Supplements that I have been using.** (From Amazon Canada)

Once again, my point being that it is up to us to be proactive when it comes to our health. It is nothing against medical professionals – they save lives. But – we each live in our own body, day in and day out. And when it comes to resolving chronic health issues that matters – especially as we age.

Daily Food Diary – Day 306

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) potato patties (240)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) slices thick cut bacon (170)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tomato (22)

Snacks:

(3) black licorice Twizzlers (68)

(1) tbsp local raw honey (40)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(2) c fried rice w/rice, pork, red onion, mushrooms, celery, red pepper, soya sauce, olive oil, butter (237)

(2) egg rolls (377)

(1) tsp plum sauce (12)

Total consumed calories: 1362

Total used calories: 110

(1) hr food prep/cooking/cleanup (110)

Total net calories: 1252

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1252 = 44 over 👎

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💝🤗

**Wood carving for sale in Deadwood, South Dakota** – it probably would have come home with me if our grandbabies were still small enough to ride it…

Daily Food Diary – Day 207 of 365

July 27, 2025July 27, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is Day 207 of my Daily Food Diary. 🙌

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a great day. I appreciated all of the well wishes from friends and family. I appreciated the calls from son Dan and daughter Jennifer. And we all appreciated the visit from the newly weds (Genie & Alec) – especially MOLLY!

**I love the card** **and** **the flowers. The sourdough buns are pretty good. (Toasted & buttered with ham & cheese omelets to fill)**. **Grandpa and I might have to check out the farmers market ourselves soon!**

My Daily Food Diary entry for the day looks pretty brutal, but it was my 70th Birthday and we did go to Montana’s for (a very early) supper followed by Birthday Cake later in the evening.

Takeaway from this entry.. my total calories for the day were BAD And my food choices were not the most nutritionally sound. While I ate what I wanted… I could have done worse. Dan and I both had water with our meal. We generally pass on soda or alcoholic beverages. I gave Dan part of my (Ribfest) entree. The one I chose had 4 breaded hot wings. Dan ordered a smaller entree and took the yeast hit. And when we had cake, we both passed on the ice cream.

**This cake does not require ice cream!**

Today we are both back on track. We started our day with coffee before taking Molly on a good trek around the neighborhood. And, we had a relatively light meal for our Sunday brunch.

Our air is finally clear and our humidity is down. I am breathing somewhat easier. so I am thinking of going for a jog around our neighbourhood to kick off my 70’s tomorrow morning. I’ll let you know how that plays out. 👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 207

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) crumpets (160)

(1 1/2) tsp butter (51)

(1) tbsp jam (50)

Supper:

(6) Montana’s Honey Garlic Pork Ribs w/cornbread (880)

(1) serving seasoned fries (790)

(1) side gravy (25)

(1) 85g side baked beans (110)

Snacks:

(72) oz water

(1) pc caramel toffee cake (1050)

Total net calories: 3118

Net calorie goal: 1222 – 3118 = 1898 😲

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significantly contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 😊❤️

Daily Food Diary – Day 187 of 365

July 7, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 187 of my Daily Food Diary. 🧑‍🍳 Each month of my diary, I set out to highlight one nutritional aspect of my diet. This month, my focus is on collagen.

Since collagen is so important to having and maintaining a strong and healthy body, I have been sourcing out and highlighting foods that contain or assist in the production of collagen for the past five days.

Today, I decided to touch on foods that destroy or slow down the production of collagen.

Foods to avoid for collagen health include: processed sugar, refined carbohydrates (especially white bread), and fried foods. It is also beneficial to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.

Personally, I believe in balance and sustainable changes when it comes to eating, and life in general. I am trying to be mindful of what I consume and I am gradually making ‘better’ food choices. For better or worse, my Daily Food Diary is always a reflection of my reality. 🙄

Despite the high humidity this morning, Dan and I took Molly for her morning walk . Walking is good for our collagen and hers. Just like people, dogs need collagen for their joints, skin, hair/fur, digestive health, and for their overall well-being. Also, just like people, dogs lose and produce less collagen as they age. Molly just turned three years old, but it is never too soon to ensure her health.

When we got back home, Dan took a few more photos of Molly and I. As usual, she was less than co-operative. And yes, she was drinking out of the bird bath. 🤦

Daily Food Diary – Day 187

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) potato patties (240)

(2 1/2) eggs (200)

(2) tsp butter (34)

(2) slices bacon (170)

(1/2) tomato (11)

Snacks:

(1) peach (51)

(1) pear (103)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(2) cabbage rolls (300)

(3/4) c ice cream (208)

(2) tbsp dark chocolate sauce (105)

Total net calories: 1424

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1424 = 195 over 👎

* Highlighted items contain significant collagen or significant contribute to the production of collagen

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞🌞

Daily Food Diary – Day 185 of 365

July 5, 2025July 5, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

This is Day 185 of posting my Daily Food Diary (without one miss). 🤗💪

This month, I am focussing on collagen in our diet and in our lifestyle.

A healthy diet, adequate exercise, and collagen supplements can help us to keep our collagen levels up even as we age. Unfortunately, stress produces cortisol which slows down collagen production and weakens the collagen in our bodies.

So, stress management becomes an important part of increasing and maintaining our collagen levels.

For Dan and I, going out and walking our dog Molly is an important part of our stress management. Last night, Dan decided we should switch things up by getting up at 6 AM this morning and heading straight out for a walk in the country. (Go Dan! 💞) What could be a better (de-stressing) way to start our day! Walking together with Molly, in the fresh air, surrounded by the beauty of nature as far as the eye could see just sounded too perfect!

We were up at 5:50 A.M. – no coffee, breakfast, no vitamins or inhalers. We got up, got dressed, and got ready to head out.

**Molly was beside herself with excitement!**

**After driving MANY miles (on gravel roads that somehow devolved into whatever this was), we found the exact location we were looking for. WE HAVE ARRIVED!**

**This looked like a promising spot to head out for our little hike.**

**A picturesque little pool of water that turned out to be the breeding ground for countless bloodsucking insects that were intent on crawling into my eyes and ears.** 😝

We soldiered on checking out the thick foliage, finding a few flat rocks for our pond, and discovering a stretch of gorgeous pink, wild roses. Pink roses have always had a special significance for Dan and I.

I failed to get pictures of the wild roses. By this point I had packed away my phone so I could use both hands to fight off those vicious little bastards from the watering hole.

And, we decided it was time to abruptly head home when a friendly young man pulled up in his halfton to advise us that his rifle club, gathering along the valley, were preparing to start shooting in our direction. 😳😯🤷

Fortunately, it was a short drive home. And fortunately there is nothing more relaxing and good for dropping cortisol levels and maintaining collagen levels than returning home. 👍

Daily Food Diary – Day 185

Breakfast:

(1) c Coffee (2)

(2) granola bar with nuts (160)

Lunch:

(1) c spaghetti with meat sauce (287)

(10) Doritos (140)

(1) serving rhubarb torte (286)

Snacks:

(48) oz water

(1) gin & tonic (130)

Supper:

Large dinner salad – lettuce, radishes, green onions, cucumber, tomatoes, red pepper, sunflower seeds, fried dried onions, French salad dressing. (356)

(2) chicken drumsticks (which contain significantly more collagen than breast meat) (152)

Total Net Calories: 1191

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1191 = 38 under 👍

* Highlighted food items contain significant amounts of collagen or significantly aid in the natural production of collagen.

Daily Food Diary – Day 182 of 365

July 2, 2025July 2, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

Today is Day 182 of sharing my Daily Food Diary. 🥰💃

This month, my focus is on COLLAGEN. Since I am celebrating my 70th birthday later this month, this focus was a natural for me. Most people recognize collagen for it’s role in skin and hair care – especially as we age.

But college affects far more that our skin and hair – as noted in this quotation taken from an online article posted by The Cleveland Clinic.

https://share.google/YSN7onJmkUuvxPbQc

“Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It accounts for about 30% of your body’s total protein. Collagen is the primary building block of your body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, and other connective tissues. It’s also found in your organs, blood vessels and intestinal lining.”

Collagen production tends to decrease as we age so this is naturally when most people start to notice it (or the lack thereof). Genetic conditions, such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome (some forms of which are life threatening), create collagen challenges from birth.

When collagen levels are inadequate to function as they should, all kinds of fun things can happen to make life interesting. There are the obvious wrinkles, thinning hair, and fragile nails. There are the unstable joints and weakened muscles which create mobility and dexterity issues. There are circulation and breathing issues as blood vessels and airways lose elasticity and stability. There is even vertigo caused by the weakness of the connective tissues that are supposed to be supporting the small bones in our inner ears. There is pain, often excruciating pain, from muscle cramps to migraines to intestinal issues and more. (Fortunately pain is something that seldom affects me, personally).

There is no magic pill or medical intervention available to ‘fix’ collagen synthesis deficiencies. For now, the only treatments available deal with managing the symptoms and the health issues caused by the collagen failure.

But, there is good news! A lifestyle focussed on exercise, diet, and stress management can do a lot to increase collagen production and efficiency in our bodies – especially if aging or benign collagen disorders is the root cause.

Since this blog is my Daily Food Diary, I will be highlighting foods that are rich in collagen and foods that support collagen synthesis within our bodies.

Because much of my Health and Wellness Journey, that I started three and a third years ago, involves fitness and stress management, I will be touching on them regularly as well – especially as they relate to collagen production and dealing with collagen deficiency issues.

**Me and our dog Molly, who is a** **BIG** **part of my fit & healthy** **lifestyle.**

Daily Food Diary – Day 182 of 365

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tsp olive oil (40)

(1) c homemade hash browns (80)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) oz ham (160)

(2) green onions (16)

Snacks:

(1) apple (95)

(1/3) c mixed nuts (216)

(1/6) c dry roasted peanuts (131)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(1) c pork fried rice – pork, rice, celery, onion, mushrooms *, soya sauce, olive oil, butter (363)

(2) c chicken stir fry – chicken, red onion, red pepper, carrots, mushrooms*, Bok choy, cabbage, garlic, olive oil, teriyaki sauce (264)

(12) oz carbonated water

*There are specific types of mushrooms, such as Shiitake mushrooms that do help with collagen synthesis.

Total Net Calories: 1208

Net calorie goal: 1229 – 1208 = 21 under 👍

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 🤗🥰🌞

Daily Food Diary – Day 181 of 365

July 1, 2025July 1, 2025 by annemariedemyen, posted in 2025, Health and Fitness

It is 181 Days since I started maintaining and posting my Daily Food Diary! 💃

Today is also July 1st, which means it is Canada Day. For myself and my fellow Canadians. 🇨🇦

It is also means that it is a full SIX months that I have been posting my Daily Food Diary – without a single miss! 💪🥰

Each month, I choose to focus on one nutritional aspect of my diet.

In January, my goal was to track everything that I consumed each day. I learned that I am a grazer – and the bit of this and bits of that throughout the day were notable! My main goal was never to lose weight, but becoming mindful of what I had been eating did help me do just that. Since January 1st, I have dropped from 133.5 pounds to 121.8 pounds. That is a loss of 11.7 pounds in six months.

In February, I tracked my Net Calories – everything I consumed each day minus calories burnt working out and walking. I learned how easy it is to consume a LOT of calories from fast food, prepared foods, and desserts.

In March, I tracked protein. I learned I eat a lot of protein rich foods. I do aerobics every morning, walk regularly, and lift light weights three afternoons a week. I am working to build muscle and strengthen my bones, so I am ok with the extra protein (as long as it is within reason).

In April, I tracked sodium and processed sugar. I thought I was doing fairly well at limiting the consumption of both. I was wrong. I was still consuming far too much. I struggled throughout April but I am doing far better now.

In May, I tracked saturated fats. Again, I learned I was consuming far more than I realized. That too has improved in the past couple of months.

In June, I took note of the fruits and vegetables I was consuming. According to the Canada Food Guide, my goal was a total of seven servings a day – not counting potatoes or mushrooms. I thought this one would be easy. Again, I was wrong. Seven servings a day is a lot and my body did NOT deal well with it – especially the fruit. I will keep trying but … we will see.

JULY is my birth month. On the 26th, I will be 70 years old! To celebrate, I am going for a fun focus. This month, I am going to incorporate foods rich in collagen and ones that encourage collagen synthesis. Collagen is necessary for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It is also necessary for maintaining connective tissue, healthy joints, and strong muscles. It is important as we age – when our natural collagen production drops. And it is particularly important when you are affected by a genetic collagen disorder. 🙄

Dan and I started July off right with an early morning walk with Molly. Coincidentally, regular exercise also helps collagen production and synthesis.

Daily Food Diary – Day 181

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(3) crumpets (240)

(2) tsp butter (69)

(2) tsp jam (100)

Lunch:

(1) Sun ripened tomato tortilla wrap (200)

(1/4) c shredded marble cheese (114)

(3) steps bacon (130)

(1) tomato (22) (1 SVG)

(60) oz water

Supper:

(1) Sm. Taco Time Mexi Fries (265)

(1) Taco Time Crisp Meat Burrito (428)

(2) Taco Time Hard Shell Tacos (520) (1 SVG)

Total net calories: 1802

Total net calories goal: 1233 – 1802 = 569 over 👎

Fruits & Vegetables: 2 servings

Fruits & vegetables goal: 7 servings 👎

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day!

Week Twenty Six!

August 15, 2022August 15, 2022 by annemariedemyen, posted in August 2022, Health and Fitness

It has been 26 weeks since I started my fitness plan. It was exactly six months yesterday. I am halfway to a full year of working to get and stay as fit and as healthy as possible. With all of the benefits I have discovered and all of the encouragement that I have received, I have no intention whatsoever of slacking off. I have no doubt that I will be celebrating a full year of fitness six months from now. 😊

This morning, Molly and I started our day with a 3 km walk. We began going on daily walks on July 1st – two and a half months ago.

Molly was a big, rambunctious puppy, so I was concerned about what would happen if I failed to control her. I decided THAT would never happen. In my infinite wisdom, I decided to take the easy way out. As we set out on our first official walk, Molly was securely strapped into her harness and I had a death grip on her leash.

Needless to say, that did not go well for either of us. Molly did everything in her power to make our walks a daily battle. I tried a clicker, I tried treats to reward (and occasionally bribe) her. I finally resorted to a special training harness. All had limited success. Finally a few days ago, I was watching a video of a dog trainer working with people who had dogs with particular issues. One woman came out with a little dog that was always straining at her leash and trying to attack other dogs. The dog trainer looked at the woman and told her to stop engaging her dog in a game of Tug of War. The woman looked so much like me. She had the leash wrapped around her arm six times AND had a death grip on it to boot. I was embarrassed for her – and for me! The next day I loosened my grip on Molly’s leash and she was WAY better. This morning, I extended her leash about three feet (it has different metal rings that I can clip on to). That made ALL the difference. Molly and I walked along at a comfortable pace without a single incident.

As we were trucking along, it occurred to me how often we try to take the ‘easy’ way when dealing with challenging situations. I don’t know if everyone does, but I am sure it is pretty common for people in my age group (baby boomers). We watched our parents work SO hard that it just didn’t seem right. We decided we would have easier ‘better’ lives ( and that our children and grandchildren should be equally blessed). Except life does not work that way. We are challenged in order to grow stronger and healthier – mentally, emotionally, and physically. Taking the easy way out just doesn’t cut it. (Nor does trying to pave the path for our children and grandchildren, but that is a whole other chapter in my book on questionable infinite wisdom. 🙄)

The easy way, is particularly counterproductive when it comes to getting or keeping fit and healthy, especially as we age. Collagen which is vitally important to every part of our bodies begins to decline in our thirties. (Unless we are born with a genetic collagen disorder – then it begins before we are born 😧) By the time we hit our sixties – and looking to retire and ‘take it easy’, it is a serious issue for many of us. At our age, even those who are healthy and strong can lose collagen in a matter of weeks if we do not keep active and maintain a healthy diet.

I found this article online and it explains in a better way than I could, what collagen is, what it does, and ways we can maintain and improve our levels of it even as we age. It does not mention how important physical activity is to maintaining and increasing our levels of collagen, but that is definitely an important part of the equation!

https://vibrancemedspa.com/what-happens-to-collagen-as-we-age/#:~:text=Your%20body%20begins%20to%20lose,habits%2C%20and%20poor%20diet%20choices.&text=While%20it’s%20possible%20to%20accelerate,possible%20to%20slow%20it%20down.

The great news is, we absolutely can maintain and improve our levels of collagen as we age, but there is no easy way to do this. We have to do the work and maintain a proper diet. The ‘work’ does not have to be unpleasant – walk, run, dance, swim, lift, hop, skip, and or jump. Find and do what works best for you. And the diet does not have to be bland or unpalatable. It has to be nutritious, although there are specific foods that are better at supporting collagen levels.

I walk less than one hour every morning, I do one thirty to forty five minute You Tube Zumba class when I get home. Other than that I do my housework and cooking, spend time in our garden, brush Molly and clean up after her. That is pretty much it. And I have never felt better and stronger. It is amazing. I am so glad that I am not still trying to take the easy way out, sitting around and hoping I feel better tomorrow so I am up to doing something. I know I would never have felt better going that route.

That is it for today. It is beautiful out and I am ready to get out there to enjoy this weather while it lasts. Take care and have a great day! 💞🌞