Decoding Collagen Genetics: Hypermobility, Injury Prevention, and Soft Tissue Recovery

Is collagen marketing hiding the truth about your joint, skin, and soft tissue health?

Join Dr. Sam Shay, DC, FMCP, co-host Mikayla Wachsmann, MS, CNS, and Lily - his "Frenchie". Discover how COL1A1 and COL5A1 genetic variations influence collagen structure, joint hypermobility, and risks for EDS, disc herniations, and hernias. Learn why overuse and chronic inflammation - not age - drive tissue breakdown, plus strategies for safe training, managing histamine, and recovery.

Key topics covered in this episode:
• Hypermobility: COL5A1 & COL1A1 variants increase risks for EDS and soft tissue injuries.
• Overuse vs. Aging: Joint wear-and-tear is driven by cumulative strain and inflammation.
• Training & Recovery: Dangers of cold static stretching, dynamic warm-ups, and HIIT recovery.
• Nutrition: Support collagen with Vitamin C, Creatine, Inositol; manage histamine.
• Movement: Low-impact activities (walking, Qigong) maintain mobility without joint overload.

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TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Collagen Integrity
01:41 - Collagen Protein & Tryptophan
02:18 - Genetics of Collagen
03:49 - Hypermobility & EDS
04:13 - Age vs. Overuse
06:44 - COL5A1 & COL1A1
07:18 - Injury Prevention
09:50 - Hernias & Osteoporosis
11:04 - Fit Genes USA
12:42 - Collagen Health Variables
14:04 - Static Stretching vs. Warm-ups
15:23 - Post-Exercise Recovery
16:13 - Overtraining & Inflammation
17:29 - Safe HIIT
21:35 - Collagen on Plant-Based Diet
24:29 - Managing Histamine
26:55 - Genetic Reality
28:51 - Dog Rescuing Benefits
29:16 - Staying Active
29:45 - Outro

Connect with Dr. Sam:
IG: @fitgenesusa
Website: fitgenesusa.com

Health practitioners: Ready to offer personalized, root-cause care? Elevate your practice at FitgenesUSA.com to become a certified practitioner.

DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, cures or treatment. Neither Dr. Sam nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplement routine, or overall health plan based on genetic information or podcast discussions. Dr. Sam Shay, DC, FMCP is the founder of and has a direct financial interest in FitgenesUSA testing, the Fitgenes Genetic Blueprint, and the CarbChoice Advanced.

REFERENCES
• Beck KL, et al. Micronutrients and athletic performance. Food Chem Toxicol. 2021;158:112618. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2021.112618.
• de la Puente Yagüe M, et al. Role of Vitamin D in Athletes. Nutrients. 2020;12(2):579. doi:10.3390/nu12020579.
• Kaufman MW, et al. Impact of Supplements on Sports Performance. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2022;21(7):232-238. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000972.
• Leońska-Duniec A, et al. Genetic variants influencing exercise training programmes. Biol Sport. 2016;33(3):207-214. doi:10.5604/20831862.1201052.
• Maffulli N, et al. Genetics of sports injuries. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2013;3(3):173-189.
• Petersen AM, Pedersen BK. Role of IL-6 in mediating anti-inflammatory effects of exercise. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2006;57 Suppl 10:43-51.
• Type I Collagen
• Collagen Alpha 1
• Type V Collagen
• Collagen Type V Alpha 1