Collagen Damage

High sugar intake damages collagen through glycation. Lowering carbohydrate intake is presented as a way to reduce sugar-driven collagen damage. Glycation makes tissues more brittle and stiff by damaging protein structure. High cortisol from stress, especially with poor sleep, is described as damaging to collagen and accelerating collagen aging. Excess sugar can contribute to arterial stiffness and brittleness because arteries are partly made of collagen.