Sagging skin and dimples that you would prefer to hide: connective tissue weakness is probably unpleasant for every woman. But how does it actually develop and how can the connective tissue be kept firm?
What is connective tissue weakness?
Our connective tissue consists of elastic fibers and collagen, surrounds the individual organs in a supportive manner, and holds the structures of the body together. If the elasticity of the tissue decreases, a so-called connective tissue weakness develops. The result: sagging skin and unsightly dents.
Why do we need connective tissue?
Stabilize and support
Connective tissue makes up 60 percent of the body's mass. It surrounds and stabilizes muscles, joints, bones, vessels, and organs and acts as supporting tissue.
Storing water and energy
Connective tissue has high water content and enables the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the organs and muscles it surrounds. At the same time, waste products and carbon dioxide can be transported out of the oranges. Energy is also stored in connective tissue - fatty tissue is primarily responsible for this.
Defending against foreign bodies
The connective tissue contains defense and inflammatory cells that act as a barrier against invading foreign bodies.
What are the causes of connective tissue weakness?
Hormone fluctuations and physical changes
The female sex hormone estrogen ensures firm connective tissue. During menopause, the production of estrogen decreases, which also causes us to lose a large amount of collagen. Its fibers are responsible for the support function of the connective tissue. With fewer collagen fibers, the skin surface becomes wavy - we get cellulite, also known as orange peel skin. The sagging tissue is most often found on the thighs.
Hormonal changes during puberty can also cause stretch marks to appear. This happens mainly due to growth spurts. But hormonal surges can also be responsible when young girls develop an excessive appetite and eat too much. During pregnancy, the connective tissue can also become weaker - this leads to stretch marks.
Dietary habits
Hyperacidity promotes connective tissue weakness. Acids should actually be removed by the connective tissue. If the connective tissue is over acidified, not all acids can be bound and eliminated. Instead, the acid is stored, which weakens the connective tissue. Foods that produce a lot of acids include meat and dairy products and fish.
Diseases as triggers
A rare but possible cause of connective tissue weakness is diseases such as Marfan syndrome. Marfan is a genetic defect that makes connective tissue unstable throughout the body. Affected individuals often have a narrow build with overlong, overstretched limbs and crooked teeth. Their risk for cardiovascular disease is also increased.
Medications
Certain medications, such as cortisone, over acidity the body and lead to the same effects as a diet high in acid.
What are the consequences of weak connective tissue?
Varicose veins
Blood stasis in the leg veins increases the pressure on vessels and causes them to swell. This not only causes hardening and redness of the skin, but also varicose veins and circulatory problems.
Spider veins
In addition to cellulite, a weakness of the connective tissue on the legs can promote spider veins - we recognize this by fine reddish-blue veins under the skin. Spider veins are not really harmful to health, but they can be a warning sign of deeper varicose veins.
Uterine prolapse
The pelvic floor tissue in the vagina is usually tight, supporting the bladder and uterus. Nevertheless, the uterus lowers over time because the tissue weakens.
What helps with connective tissue weakness?
In the case of connective tissue weakness, treatment is usually given according to the particular cause. Varicose veins, for example, can be pulled out. Connective tissue weakness cannot be completely cured.
However, with one's own lifestyle, the skin's appearance can be improved and cellulite, in particular, can be curbed. These measures help:
Sports, preferably endurance sports such as running, at least three times a week for 30 minutes.
A healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and less sugar and animal fats.
Alternating showers - running warm and cool water over the body three times a day.
Gentle massages, such as clenching a fist and cradling it back and forth on the thigh with light pressure
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