Sagging skin and dents, which one would like to hide: A connective tissue weakness is probably every woman uncomfortable. But how does it actually develop and how can the connective tissue be kept taut?
Low-angle, orange peel, stretch marks: When the elasticity of our connective tissue subsides, we would like to hide our bodies under long clothing. The so-called connective tissue weakness has various causes that need to be treated individually.
What is the connective tissue?
Not only the outer skin layer, many internal organs are surrounded by a connective tissue layer. In the course of life the cell density in the connective tissue decreases. This can damage or kill the affected cells. The result: They harden and become rigid, the elasticity decreases considerably. This structural damage ensures a weak connective tissue.
Why do we need the connective tissue?
Stabilize and support
The connective tissue accounts for 60 percent of the body mass. It surrounds and stabilizes muscles, joints, bones, vessels and organs and acts as a supportive tissue.
Save water and energy
The connective tissue has a high water content and allows the transportof oxygen and nutrients to the organs and muscles that surround it. At the same time, waste products and carbon dioxide can be transported out of the oranges. Energy is also stored in the connective tissue – this is primarily the fatty tissue responsible.
Stave off foreign bodies
In the connective tissue are defense and inflammatory cells, which 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 provides for a tight connective tissue. During the menopause, the production of estrogen decreases, whereby we also lose a large part of collagen. Their fibers are responsible for the supporting function of the connective tissue. With less collagen fibers, the skin surface becomes wavy – we get cellulite, also known as orange peel . The flabby tissue is most commonly found on the thighs.
Hormonal changes during puberty can also cause stretch marks . This happens mainly through growth spurts. But also hormonal surges can be responsible if the young girls develop excessive appetite and overeat. In pregnancy, the connective tissue can also be weaker – which leads to stretch marks.
Eating habits
Acidification favors connective tissue weakness. Actually, acids are supposed to be transported away through the connective tissue. If the connective tissue is acidified, not all acids can be bound and excreted. Instead, the acid is stored, which weakens the connective tissue. Foods that produce a lot of acid include meat and dairy products, as well as fish.
Diseases as a trigger
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. Sufferers often have a narrow body with overlong, overstretchable limbs and crooked teeth. Your risk of cardiovascular disease is also increased.
Drugs
Certain medications, such as cortisone, over-acidify the body and cause the same effects as an acid-rich diet.
What are the consequences of connective tissue weakness?
Varicose veins
Congestion in the leg veins increases the pressure on vessels and makes them swell. This not only causes induration and redness of the skin, but also for varicose veins and circulatory disorders.
Spider veins
In addition to cellulite, connective tissue weakness on the legs may favor 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 for lower-lying varicose veins.
Uterine prolapse
The pelvic floor tissue in the vagina is usually taut, supporting the bladder and uterus. Nevertheless, the uterus lowers over time because the tissue is weakening.
What helps with connective tissue weakness?
When a connective tissue weakness is usually treated according to the particular cause. For example, varicose veins can be pulled. Connective tissue weakness can not be completely cured.
With your own lifestyle but can improve the appearance of the skinand just cellulite curb. These measures help:
- Sport, best endurance sports like running, at least three times a week for 30 minutes
- Healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, but less sugar and animal fats
- Changing showers – three times in a row, warm and cool water over the body
- Gentle massages, for example, a fist bale and on the thigh with a slight pressure back and forth