CONNECTIVE TISSUE WEAKNESS

Connective tissue is found in all areas of our body (cartilage, bones, fat, blood, organs) and performs important supporting, enveloping functions by providing support and stability to joints, bones and internal organs. It is very rich in intercellular mass and consists of so-called fibrocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix of collagen. Many nerve tracts, lymphatic vessels and immune cells run through it. It supplies our cells with nutrients, transports pollutants away and acts as a water reservoir.

Our connective tissue is a complex system that makes up the fascia tissue throughout our body.

Reasons for connective tissue weakness

• There are congenital connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
• The connective tissue of women differs from that of men. These have a higher proportion of collagenous and elastic fibers that run criss-cross, while the connective tissue strands in women are almost parallel. Men's skin is therefore more robust and stays taut for longer.
• The tightness of the connective tissue in women depends on the sex hormone estrogen, which means that puberty, pregnancy and menopause can promote weak connective tissue.
• Weak connective tissue can sometimes also be "put into the cradle" if the mother's nutrient status was low during pregnancy and breastfeeding and, for example, there was a latent lack of vitamin C, silicon, copper or other connective tissue-strengthening building blocks.
• The collagen fiber quantity factor can be influenced genetically.
• Weak connective tissue is not just a sign of aging, but is significantly influenced by eating habits. Too much industrial food, industrial fat, sugar and nutrient-poor diets promote hyperacidity and the formation of waste products.
• Lifestyle also plays a role. Nicotine, stress, alcohol, little exercise and too much UV radiation can also be reasons for the development of connective tissue weakness.
• Too little water intake ensures that the connective tissue appears less plump and taut because it has too little water available to store it.
• Gaining or losing weight too quickly can loosen the connective tissue.

What forms (besides the genetic) of connective tissue weakness are there?

Connective tissue weakness in the form of cellulite, skin tears or growth and stretch marks is only a cosmetic problem, while major health problems such as hernias, organ descent, massive spider veins and painful hemorrhoids can also come from weak connective tissue.

And now the most important thing, we can support our connective tissue!

What (preventive) measures are there?

If you want to combat your connective tissue weakness, it is best to focus on the following points: stimulating blood circulation in the skin and organs, creating antioxidant capacities against oxidative stress in the body, adding structure-giving and structure-strengthening components, avoiding acidification.

How can this be achieved?

• Alternating showers, brush massages and sufficient exercise are recommended to stimulate blood circulation.
• Preventive and long-term lifestyle management is the focus: regular exercise, muscle training, balanced and nutritious diet, nicotine and alcohol renunciation, sufficient water, stress management.
• A sufficient supply of proteins and essential amino acids is important for maintaining the structure, whereby the content of animal milk proteins should be kept rather low.
• Vitamin C is a basic requirement for collagen synthesis and has an antioxidant effect.
• Hyaluronic acid has a very high water-binding capacity and can help connective tissue appear plumper.
• Silicon (silicic acid), B vitamins and vitamin A make an important contribution to maintaining healthy and strong skin and mucous membranes.
• Magnesium and potassium ensure correct acid-base ratios in the organism.
• OPC (resveratrol) can strengthen vascular walls (e.g. spider veins, hemorrhoids).

Which medicinal plants and herbs does Mother Nature have in store for us?

• The nettle can have a strengthening and base-forming effect on connective tissue and skin due to its potassium and silicic acid content.
• In the case of vascular problems such as (acute) hemorrhoids and couperosis, the cat claw be very helpful.
• The blackcurrant is rich in vitamin C and potassium, it can strengthen connective tissue and counteract hyperacidity.
• Dandelion and Licorice Root can support liver detoxification and thus relieve the lymph.
• Butcher's broom, horse chestnut and red vine leaves can also strengthen vessels.
• Horsetail (= field horsetail) has a high silica content.
• Papaya (especially the seeds) contains plenty of carotenoids and enzymes and is considered the "fountain of youth for the skin".
• Fruits that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants but rather low in sugar should be included either fresh as fruit or as a high-quality raw food powder. Wild ones are particularly suitable for this blueberries or aronia berries , which can serve as radical scavengers.
• The detoxification can be supported by chlorophyll-containing plants such as Spirulina, barley grass, chlorella and coriander.

Despite all these measures, the fact should not be forgotten that the connective tissue of each person is different and a number of factors, including genetic ones, can contribute to the development of connective tissue weakness.

A healthy lifestyle should always be a goal worth striving for. I consider it a privilege and a great gift to accompany oneself with medicinal plants and gifts from Mother Nature. Personally, I consider this a preventive measure that should always have a place in our lives. Nevertheless, the combination of several measures makes sense and is recommended to combat connective tissue weakness.

Finally, a little something for the soul: we should not forget that we are not only our body. The outside image is often used as a tool to hide, run away from yourself, or build a shelter. Often the purpose of the things we do in the now is to create or change a circumstance in the future. In doing so, we have in mind how we want to be, but without seeing and appreciating who we are right now. But that's what it's all about, living life NOW.

Our author

Mag. Gabriella Gabriel

Graduated pharmacist and training in dietary supplements, medicinal mushrooms, microimmunotherapy, facial analysis and nutritional advice