Many people suffer from a so-called connective tissue weakness. But which methods exist to strengthen the connective tissue specifically? A weakness of the connective tissue is genetically determined.
This means that the ability to develop weak connective tissue is inherited from the parents. The weakness of the connective tissue increases with age. The hormone situation is also decisive for the development of a connective tissue weakness.
During pregnancy and menopause, the hormone balance of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone changes, so that the connective tissue becomes particularly sensitive in these situations. Women are generally affected much more frequently than men. Behaviours such as smoking, lack of exercise, unhealthy and high-fat food and some medications can drastically increase the problem.
The weakness of the connective tissue not only manifests itself in cellulite (orange peel skin) or the formation of stretch marks, as is often suspected, but can also promote the formation of hernias or herniated discs. Spider veins, varicose veins, haemorrhoids and the prolapse of the uterus are also more common in patients with weak connective tissue. The weakness of the connective tissue is therefore a cosmetic and medical problem.
Therapy
Since the quality of the connective tissue is inherited, there is no cause therapy. However, there are methods that at least have a positive influence on the connective tissue. In overweight people, the connective tissue is permanently under tension, so that it becomes worn out and weak in the long run.
The consequences are not only stretch marks and cellulite, but overweight is also a risk factor for the development of inguinal hernia and herniated discs! Therefore, it is important to either maintain or reach your own normal weight. If weight loss is necessary, a change in diet should definitely be made. Strong weight changes are very harmful, such as repeated zero diets with a subsequent yo-yo effect. This is because the connective tissue is alternately stretched and loosened, which weakens the non-elastic connective tissue fibres.
Nutrition and drinking quantity
In addition to weight normalization, attention should be paid to a balanced diet. A lot of fresh fruit, vegetables and reduction of the intake of sugar and animal fats promotes a healthy development of the connective tissue. Vitamin intake is important, but it can usually be covered by a sufficient supply of fruit and vegetables and does not require any dietary supplements.
A sufficient amount to drink is also decisive. This should be about 1.5 to 2 litres a day – a little more if you are physically active and on hot summer days. The connective tissue stores water and appears firmer if it contains enough water. This is also the only way to flush metabolic waste products, which also accumulate in the connective tissue, out of the body via the kidneys.