What function does the connective tissue have?
The connective tissue has many different functions due to its structure. On the one hand it has a defence function through the defence and inflammatory cells contained in the connective tissue. Bone and cartilage tissue are firm connective tissues with a supporting function.
The connective tissue surrounds the internal organs and guides blood and lymph vessels and nerves to them. Thus, on the one hand, it has a scaffolding function, on the other hand, it is important for the supply of the organs: Due to its high water content, it serves as a water reservoir and enables the connective tissue to allow the migration of nutrients and oxygen to the organs and muscles, as well as carbon dioxide and waste products from the organs to the draining blood vessels. Last but not least, the fatty tissue has an energy storage function, for which the fatty tissue is mainly responsible.
How can the connective tissue be strengthened?
The connective tissue is a problematic topic for many people – whether from a cosmetic or medical point of view. Therefore there is often the desire to strengthen the connective tissue, but how? The connective tissue is found all over the body, whether around organs or muscles; however, the only obvious signs are the skin and, if necessary, veins, which appear as varicose veins (varices) or spider veins.
There are various approaches to strengthen the connective tissue of these areas. In homeopathy, remedies such as Silicea, Acidum hydrofluoricum and Calcium fluoratum are used to strengthen the connective tissue from within. Also salts, such as Cuprum arsenicosum have such an effect.
It is true that all of these products have a beneficial effect on the connective tissue and have a supporting effect in the sense of strengthening the connective tissue. However, a strengthening by these alone is rather unlikely from the viewpoint of orthodox medicine. Therefore they should at best be used in combination with other approaches.
In addition, one can achieve a positive effect through healthy and balanced nutrition – not only on body weight, but also on the weakness of the connective tissue. Because if you pay attention to your weight in a healthy way, the connective tissue is also relieved by reducing the tensile forces acting on it. In this way possible stretch marks, which often occur with weak connective tissue (even in slim people), can be prevented.
Massages with certain oils also have a positive effect on the strengthening of the connective tissue. The blood supply to the tissue is increased, which promotes its build-up and breakdown, improves the supply of important nutrients and stimulates cell renewal. This effect can be enhanced with certain massage balls or gloves with a raised surface.
The massage oil also makes the connective tissue more elastic and flexible. Sporting activity is one of the most important means of strengthening connective tissue. This involves reducing superfluous fat pads that stretch the connective tissue.
By building up muscles in the affected areas, the connective tissue is simultaneously strengthened and tightened. Particularly in the case of varicose veins, strengthening the muscle wall of the vessels and the surrounding tissue can prevent further sagging. This is achieved, among other things, by increasing the blood circulation in the tissue through training.
It is up to each individual to decide which sport he/she chooses, all have a positive effect. It makes sense to specifically address the zones of connective tissue weakness with fitness exercises. The best known are belly, legs and bottom exercises.
But first and foremost it should be fun, so that a regularity can be achieved. Because the connective tissue condition is given and inherited to a certain extent individually by everyone, a visible improvement of the connective tissue structure can be achieved in any case with the means mentioned here. However, a change cannot be expected from the very beginning; all the measures mentioned require both perseverance and patience.
Besides health aspects, one’s own diet can also have an influence on the condition of the connective tissue. In order that the body can continue to produce collagen undisturbed and thus the stabilising basic structure of the connective tissue, the necessary substances must be taken in with food. These include vitamin C. This is essential for the collagen synthesis and should be taken in sufficient quantities daily through fruit and vegetables.
The recommended daily requirement of vitamin C is 100mg. Furthermore, the amino acid lysine is essential for a stable connective tissue structure. Lysine occurs in nature only in already existing proteins and must be supplied through food.
Lysine is mainly contained in dairy products, meat, walnuts, peas or rice. An average amount of 30 – 60 mg lysine per kg body weight is recommended. Furthermore, a sufficient daily fluid intake is essential to achieve a stable connective tissue. On average, an adult person should consume about 35 ml of fluid per kg body weight.
