Our connective tissue has numerous functions. It protects and stabilizes z. B. organs, is involved in the immune system and can produce and store specific substances. The connective tissue runs through our entire body and encloses muscles, nerves, organs and blood vessels.

A weakening of the connective tissue is usually noticeable through a change in the skin. Typically, one thinks of cellulite, spider veins, stretch marks or varicose veins. A weakened connective tissue can also influence the function of the internal organs and reduce the flexibility of the blood vessels. Diseases such as enlarged hemorrhoids, lowering of the uterus or incontinence can develop.

These changes increase with age, as fewer supporting collagen fibers are formed. In order to form collagen, the body needs vitamin C and the amino acid lysine .

Cellulite: Tips against orange peel

To Cellulite is one of the most common symptoms of connective tissue weakness. This is considered a typical female problem. In men, the fibers of the connective tissue are arranged like a network and are therefore more stable. In contrast, the fibers run vertically in women. This makes the tissue more flexible during pregnancy. However, fatty tissue can also penetrate more easily and is visible from the outside as dents. Whether and to what extent cellulite shows up depends on various factors. In addition to genetics, other factors also play a role in the development and severity of cellulite. So promote z. B. hormonal contraceptive methods, a bad diet, smoking, alcohol, too little exercise and too high a body fat percentage are the characteristics of the dents.

At the top of the list of the most successful control methods are exercise and a balanced diet. By building muscles, you tighten the skin most effectively and declare war on superfluous love handles. Massages or alternating showers are often recommended to stimulate the metabolism in the tissue.

How can I strengthen my connective tissue?

The connective tissue consists of collagen and elastic Fibers made up of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. In order to build them up or to network them properly, the body needs u. a. the amino acid lysine. For a strong connective tissue, the amino acid must be supplied in sufficient quantities through food. Lysine is one of the essential amino acids and cannot be produced by the body itself. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a daily amount of 30 to 64 mg per kg of body weight should be consumed. Most plant foods are low in lysine. Lysine is the limiting amino acid in many vegetable proteins (e.g. in cereals such as wheat or maize) and reduces the biological value. But there are exceptions: rice or legumes such as peas, lentils or soy are rich in lysine. Therefore, the biological value can be significantly increased by the combination of grain + legumes (such as our 3K protein powder ).

Strong connective tissue is not only desirable from an aesthetic point of view. Since the connective tissue supports the entire body, weak connective tissue promotes numerous diseases such as functional disorders of the internal organs or joint and back pain. The risk of injury also increases. In recent years, therefore, athletes have increasingly focused on the fascia. The muscular connective tissue that runs through the entire body and covers individual components such as muscles, bones, organs or nerves is called fascia. Fascia training is therefore also recommended to strengthen the connective tissue.