Connective tissue weakness
definition
If the connective tissue can no longer fulfill its function as a supporting and holding apparatus or loses its elasticity for certain reasons, one speaks of a weakness of the connective tissue. This is much more common than you would think and mainly affects the female gender.
The weaker connective tissue can no longer promote the sliding and mobility of the organs against each other, but the weakness of the connective tissue is also visible from the outside: the skin loses its elasticity, appears slacker and stretch marks can become visible.
This is popularly known as "cellulite" and can affect women from a very young age. If there is an internal loss of strength of the connective tissue (especially a loss of the content of tight, collagenous fibers), internal "sagging processes" of organs (for example the uterus) can occur. The blood vessels, which are affected by a weaker connective tissue, form enlargements, which in the extreme case can be seen as varicose veins.
causes
But how does such a weakness of the connective tissue come about? Generally the Disposition a weak or weakening connective tissue genetically set. This is based on the genetic material that codes for the formation of collagen fibers.
With increasing age, the strength of the connective tissue decreases in every person. Also the Hormonal status of the woman is decisive for whether she has strong or weaker connective tissue. Because the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone play an important role in strengthening connective tissue, women are also more often affected than men.
In phases in which the hormonal balance changes particularly strongly, such as in the Menopause, in which there is a sharp drop in levels of estrogen and progesterone, the connective tissue is a lot more vulnerable and decreases in strength. So arise more in these phases Stretch marksthat for the rest of life as scar can remain visible.
But even with strong fluctuations in the hormone status e.g. connective tissue is more vulnerable and weaker during pregnancy or puberty. This is how the so-called Stretch marks or the stretch marks in fast-growing, pubescent girls.
Learn more about: Stretch marks on the buttocks
However, there are some factors that influence the structure of the connective tissue regardless of the hormone status. So have ways of life like one extremely high-fat nutrition, very overweight, lack of exercise and the Smoke a favorable influence on a weak connective tissue.
The connective tissue is used for the exchange of substances within organs and substances can be temporarily stored. If this cache is caused by an unhealthy diet with many Toxins is filled, that can become a Hyperacidity of the tissue and ultimately to one Loss of function of the connective tissue to lead.
Because regular Move and Sports a detoxifying effect on the body, sufficient and regular exercise can counteract the weakness of the connective tissue. Medicines that cause this kind of over-acidification of the tissue also ultimately lead to a loss of function of the connective tissue.
A not very common, but nevertheless worth mentioning, genetic diseasewhich leads to weak connective tissue is the innate "Marfan's Syndrome". Those affected have a very pronounced weakness of the connective tissue. So they often have severe problems with jumping out, overstretchable joints and fall through pronounced bone growth on. They are mostly very big and have Long, thin fingers. In addition to the externally visible symptoms, they also often have diseases of the cardiovascular system and the eye. However, this disease is very rare and is usually noticed in childhood due to the symptoms that occur in addition to the weakness of the connective tissue.
Symptoms and course
Since the connective tissue in the human body has to fulfill so many different and important tasks, a weakness of the connective tissue is noticeable due to various symptoms - depending on which part of the functions can no longer be fulfilled by the connective tissue.
Due to the causes already mentioned, a weak connective tissue can lead to loss of the Skin firmness and thus to the image of the "Cellulite" to lead. Also can Elongation- and Stretch marks often occur on belly or to the Inner thighs become visible. These outwardly visible symptoms are usually the first signs of weakness in the connective tissue and can remain the only symptoms.
With a pronounced weakness of the connective tissue, the connective tissue of the internal organs can also be affected and thus lead to further symptoms. In those affected, the so-called "Spider veins“Visible on the legs. These are small, superficial veins that have many branches.
In worse cases, the connective tissue weakness can also be seen in the larger, venous vessels on the leg. There, the venous valves lose their function and the blood accumulates in the superficial veins because it can no longer flow properly back to the heart via the deeper venous system. He's got that too Sedentary lifestyle a reinforcing or facilitating influence.
Also the disc prolapse (Prolapse), which in the affected person too significant pain and Restrictions on movement can be the symptom of weakness of the connective tissue. Then the intervertebral disc can "stick out“And thus in the worst case press on the exiting nerves of the spinal cord, so that the above-mentioned symptoms arise.
Another symptom of weak connective tissue can be the so-called "Inguinal hernia“ (also called "hernia") be. The connective tissue of the abdominal wall loses its strength and loops of intestine can break through into the inguinal canal. The victim often has severe abdominal pain and with increased internal pressure (for example triggered by coughing) the hernia becomes noticeable. In addition, hernias are in diaphragm or on Navel height possible.
If the weakness of the connective tissue is pronounced and affects the supporting apparatus of the internal organs, it can Subsidence processes of some organs, up to a prolapse. Here is for example the Uterus subsidence frequently.
Treatment and therapy
The weakness of the connective tissue can be treated by different measures. Before doing this, it is important to have clarified the cause of the weakness of the connective tissue in order to find a suitable therapy for the person affected. In most people, however, the genetic predisposition plays the decisive role in the tendency to weakness of the connective tissue.
Since the cause cannot be treated or treated, measures are important for those affected to strengthen their connective tissue and counteract the worst symptoms and courses of weakness in the connective tissue.
First of all, a fundamental change in life can be helpful for a not very pronounced weakness of the connective tissue with few, mild symptoms. This is understood to mean weight reduction (if you are overweight) through a lot of sport and exercise, as well as a healthy nutrition plan (see: Exercises against cellulite). Since the excess weight puts a lot of strain on the connective tissue, it wears out faster and loses strength. This not only leads to the externally visible cellulite and stretch marks, but can also weaken the connective tissue of the internal organs.
The diet should be varied and balanced. A high content of vitamins is helpful for strengthening the connective tissue. This is mainly found in fruits and vegetables. Dietary fiber also strengthens the connective tissue and should therefore not be missing on the menu. These are particularly high in oats and legumes, for example. Overall, the content of animal proteins should be reduced, as these are deposited in the tissue between the connective tissue and can thus lead to the acidification already described above.
Over-acidification damages the connective tissue and thus makes it weaker. The animal protein is mainly found in meat, fish and dairy products. The nutrition plan should include adequate fluid intake (preferably with water) are essential. On the one hand, this flushes the kidneys and ensures sufficient "detoxification". In addition, the water is stored by the connective tissue and thus appears firmer.
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Appropriate nutrition also includes a regular exercise program, be it for a long time walks, to jog, swim or To go biking. Movement promotes the detoxification processes in the body and is therefore essential for the treatment of weak connective tissue. To strengthen the connective tissue, the Promote blood circulation named as a therapeutic measure.
The blood circulation can be increased on the one hand by the movement, but also, for example, by Alternating showers or Massages get supported. The alternating showers cause a stronger circulation between blood vessels, lymph vessels and the connective tissue in between. This involves switching between hot and cold water three to five times during a shower. This strengthens the blood circulation as well as that immune system and the metabolism of the body.
In addition to increased blood circulation, the massages also cause mechanical stress Structure of the connective tissue. There are certain aids for massage, such as to brushthat are particularly touted for the treatment of cellulite. In drug stores and pharmacies are common Creams and Anoint or Peels recommended to help against cellulite. However, these only penetrate into the Subcutaneous tissue before and can therefore at most a superficial tightening affect the skin. The entire connective tissue of the body cannot be strengthened by this under any circumstances.
If the person concerned already has a advanced stage If the connective tissue is weak and the connective tissue of the internal organs is damaged, important things must be observed here. With spider veins up to varicose veins is sometimes a surgical intervention This is necessary as this causes pain that can even cause calf cramps.
To counteract the formation of spider veins and varices is also again the regular exercise the most helpful and protective measure.
When the victim is visible as scars Stretch marks or stretch marks you can try this with Vitamin A administration to treat. To prevent the sinking of internal organs (such as the uterus) counteracting it becomes one Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles recommended. Suitable exercises for strengthening can also be worked out with a physiotherapist after the birth.
If a hernia occurs, a doctor should be consulted urgently. This can decide whether this hernia is reduced manually (so "pushed back" by hand) or should be operated on surgically. When intestinal loops are trapped, tissue can drown because it cannot receive adequate blood flow rapid action recommended.
If the person concerned suffers from the externally visible consequences of a weak connective tissue, a cosmetic surgical measure be considered. The Skin tightened that is slack after severe weight loss or a previous pregnancy. However, these interventions must be carried out by the person concerned paid privately because the health insurance does not cover such cosmetic surgery procedures.
Figure strengthening connective tissue
Strengthen connective tissue
I - skin with strong
connective tissue
(Firm skin surface)
II - skin with
Connective tissue weakness
(Dents on the
Skin surface)
- Skin - Cutis
- Strengthened fabric fibers
- Normal fat cells -
Adipocytes - Deep layers of fat
(Fat reserve) - muscle
- Enlarged fat cells
- Weak tissue fibers
Methods affecting the connective tissue
at least have a positive influence:
A - weight normalization
B - Balanced diet
(fresh fruit, vegetables, reduction
sugar and animal fats)
C - Sufficient drinking amount
(about 1.5 - 2 liters a day)
D - Exercise regularly
(Jogging, walking, swimming,
Cycling, gymnastics-stomach-legs-buttocks,
Aqua jogging)
E - massages
(Seaweed wraps, lymphatic drainage massages)
F - skin care
(Anti-cellulite creams)
G - Surgical Measures
(Liposuction, tummy tuck,
Thigh and upper arm lift)
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
prophylaxis
Can someone who is predisposed to weak connective tissue prevent this from developing? In principle, through the above lifestyle with a healthy and vitamin rich diet and more regular Move the risk of developing a weakness of the connective tissue is reduced. The detoxification strengthens the structures and makes the connective tissue less susceptible.
Paying attention to holding one Normal weight is crucial here. The development of a weak connective tissue cannot be completely prevented, but the development of the "worse"Symptoms (such as varices, hernias, etc.) are mitigated. By the Training the pelvic floor muscles can one Lowering of the uterus can be proven to be counteracted. This is especially recommended after delivery.
Overview of the anatomy of connective tissue
The human body has its own between them Organs, Vessels, annoy, Muscles and bone a fabric that holds the other components together and one that cannot be dispensed with support gives. This is "connective tissue" called.
It has the effect that the organs are always in the place intended for them and at a low, constant level agility to have. This is especially true at Move or effort important, because the organs are protected from an unforeseen impact, for example. Often the term connective tissue is also used fat-, cartilage-, bone- and Muscle tissue summarized.
In addition to its supporting function, the connective tissue also serves as a water-tank and plays through the different cells at the Defense reaction play an important role against pathogens. In general, the connective tissue is transformed into a "elastic connective tissue", a "tight connective tissue" and a "reticular connective tissue" assigned.
Elastic connective tissue has one in the organ itself structure-supporting Task and also serves the water-tank. In addition, the loose connective tissue of the Material transport between cells and blood made possible. It is also called Stroma and is indispensable for the smooth functioning of the organ.
The tight connective tissue contains much more collagen as a basic substance than the loose connective tissue and provides for the strength of the organs in different directions. When it is arranged in parallel, it forms the Tendons and Tapesthat assure the joints and muscles a meaningful and important support. When placed crosswise, it forms a solid capsule around various organs (for example the liver) or lines the skullcap as meninges from the inside.
The reticular connective tissue is a special form that only plays a role in a few defense organs of the body (for example in the lymph nodes). Overall, the connective tissue in the adult human body takes up a considerable proportion (about 18 kg) with and without connective tissue, the functions of the organs would not be guaranteed.
For more information on the anatomy of connective tissue, please also read our page connective tissue
