Cellulite, fascia & co: strengthen your connective tissue with lysine
Our connective tissue has numerous functions. For example, it protects and stabilises organs, is involved in immune defence and can form and store specific substances. Connective tissue runs through our entire body and surrounds muscles, nerves, organs and blood vessels.
A weakening of the connective tissue is usually noticeable through a change in the skin. Typically, cellulite, spider veins, stretch marks or varicose veins come to mind. However, weakened connective tissue can also affect the function of internal organs and reduce the flexibility of blood vessels. This can lead to diseases such as enlarged haemorrhoids, a prolapse of the uterus or incontinence.These changes increase with age, as fewer supporting collagen fibres are formed. In order to form collagen, the body needs vitamin C and the amino acid lysine.
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Cellulite: tips against orange peel skin
Cellulite is one of the most common symptoms of weak connective tissue. This is considered a typical female problem. In men, the fibres of the connective tissue are arranged in a net shape and are therefore more stable. In contrast, the fibres in women run vertically. This makes the tissue more elastic during pregnancy. However, fatty tissue can also penetrate more easily and becomes visible from the outside as dents. Whether and to what extent cellulite appears depends on various factors. In addition to genetics, other factors also play a role in the development and appearance of cellulite. For example, hormonal contraceptive methods, a poor diet, smoking, alcohol, too little exercise and too much body fat promote the appearance of dimples.
Exercise and a balanced diet are at the top of the list of the most successful methods of combating fat. Building muscle is the most effective way to tighten the skin and fight excess fat deposits. Massages or contrast showers are also often recommended to stimulate the metabolism in the tissue.
How can I strengthen my connective tissue?
Connective tissue is made up of collagen and elastic fibres, which consist of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. The body needs the amino acid lysine, among other things, to build up and properly cross-link these fibres. For strong connective tissue, the amino acid must therefore 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 Organisation (WHO), an amount of 30 to 64 mg per kg of body weight should be consumed per day. Most plant-based foods are low in lysine. Lysine is the limiting amino acid in many plant-based proteins (e.g. in cereals such as wheat or maize) and reduces their biological value. But there are also exceptions: Rice or pulses such as peas, lentils or soya are rich in lysine. The biological value can therefore be significantly increased by combining cereals + pulses (such as with our 3K protein powder).
However, strong connective tissue is not only desirable from an aesthetic point of view. As the connective tissue supports the entire body, weak connective tissue favours numerous diseases such as functional disorders of the internal organs or joint and back pain. The risk of injury also increases. In recent years, athletes have therefore increasingly focussed on fascia. Fascia is the muscular connective tissue that runs through the entire body and envelops individual components such as muscles, bones, organs or nerves. Fascia training is therefore also recommended to strengthen the connective tissue.
