Muscle, understood as fascia, is an organ involved in numerous physiological and interconnected processes between the individual structures that regulate not only the mechanical activity of the musculoskeletal system but also numerous processes connected to the well-being and survival of the human biological system.

The fascial system consists of the three-dimensional continuum of soft collagen containing loose and dense fibrous connective tissues that permeate the body.

It is therefore interesting to investigate the reasons that make collagen one of the most interesting supplements in the field of Antiaging .

The connective tissue consists of a certain number of cells enclosed in an extracellular matrix (ECM) which contains, among other things, an important portion of proteoglycans and collagen fibrils. Connective tissue provides structural support to the organs and other tissues of the body as well as being specialized structures of blood vessels, bones and cartilage. Together with the ECM, the connective tissue forms a vast and continuous compartment throughout the body, delimited by the basal lamina of the various epithelia and by the basal or external lamina of the muscle, nerves and vascular endothelium.

The cellular components of the fascia are made up of fibroblasts, mast cells, and fat cells, macrophages, plasma cells and leukocytes.

The fibrous components of fascia include collagen, reticular and elastic Fibre. The ground substance, a non-collagen component of the ECM, is composed of macromolecules such as proteoglycans and glycoproteins, exogenous substances and the extracellular fluid. Fundamental is the aforementioned extracellular matrix that surrounds the cell and also gives structural support to the tissue.

Stretching and applying pressure and tension to the fascia stimulate the fibroblasts. The proliferation of fibroblasts in response to changes in applied pressure can provide the initial stimulus for the healing and subsequent repair cascade of injured tissue. This is due to the functioning of the cell's cytoskeleton as a micro-tensegrity structure that allows forces to be transferred onto and inside the cell.

Cytoskeleton-dependent changes in the shape of fibroblasts due to tissue elongation may play an important role in the transfer of signals within connective tissue and in many other cellular functions.

Several studies have shown that collagen production is sensitive to short- and long-term changes in food intake. Within 24 hours of fasting, animal models clearly showed a significant 50% reduction in the rate of collagen synthesis in joint cartilage compared to normal conditions.

These changes in macronutrient repair and formation of new tissue take weeks or months and clearly affect turnover rates of tissue components. Similarly, food deficiencies or excesses and physical activities affect the quality and rate of turnover of new muscle tissue production.

Considering that fascia is created from all macronutrients, it is imperative that you fully understand the role of each macronutrient in healing and maintaining physiological function and anatomical structure.

Connective tissue is the second source of protein, which significantly affects the relative turnover rate for muscle tissue. Many studies have shown that a protein-deficient diet results in reduced growth and development of the body, as well as a delay in wound healing and repair. This remains a fundamental factor also for the damages created by training with use from overloads and for the consequent triggering of the mechanisms linked to hypertrophy.

All essential amino acids are required for the synthesis of Protein, growth factors, immune factors and other components of the extracellular matrix.

Supplementing certain individual amino acids (methionine, lysine, arginine and proline) to a protein-deficient diet can reduce the inflammation and healing phase of connective tissue and aid in the formation of cross-linking of collagen Fibre during the healing process of the soft tissue.

Another important supplement for the well-being of the MSK system is Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid supplements can help skin look and feel more supple. About half of the hyaluronic acid in the body is present in the skin, where it binds to water to help retain moisture. However, the natural aging process and exposure to things like ultraviolet radiation from the sun, tobacco smoke, and pollution can reduce its amounts in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is versatile and is found in every tissue.

Its primary use in the body is as a fundamental component of cartilage. In this role, HA is used to increase the cushioning effect of numerous joints during the physiological role of impacting surfaces in daily activities, lubricate the joints and protect the joints from chronic inflammation (arthritis). It can also heal damaged joint tissue. HA also supports healthy immune function by acting as an antioxidant, holding water in the body, lubricating the heart valves and reducing bacterial infections.

Bibliography

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