Hyaluronic acid: effects, benefits and warning
Hyaluronic acid is a product known worldwide and appreciated for its anti-ageing properties. Many people use it to combat the appearance of age marks, such as wrinkles. Is it really effective? Are there any risks in using it? Answers.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that our bodies produce naturally. It gets its name from the identification of its chemical structure: hyalos meaning vitreous and uronic. This molecule was discovered in 1930, it is a polysaccharide-rich in uronic acid, present in all embryonic tissues. In our body, it is the fibroblasts that produce it in the skin. And the chondrocytes in the cartilage.
The polysaccharide is produced under the influence of an enzyme called hyaluronatesynthetase. It is a hydrophilic compound, which binds to molecules of water, proteoglycan as well as collagen. All with the aim of forming a viscous and dense gel. Hyaluronic acid is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, which is considerable.
What are its roles in the body?
It provides the synovial fluid with viscosity, which helps lubricate the joints. This compound also fills the intercellular space, which gives tissue cohesion and provides permanent hydration. Its action on maintaining the skin's hydration is linked to its water retention capacity. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid is also involved in the processes of inflammation and scarring.
Hyaluronic acid is sensitive to UV rays and captures free radicals. Over time, its molecular weight decreases, which leads to a loss of its viscous, elastic and moisturizing actions. It is for this reason that he is at the origin of anti-ageing therapies. They aim to hydrate and tone the skin. They are also used to fill wrinkles and relieve joint pain. It is primarily used as a moisturizing, firming and anti-ageing compound.
The benefits of hyaluronic acid
Many use this molecule to smooth wrinkles, plump the skin and erase the signs of ageing. However, these are not his only interests. What are the benefits and properties of hyaluronic acid?
A compound with anti-ageing properties
Half of the hyaluronic acid in our body is concentrated in the skin tissue. And more particularly in the dermis. Its role is to maintain the hydration of the collagen which provides its structure to the skin. It also nourishes it, thus contributing to its firmness and elasticity. However, under the effect of free radicals, it loses its effectiveness. Studies with HA show that oral supplementation can enhance the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid.
Supplementation can significantly increase skin hydration and drastically reduce skin dryness problems. Its absorption, in combination with collagen and chondroitin, also helps reduce the depth of wrinkles. In cosmetics, it is therefore used to reduce the depth of wrinkles as well as their surface, but also to improve skin suppleness and hydration
A healing and antibacterial compound
Hyaluronic acid has regenerative properties on the skin. It is effective on nails, hair, but also on bones, muscles and teeth! It helps to ensure its stability and strength over time. But that's not all. HA also promotes the early stages of healing (4). In particular thanks to its antibacterial properties. Skin damage can be treated with HA gel. It will stimulate the aggregation of healing proteins. Thus, this molecule not only helps maintain the elasticity of the skin. This is because it also helps to heal faster due to its effects on angiogenesis. This process refers to the growth of new blood vessels. In the field of dentistry, this polysaccharide accelerates healing and convalescence following dental surgery.
The HA provides freshness and hydration
Hyaluronic acid brings a lot of freshness to the skin, but also to the rest of the body. It participates in its deep remineralization, as well as its overall hydration. We know it fights both general and local acidity. And this, by acting against toxins and other wastes present in the organs and on the skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps maintain the acid-base balance in the body. It helps maintain a healthy pH level for the body. Finally, it offers more vitality to damaged and/or aged cells, thanks to the antioxidant protection it confers.
Due to its cellular benefits, hyaluronic acid allows healthy cells to persist and multiply. It participates in the growth of bones, nails, hair ... But also skin cells and muscles. This ideal food supplement for poor or tired people, as well as for athletes and adolescents.
100% natural anti-inflammatory properties
Hyaluronic acid has real anti-inflammatory properties, which are perfectly natural. Supplementation of this compound helps fight osteoarthritis and osteoarticular pain. Since it is one of the components of synovial fluid, it allows joints to slide over each other. All of this with fluidity. For this reason, it is used in therapy. It then helps relieve joint and osteoarticular pain. They are most often caused by the degeneration of cartilage.
According to studies conducted in this context, supplementation with hyaluronic acid can reduce pain after only two weeks of treatment. The joint function then seems to be accompanied by better emotional balance and better sleep! The latest study shows that supplementation with HA is more effective than injections in the fight against osteoarthritis. Besides, it also causes fewer side effects.
Participates in the lubrication of the joints
Hyaluronic acid is present in our joints. As we have already mentioned, it is a component of synovial fluid, the role of which is to lubricate the joints. And of course, to avoid friction, which is the cause of very severe pain. For people with osteoarthritis, supplementation with hyaluronic acid can make a big difference. Studies on this topic show that regular HA treatments reduce pain in the knees in a large proportion of patients with osteoarthritis.
Improve vision and eye health
Hyaluronic acid hydrates thanks to its water retention capacity. For this reason, it is used in the treatment of dry eyes. This is usually linked to a decrease in the production of the lacrimal glands (which produce tears). The eye drops that we use contain hyaluronic acid which is used to reduce the symptoms of this eye condition. In this way, HA helps reduce eye inflammation, dry eyes, and improve healing and hydration of the eye. Due to its healing properties, this molecule can also be used in eye surgeries.
Beneficial for bone formation and dentistry
Hyaluronic acid has particular physicochemical characteristics, which allow it to stimulate cell differentiation and proliferation. This stimulating action, however, depends on its molecular weight. HA has demonstrated its ability to activate osteoblasts. For this, it opposes the process of cell resorption. As such, hyaluronic acid is considered to be of real interest in dentistry and in osteoporosis.
Treats gastric disorders
Acid reflux is painful. They can also cause lesions and damage the permeability of the lining of the oesophagus. Hyaluronic acid helps relieve the oesophagal lining when it is damaged. For this, it accelerates the healing process and reduces its degree of permeability. This molecule can also improve the effectiveness of antacid drugs by up to 60% when combined with chondroitin.
Relieves interstitial cystitis
Among the other properties of this molecule is its ability to counter interstitial cystitis. This form of cystitis commonly referred to as "painful bladder disease", has no known cause. However, it manifests itself in frequent urination and pain in the lower abdomen. Women are the most affected. Injected through a catheter, hyaluronic acid relieves bladder pain and repairs damaged bladder tissue. It can also decrease the frequency of urination;
The other properties of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is opposed to angiogenesis, which offers it some interest in the fight against cancer. When secreted in large amounts, hyaluronic acid traps cells and prevents the proliferation of cancer cells. These effects have so far only been seen in animals. Thus, further studies are needed to determine the exact actions of this molecule on the disease.
Because of its moisturizing effects, HA may help reduce some symptoms of menopause. This is the case with vulvovaginal dryness. Applying the gel to the skin reduces this localized dryness very effectively. In fact, this molecule serves as the alternative of choice to hormone therapy offered to women after menopause.
Warning: dangers and contraindications
Dosage of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid capsules are available without a prescription: anyone can get them. Clinical studies with hyaluronic acid have all used doses between 60 and 200 mg per day. Most often, the recommended dosage is as follows: 200 mg per day taken in two divided doses. In all cases, the dosages indicated by the manufacturer of the product must be observed. Seek medical advice if you have the slightest doubt. Daily cures last two to three months. Observe a sufficient break time between two HA courses.
Side effects of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid in the form of a dietary supplement (swallowable capsules) is a safe product. It is naturally produced by our body. The capsules simply allow our bodies to have more HA molecules. Therefore, quality products do not cause any particular side effects or adverse effects. Buy hyaluronic acid only from a seller you can trust.
What contraindications to its use?
At present, there are too little data related to the use of HA on pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor before using this product or to simply avoid it. In addition, it is also not recommended to use it if you suffer from acute tissue inflammation. But also from an autoimmune disease or cancer. Finally, it should not be used in children under the age of twelve without prior medical advice. If you have any medical condition, talk to your doctor about your dietary supplement treatments.
How do I choose quality hyaluronic acid?
Before buying hyaluronic acid, make sure you choose a quality product. Find out about its origin: it is important that HA comes from bacterial fermentation (biotechnology). If organic hyaluronic acid does not exist, we can still make sure to choose a 100% natural product. As a food supplement, you should choose HA in the form of capsules. The injectable form is reserved for health professionals such as dermatologists or surgeons. Make sure the product you consume is as pure and natural as possible. And without excipients.
Hyaluronic acid: the essentials to remember
Hyaluronic acid suffers from a bad image caused by its excessive cosmetic use. Yet it is a product that we all wear, and that performs essential roles in the body. For example, it allows the joints to slide properly over each other. This is necessary to ensure smooth and natural movements. It is also beneficial for skin health, bone formation and the hydration of body cells. All while being natural and safe!
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