Contents
and Health
Aging is an inevitable part of life and it has a profound effect on many aspects of life, including elastin production. Elastin is an important component of skin, connective tissues, and organs and its production decreases as people age. With reduced elastin production, the body faces health risks and can start suffering from a variety of conditions.
What is Elastin?
Elastin is a protein naturally found in the body. It helps keep tissue, skin, and organs flexible, providing them with the elasticity they need to perform their respective functions. Its production starts to decline with age and this can lead to various health issues. Elastin is based on the protein tropoelastin, which is produced in the cells and gets processed by certain enzymes.
Elastin Production and Aging
Elastin is key to maintaining supple skin, healthy connective tissue and optimal organ function. As people age, the production of elastin becomes less and less. This can start happening as early as in their twenties and the changes cannot be reversed. The skin loses its elasticity and it is more likely to suffer from wrinkles and other signs of aging.
In addition, aging elastin can lead to health issues such as joint pain, weak bones, increased risk of injury and even heart failure. Since elastin is found in blood vessel walls, its lower production can cause the vessels to become weak, stiff or torn. As a result, people can suffer from hypertension and other cardiovascular problems.
Can We Prevent Elastin Loss?
Although there is no way to stop elastin production from decreasing with age, there are measures which can help minimize the effect of aging. Taking special care of the skin and avoiding exposure to sun and pollutants can help maintain elastin production for longer.
Eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and exercising can also contribute to better elastin production. Dietary choices such as avoiding sugar, refined carbs and too much salt can also help reduce elastin loss and other signs of aging.
The Bottom Line
Elastin production decreases with age and this can lead to various health risks. Taking extra care of the skin, eating a balanced diet and avoiding unhealthy habits can help reduce the effects of elastin loss and other signs of aging.
Keywords: elastin, aging, production, health, skin, connective tissue, organs, enzyme, tropoelastin, wrinkles, joint pain, weak bones, hypertension, cardiovascular, sun, pollutants, balanced diet, smoking, exercise, sugar, refined carbs, salt.
