Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is found in virtually all of the body’s cells. HA clusters most densely, however, in the skin, cartilage and other connective tissue and in the synovial fluid that lubricates the body’s joints. Hyaluronan is a high molecular mass polysaccharide found in the extracellular matrix, especially of soft connective tissues.
Hyaluronan seems to play an important role during development and differentiation and has other cell regulatory activities. It plays a key role in cushioning and lubricating the body and is abundant in the eyes, joints and heart valves. A powerful antioxidant, hyaluronic acid is best known for its ability to bond water to tissue.
The body’s hyaluronic acid levels decrease with age. In theory, sustaining optimal hyaluronic acid levels could retard the aging process, prolong a youthful appearance and sustain life.
Analysis of serum hyaluronan is promising in the diagnosis of liver disease and various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. It has been found in high levels in the naked mole rat which live a particularly long life and never develop cancer.
Hyaluronan has, through its tissue protective properties, become a device in ophthalmic surgery.
How to increase hyaluronic acid in the body
Magnesium is needed in the body to synthesise hyaluronic acid, so consuming foods rich in magnesium can keep hyaluronic acid levels from dropping too low. Foods rich in hyaluronan should be consumed with foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E to keep skin looking young, wrinkle free and smooth.
Oestrogen and hyaluronic acid have a symbiotic relationship. When the level of one rises, so does the level of the other. Soy products, like tofu, have been shown to increase oestrogen levels, making them an indirect source for hyaluronic acid. Research shows that foods that have plant-based oestrogenic called phytoestrogen can increase the production of hyaluronic acid in the body.
Foods rich in hyaluronan should be consumed with foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E to keep skin looking young, wrinkle free and smooth therefore a meal of calf’s liver with ground hemp seeds and fresh vegetables and a desert of kiwi fruit and oranges consumed once a week would be suitable for this purpose.
Zinc deficiencies seem to coincide with low hyaluronic acid. Consuming zinc rich foods could alleviate the problem. Some medications and alcohol make the body expel zinc in the urine.
Reserves of hyaluronic acid deplete with age and unprotected exposure to UV rays, pollution and tobacco smoke, can speed up this natural decline
Natural foods that will produce higher levels of hyaluronan acid
- Algae and seaweed
- Almonds
- Avocado
- Bone broth
- Broccoli
- Brown rice
- Kale
- Chicken soup (made from boiling whole chicken)
- Oranges
- Organ meats (especially calf’s liver)
- Peanuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- Root vegetables
- Soybeans
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
NOTE: Regular consumption of bone broth is a the best way to increase levels of hyaluronic acid in the body.
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Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Bone and joint disorders
- Cancer
- Eye disorders
- Liver disorders
- Skin disorders
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
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