When Should I Talk To My Healthcare Provider About Hyaluronic Acid
You may want to talk to your healthcare provider about hyaluronic acid if youre interested in using it as a supplement. You may also want to also ask them about treatment options that use hyaluronic acid for the following conditions or purposes:
- Eye health, especially for treating dry eyes.
- Joint health, especially for treating arthritis and soft tissue injuries.
- For wounds that are slow to heal.
- As a treatment option for bladder pain, especially pain caused by interstitial cystitis.
- Respiratory conditions like asthma.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Hyaluronic acid has many uses and benefits, from boosting skin, eye and joint health to accelerating wound healing. Like any medication or supplement, its important to talk to your healthcare provider before incorporating hyaluronic acid into your healthcare regimen.
The Hype On Hyaluronic Acid
As dermatologists, we often hear questions from patients about ingredients in beauty and skincare products. Recently, hyaluronic acid has been hitting the shelves in a variety of products, from serums and moisturizers to sheet masks, night creams, and lip products. So what is HA? What benefits does it offer? And what are the most effective ways of using this ingredient?
How Does The Hyaluronic Acid In Revaree Work
Revaree is a simple to use insert that is applied vaginally. “Once the suppository melts, you’re going to get an initial coating that could provide instant relief. And then, as the hyaluronic acid builds up in the tissues, it’ll be able to bind more and more moisture,” says Komorowski. This explains why some women see great results with using this vaginal moisturizer over time.
Hyaluronic acid works by holding onto water to replenish and maintain moisture. In clinical studies, hyaluronic acid was shown to help maintain a normal, acidic vaginal pH, maintain the normal cellular architecture seen with estrogen,3 and relieve symptoms associated with vaginal dryness during menopause, adds Dr. Dweck.
Don’t Miss: Why Do Women Take Estrogen
Soya Are Foods Rich In Hyaluronic Acid
Researchers believe that estrogen in the body is beneficial for hyaluronic acid production. Soy products like tofu, tempeh, or edamame all products made from soybeans all contain estrogen. Soy is one of the best sources of protein. Even as a convinced meat lover, you should include tofu in your diet from time to time. If you dont like tofu, you can use soy milk instead. The vegetable milk has a nutty taste that goes well with any muesli.
It Is Recommended By Ob/gyns
As mentioned earlier, OB/GYNs are at the forefront of developing new ways to use hyaluronic acid to boost vaginal lubrication, especially with patients going through menopause or cancer treatment. Menopause commonly lasts four to five years and like any major life transition, it can feel daunting due to the gradual drop in estrogen production and all of the accompanying symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is a condition called vulvovaginal atrophy, which causes tissue degeneration, irritation, and dryness as the name suggests. Vaginal atrophy is also frequently seen in cancer patients whose treatments can cause sudden hormonal changes.
According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, moisturizers with hyaluronic acid are among their top recommended ways to improve tissue quality and hydration.
Recommended Reading: Topical Melatonin For Hair Loss
What Causes Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness can result from several factors. The primary cause is a drop in estrogen, a hormone that helps keep the vaginal tissues lubricated and healthy. Estrogen production often drops as women age, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Low levels of estrogen cause vaginal dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the vaginal walls leading to painful intercourse.
Other factors include:
- Chemotherapy around the pelvic area
- Birth control pills
- Perfumes and douches
Effect On Water Content
Healthy skin needs a lot of water. The water content of the skin depends on the evaporation rate through the skin and the hydration of the epidermis . Glycosaminoglycans in the dermis, especially heparan sulfate and versican, are essential for hydration of the skin because they contain large amounts of water. As the amount of glycosaminoglycans decreases with age, the hygroscopicity of the skin also decreases . Hyaluronic acid is abundant in the dermis and is believed to contribute to moisture content, skin atrophy, and the spread of soluble factors and nutrients . In addition, HA can support the proliferative phenotype of fibroblasts and may oppose apoptosis . HA is synthesized at the plasma membrane by hyaluronan synthases . These enzymes extrude HA into the extracellular space after the assembly of uridine diphosphate -glucuronic acid and uridine diphosphate-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine into a growing chain of -linked d-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine disaccharides . Repeated disaccharides are linked by hexosamine bonds to form high molecular weight HA that reaches up to 107 Da and 20 μm . HAS is expressed in relatively low copy numbers per cell but can rapidly produce large amounts of HA .
Recommended Reading: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Read Also: How Long Does It Take Testosterone Shot To Work
Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid For The Face And Body
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar that occurs naturally in the body, including the skin, eyes, and joints. The primary function of hyaluronic acid is to provide moisture to these areas of the body.
Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in skin moisture. As people age, the moisture in their skin , so some people choose to take supplemental hyaluronic acid.
This could be in the form of oral supplements, topical creams, serums, or even injections.
This article provides 11 evidence-backed benefits of using hyaluronic acid for the face and body. It explains how often a person can use hyaluronic acid and discusses types and side effects.
Many people use hyaluronic acid to hydrate their skin. People can take hyaluronic acid as a supplement, or they can apply it topically as a cream.
Hyaluronic acid can skin moisture and improve the quality of life for those with dry skin.
Hyaluronic Acid In The Diet
As you can see, hyaluronic acid offers many benefits. Some of these come from using skin lotion or eye drops that contain the compound.
But, those approaches dont offer all of the possible benefits. To help improve hydration within the body, lubricate joints and reduce inflammation applying hyaluronic acid externally isnt enough. Instead, you need to increase the levels inside your body.
Raising hyaluronic acid levels may also reduce the likelihood of issues like dry eyes and joint pain.
This is where dietary approaches come in. Now, most foods dont contain hyaluronic acid directly. Even so, many can promote the production of hyaluronic acid.
The idea is similar to using food or supplements to naturally increase testosterone levels. For example, some foods will offer precursor compounds, while others may affect the rates or directions of chemical reactions.
While hyaluronic acid is used in various ways, your diet is a powerful way to increase levels of the compound
Also Check: Does Soy Milk Have Estrogen
Foods That Can Promote High Hyaluronic Acid
So then, where do you turn if you want to promote hyaluronic acid levels?
There are multiple options, each with their own advantages. Because they promote hyaluronic acid in different ways, the most powerful approach is to include a variety of these foods in your diet.
Thankfully, they tend to taste good and all offer other health benefits as well.
Bone Broth
Bone broth has become popular for increasing collagen levels and promoting overall health. This includes helping to reduce inflammation and joint pain, along with promoting healthy gut bacteria.
It is also one of the best sources of hyaluronic acid that you can find in your regular diet.
Bone broth is also powerful because it offers nutrients that you wouldnt normally get.
After all, the bones tend to store different compounds than the rest of the body. Modern cooking ignores bones almost entirely, so we miss out on those nutrients.
There are many different recipes out there for making bone broth, including the ones below. You can also buy pre-prepared bone broth, such as this popular option from Kettle & Fire.
- Chicken Bone Broth from A Pinch of Healthy
Nourished Kitchen also provides details about bone broth from the cooks perspective, including differences between broth and stock, ways to use bone broth and financial benefits.
With so many advantages, bone broth is the best first step for increasing hyaluronic acid levels. Its also very comforting and perfect for the colder months.
Organ Meats
Leafy Greens
Beans
Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects
The word “acid” might make you think hyaluronic acid is a harsh agent, but it isnt. In fact, it is generally considered safe to use internally and externally. When it comes to topical hyaluronic acid, negative side effects are rare. Most experience no side effects unless they have a known sensitivity.
Since hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the body, allergic reactions are also rare. Those who are allergic to hyaluronic acid may experience vaginal itching and discharge.
Some women that dont pursue hormone therapy for dryness, might test using hyaluronic acid instead. With any new product, you should try a skin test first, and also consult your doctor.
Although the HA gets a safety rating, it is best to get your products from reputable companies to avoid severe effects. Hyaluronic acid has various forms, and manufacturers use different product labels. To spot it on the ingredients labels, look for the following:
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Glycosaminoglycan
Like other products used to restore vaginal tissues, hyaluronic moisturizers and gels are more effective when used regularly. As previously mentioned, consistency is vital. If you only use these products when you notice dryness, you may not feel the effectiveness. You should aim to use products at least four times a week.
Read Also: Effects Of Too Much Cortisol
How To Retain Hyaluronic Acid In The Body
As you age, your body naturally decreases its production of certain vitamins and other “youthful” compounds like hyaluronic acid, which is tied to healthy joints and supple, hydrated skin. Although you can’t completely stop this natural aging process, there are things you can do to slow down the loss of hyaluronic acid and retain what you do have. Of course, as with most things, your diet and lifestyle play a major role in your hyaluronic acid status.
Video of the Day
Study Subjects With Poi
A total of 52 patients with idiopathic POI were recruited in the present investigation. The demography and general clinical characteristics are listed in . Thirty healthy cycling women of comparable ages were included to serve as controls. Informed consent was obtained from each patient and control woman. Blood samples were collected from the patients in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid -containing tubes before the start of treatment. The study protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital.
Also Check: Hormone Therapy For Penile Growth In Adults
Estrogen Dominance And Your Health
Do you feel sluggish? Anxious? Have trouble losing weight? Are your menstrual cycles unbearable? Then you could be suffering from estrogen dominance.
Estrogen dominance is a condition that affects both men and women. Its effects can be seen as early as puberty and can extend well into menopause . Yet, the condition goes largely undiagnosed and untreated.
It is a condition that can build up over time. Symptoms will often increase in frequency and severity as the individual gets older. Risk factors of estrogen dominance can include breast cancer, endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer as well certain autoimmune disorders. It is a condition that, if left unchecked, can wreak havoc on a persons physical and emotional well being.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Clicking on the link will not cost you anything extra.
Hyaluronic Supplements And Your Joints
But it’s not just about your skin taking hyaluronic acid supplements may also help your joints. One study published in Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy reported that supplementing with hyaluronic acid helps alleviate symptoms in people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
Researchers from another study, published in Clinical and Translational Medicine in February 2018, backed up these findings by calling hyaluronic acid a “potential bright spot” and stating that supplementation can help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis by decreasing inflammation, lubricating the joints and protecting the cartilage.
Read Also: How Much Melatonin Can You Take At One Time
What Is Hyaluronic Acid What Does It Do
Like collagen, hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body. It is common in the skin and helps to lubricate the joints. As Into the Gloss phrases it, the compound keeps thing in the right shape in the right place.
Thats entirely a good thing.
In fact, hyaluronic acid is powerful for moisturizing and hydration. It can attract around 1,000 times its own weight in water a feature that few other compounds have. This is why hyaluronic acid is so popular in skincare products.
The compound also plays key roles throughout our body. It lubricates joints, helps provide moisture and ensures our eyes dont dry out.
Hyaluronic acid also exists in multiple molecule sizes, each with different functions.
The larger molecules tend to sit on the skin, helping prevent dehydration and decreasing inflammation. Smaller molecules can penetrate the skin, helping to promote wound healing.
The compound also helps decrease collagen loss, making it relevant for treating joint pain and for decreasing some signs of aging.
Hyaluronic Acid vs Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a similar compound to hyaluronic acid and is often used to reduce joint pain as well. Both play significant functional roles in the body but there are also key differences.
Hyaluronic acid
Glucosamine
Food Sources Of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid isn’t available in any foods in significant amounts, according to a report published in the International Journal of Research in Chemistry and Environment in October 2012. However, there are certain minerals that are involved in the creation of hyaluronic acid and increasing the amounts of these nutrients that you get from your diet may help boost the hyaluronic acid your body produces.
A lack of magnesium in the diet, or a magnesium deficiency, can cause low levels of hyaluronic acid. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough magnesium every day. Depending on your age, you’ll need 310 to 420 milligrams of magnesium per day, but keep in mind that only about 30 to 40 percent of the magnesium you eat is absorbed. Sources of magnesium include:
While whole-grain breads, fortified cereals and beans are high in zinc, the NIH reports that they also contain compounds called phytates, which block the absorption of the mineral. Because of this, animal foods are typically better sources of bioavailable zinc.
You May Like: Does Increasing Testosterone Cause Hair Loss
Hyaluronic Acid In Postmenopause Vaginal Atrophy
A 2021 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine focused on an alternative treatment for vaginal atrophy hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule that is commonly found in the eyes and joints. Its primary function is to trap water inside tissue cells. The study found that hyaluronic acid achieves similar results to hormonal treatments in correcting tissue shrinkage, vaginal pH, difficult or painful intercourse, and cell growth.
Takeaway: For women who cannot use hormonal treatments of vaginal atrophy, hyaluronic acid may be an alternative treatment with comparable results to HRT.
Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
The benefits of hyaluronic acid are many and vary in application. Some of these are found by simply increasing levels of the compound in your body. Other benefits come from using hyaluronic acid on the skin, in drops or as an injection.
Read on to find the key benefits and how you can access them.
Hydrates Your Skin
Hyaluronic acid is common as a way to add moisture to the skin. It can help smooth out skin, reduce dryness and lighten bags under the eyes.
This is typically achieved using lotions or ointments that contain the compound. However, you do need to pay attention to the formulation.
Hyaluronic acid molecules are typically too large to penetrate the skin. As a result, some lotions can actually draw moisture out of the skin. This makes your skin feel moister in the short-term but not once the excess lotion has been wiped away.
Some companies get around this by creating different formulations, ones that use various molecular weights .
Increasing hyaluronic acid concentration in your body can also help hydrate your skin and . This is where supplements or foods containing hyaluronic acid are important.
Ensuring you have a good concentration of hyaluronic acid can reduce problems like dandruff, overall dryness and skin sagginess. These are all issues associated with skin aging.
Research suggests that fine lines and wrinkles are most prominent in dry environments. Skin dryness also plays a role in their development.
Wound Healing and Similar Outcomes
Lowers Joint Pain
You May Like: Can’t Fall Asleep Without Melatonin
Does Hyaluronic Acid Affect The Kidneys
kidneykidneykidneyhyaluronic acidkidneyBest Sellers in Hyaluronic Acid Nutritional Supplements
- NOW Supplements, Hyaluronic Acid, Double Strength 100 mg, with L-Proline, Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Horbaach Hyaluronic Acid 200 mg 150 Capsules | Supports Joint and Skin Hydration | Non-GMO &
- Jarrow Formulas Hyaluronic Acid, Skin Hydration, 120 Veggie Caps.
Constructs For Luciferase Reporter
To determine the target relationship of miR-139-5p and PGRMC1, we amplified the PGRMC1 3-untranslated region fragment from human genomic DNA with PCR using the forward primer 5-GCTCTAGAAGCATTCAGTGGAAGTATATCTA-3 and the reverse primer 5-GCTCTAGATACAGAACATCATGACTAAAAGTT-3. The resultant PCR products were purified and cloned into the pGL3-control-luciferase vector . Inserts in the plasmids were confirmed by DNA sequencing.
Recommended Reading: Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer Side Effects
May Help Maintain Bone Strength And Health
Hyaluronic acid also seems to play a vital role in keeping our bones strong and healthy. Studies have found that HA may help slow down bone loss during the beginning stages of osteoporosis and another test-tube study found that HA helped bone cells grow.
Although more research is needed on HA and bone health, the studies are indicating that it can help our bones stay strong and delay bone loss due to aging.