Cellulite

Cellulite is the dimpling of the skin caused by the adipose tissue (fat) swelling, causing indentation of the skin especially in the places where there a commonly fat reserves around the thighs, hips and buttocks.  The septa (connective tissue) which anchors the fat tissue to the muscles moves and causes the fat to squeeze through or stretch resulting in cellulite.  This process gives the appearance of unsightly “orange peel” or dimpled skin.

OESTROGEN AND CELLULITE

An excess amount of the female hormone estrogen is thought to be a contributing factor and this may be the reason that women are more affected than men.  Estrogen which dominates the female reproductive cycle is stored in the adipose (fat) tissue and inhibits the mobilization of cellulite and the distribution of fat to other areas of the body.

CELLULITE MYTHS

There are many myths associated with the appearance of cellulite such as them being linked to sluggish metabolism or trapped toxic wastes.  The formation of cellulite is not a symptom of any disease and any person regardless of body size may develop cellulite.

CELLULITE SOLUTIONS

There is no definite solution to cellulite however some therapies work by strengthening blood vessels, increasing blood flow, encouraging the production of connective tissue, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, attracting water to the cells, repairing cell membranes, reducing wasted water, preventing free-radical damage, reducing inflammation and/or promoting exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells).

DIET TIPS FOR CELLULITE

  • Increase your antioxidant status by eating more berries, foods containing Vitamin C and Vitamin E
  • Keep hydrated
  • Eat a healthy diet which includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and berries

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR CELLULITE

  • Use a gentle exfoliating scrub on the problematic areas. Use ground polenta and oats with a soft exfoliating mitt over the areas in small circular motions. Do this every second day to promote circulation and the removal of wastes
  • The best way to avoid cellulite may be to take preventative measures: eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, stay hydrated with plenty of fluids, exercise regularly to keep muscles toned and bones strong and maintain a healthy weight
  • Address underlying Kidney, lymphatic and circulation insufficiencies
  • Exercise helps to promote circulation and lymphatic health
  • Common treatments regimes are heat and water treatments, lymphatic drainage massage, micro massaging and laser therapy
  • Increase metabolism by beginning an exercise regime of at least 30 minutes four times/ week to help burn up excess stores of fat
  • Saunas help to liberate fats and burn excess wastes from the body. Taking a sauna twice/ week may help to burn off the cellulite and also remove wastes from the body
  • Do a liver detoxification to improve the health of the liver and removal of wastes
  • Skin brush every second day prior to showering using circular motions. This helps to remove dead skin cells and invigorate the circulation
  • Address hormone imbalance and estrogen dominance (heavy, painful periods, irregular menstrual cycle)

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR CELLULITE

  • The herb Gotu Kola applied topically may assist the circulation
  • Grapefruit seed essential oil diluted and massaged into the problem area to encourage detoxification and the removal of wastes
  • Antioxidant herbs such as Grape seed extract, Green tea, Black pepper, Japanese Knotweed, Turmeric
  • Increase blood flow to the peripheries with herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, Green Tea and Brahmi
  • Vitamin C and bioflavinoids are important nutrients for the collagen and elastin as well as for improving general circulation and lymphatic health