The Facts About Cellulite

This is a very common condition that affects many of us to our dismay. 

Cellulite is used to describe the dimpled appearance of the skin caused by fat deposits that are just below the surface.

It is found in slim people as well as overweight individuals. Cellulite may even be an inherited factor. 

To better understand cellulite, we should be aware of the three types:

• Adipose cellulite is the firm cellulite with an orange peel effect on loose skin.
• Oedematous cellulite is fluid cellulite causing soft cellulite, often on loose skin. 
• Fibrotic cellulite is hard, compact cellulite with an orange-peel effect.

What Causes Cellulite?

Cellulite forms in areas with the least circulation. This is typically around the hips and thighs – areas that are prone to buildups of fatty tissue.

Oestrogen is also said to be one of the most important hormones to initiate and aggravate cellulite. Therefore, irregular changes in our metabolism can cause cellulite to develop.

Exercise and Cellulite

As cellulite forms in areas that lack circulation, we need to exercise to stimulate circulation and reactivate these areas.

Swimming is a great exercise to increase circulation and is ideal for all fitness levels as we do not strain our joints with water being weight-bearing.

Brisk walking and cycling are also helpful for increasing circulation. If joint pain is an issue, running should be done on grass or a softer surface than the bitumen, as roads, pavements and steep elevations can be very hard on your joints and feet.

But with exercise, it is also important not to lose weight too fast. A steady reduction of weight is the best way to go while helping to improve circulation around the body.

Massaging Cellulite

As cellulite is a form of fat tissue located beneath the skin, we can stimulate and stretch out these areas with massages, which will help to remove the dimpled appearance.

Regular massaging can be used to target specific areas of cellulite, and can be done once or twice a day sitting down or whenever our hands are free. Using a loofah can also help with problem areas.

Another effective method is by using a massage gun, which sends pulses through the muscle tissue to enhance blood circulation and repair.

Foods That Prevent Cellulite

Diet plays a big part in how our bodies look and feel. For counteracting cellulite, natural foods that can help include Krill oil, mangoes, papaya, raisins, sardines and turmeric.

It is also wise to avoid coffee, fatty meat products, margarine, refined white flours, white rice, sugar and processed foods with additives. These either increase fat or weaken skin cells.

Holding water under your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing, as done in homeopathic, is a better way to metabolise the water you drink. It will often remove the need to drink so much water as you absorb it, and prevent the quick toilet runs that so often happen after having gulped down a glass of water quickly.

Cellulite Supplements

Should our diets be lacking in certain vitamins or minerals, supplements can be used to help our natural bodily functions operate optimally. This includes digestion as well as the overall health of our muscle tissue and skin.

Ginkgo Biloba is a powerful antioxidant that effectively oxidises fat cells that are present below the surface of the skin while helping to increase blood circulation through the strengthening of the veins. This helps rid the body of cellulite.

Collagen, a natural protein found throughout our bodies, is another widely used supplement that can strengthen our tendons and ligaments, as well as restore elasticity in the skin. This will help alleviate damaged connective skin tissue due to the buildup of cellulite.

It is important to love our bodies as they are, cellulite included, but it is just as important to love and take care of our bodies through good health and wellness. For more Masterclass Articles on health, natural remedies and more, visit Naturopath Australia