Fit Tip #2 Cellulite from Lauren Truscott (Registered Herbal Therapist)

Our bodies are beautiful in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes we have areas that we feel could be improved in appearance. In many women, cellulite causes concern and insecurities. Having cellulite does not necessarily mean one is overweight or even unfit, but can occur in naturally “fatty” areas on many women, usually in the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs.
 

What is cellulite?

 

Many people believe that the dimply skin we call cellulite is a result of a lumpy form of fat, but this is actually not true. The appearance of dimples and lumps occurs when strands of connective tissue that attach the skin to underlying muscles pulls tight where fat is thick. This fat is the same as fat elsewhere in the body, but the tight connective tissue makes it appear lumpy.
 

What causes this?

 

The causes of cellulite are not quite clear, but there are several theories that may explain it.

• Genetics: Certain genes may be required for cellulite development, and this becomes apparent in families where grandmother, mother, daughter, sisters, all claim to have cellulite in similar areas. Genes may predispose an individual to other factors that may contribute to cellulite, including slow metabolism and circulatory insufficiency.
• Hormones: it is a common theory that hormones play a role in cellulite development. Changes in levels of estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the process. This cause may be more apparent by observing other changes in the body (mood, hair growth, menstrual cycle changes, etc). Oral contraceptives are also considered to increase the appearance of cellulite, likely because of the hormonal changes they cause.
• Clothing: Restrictive clothing, such as tight underwear, may limit blood flow and contribute to the formation of cellulite.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking is said to increase the appearance of cellulite. Other lifestyle factors include lack of exercise and people who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time. Poor posture also increases the risk of cellulite.
• Diet: People who eat excessive processed fats and salts and refined carbohydrates, and insufficient fibre may have more cellulite, but likely only if they are already predisposed to it.

The results of any of the above factors may not first appear as cellulite, but cellulite may develop over time as the above factors lead to poor circulation, toxic build-up, excessive fat storage, and tight connective tissue.

Tight connective tissue can hinder circulation. Constriction of blood vessels can cause toxic waste build up causing nodules that look like fat.

 

 

How to reduce the appearance of cellulite:
 

To begin reducing the appearance of cellulite, it is important to examine the potential causes listed above. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to change genetics, so we will have to work with the other causes.

Balancing hormones can be very complicated, but balance can begin to be restored through healthy diet and exercise.

Clothing should allow for proper flow of circulatory fluids, so it is important to make sure pants and underwear are not too tight in any areas.

Some lifestyle changes can be made, some easier said than done, which will help to reduce cellulite. Smoking cessation will likely be helpful, along with improving health in general. Improved posture can greatly help to improve circulation. For people who have jobs that involve sitting or standing in one position for a long period of time, it is beneficial to change position or go for a small walk every so often. Exercise is a major helpful factor to improve circulating, help removed toxins from the body, and reduce excess fat build-up, and improve elasticity of connective tissue.

Diet changes may be one of the most important changes that can be made to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Increasing consumption of whole foods, including many fruits and vegetables and unprocessed fats and removing processed and refined foods will help in all areas.

 

One way to treat cellulite appearance is with GRAPEFRUITS! Grapefruits contain an enzyme called bromelain, which is anti-inflammatory, skin cleansing, and aids in digestion. Grapefruits are also the mildest of the citrus fruits in acid content, yet they retain the strong antiseptic, mucous dissolving properties found in most citrus fruits. They are also mild in sugar, making them gentle on the pancreas and blood sugar levels. If the stomach can handle it, adding 3 grapefurits to the diet per day may significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite. (as an interesting and added bonus, grapefruits help to reduce alcohol intoxication).

The peels of grapfruits can also be helpful. The peels contain bioflavenoids and vitamin C, which together are useful for aiding in circulating, as well as strengthening gums and arterines. Grapefruit peel tea (made from dried or fresh peel) can help to restore circulation to damaged tissue, and thus may help to relax tight connective tissue and allow for circulation and removal of toxins from the body.

Also helpful: herbs for liver (i.e. dandelion root) to remove toxic buildup. Drink lots of water to increase healthy fluids.

Gentle massage with Loofa. Circulating and detox. Use essential oils of fennel, juniper, cypress, lemon.