Problem With Cellulite

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite, those lumps, bumps and dimples you just can’t seem to get rid of, is actually an inflammation of the adipose tissue (fat). Normal fat only involves fat cells (adipocytes), but cellulite affects the components of adipose tissue as a whole (circulation, nerves, fibres and adipocytes.) This explains why fat seems to melt away during diet, while cellulite seems to resist diet and exercise and never disappears! This condition affects a large number of women of all shapes, sizes and age, due to its strong association with the female hormone, oestrogen. That’s why you don’t see men with cellulite.

Causes

1. Lack of exercise - Cellulite mostly occurs in areas of poor circulation due to inactivity. The hips, bottom and upper thighs of women who have a sedentary lifestyle, are more likely to suffer from this condition than a woman who exercises and moves around a lot. Poor circulation also slows the normal process of toxin removal via the lymphatic system and prevents proper nourishment reaching the tissues. Therefore, poor circulation will eventually lead to congested areas and an accumulation of fluid and waste in the area of fatty tissue, which will start the cellulite condition.

2. Poor diet and toxin overload - Toxins enter the body via the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink and the body normally deals with them quickly and efficiently. Sometimes however, the body cannot deal with these toxins if there’s just too many of them or the toxin removal system is out if kilter, so they remain in the tissues.

3. Stress - Stress plays a vital role in how the body function. It slows down our digestive system and our toxin removal, it can affect our circulation and breathing can become erratic and shallow, which prevents an even flow of oxygen entering the body. During times of stress, our first reaction is to eat too much or not at all, drink more and smoke more. Our sleeping habits can also be disturbed which slows downs all of the regenerating systems in the body.

4. The female hormone, Oestrogen - Large amounts of oestrogen in the female body can encourage a stimulation of fat cells (used to protect vital organs.) Most women will find that cellulite becomes apparent at times of hormonal change such as puberty, when taking the contraceptive pill, pregnancy and menopause.

What stage is your cellulite at?

The appearance of cellulite can vary greatly from one person to another, but is generally found in areas of poor circulation such as thighs, buttocks and tummy and sometimes can affect the upper arms. It can take on the following appearances:

- Lumpy, and bumpy sometimes known as ‘orange peel’ skin.
- Can be cold to touch due to the poor blood supply to the surface of the skin.
- Skin tone is uneven, and can be painful to touch
- Dry and dehydrated
- Puffy from water retention.

Stage 1
This is when you first notice the lumps and bumps and can start in your teens. When pinching the skin you will notice a slight orange peel appearance. The skin whitens slightly and then becomes pink again. This is a sign of poor circulation. Nearly all women have a little of this so you’re not alone. However by adopting a few preventative measures you can stop it getting any worse.

Stage 2
When standing and looking in the mirror you will notice dimpling of the skin and the ‘orange peel’ appearance. The supportive tissues are weakened and can no longer support the fat properly. This quite often goes with poor muscle tone. You need to take action now!

Stage 3
The skin has a very marked orange peel appearance. It is occasionally painful when pressed. The blood vessels are compressed and circulation becomes difficult. All is not lost, you can still make huge improvements with a good anti-cellulite program.

Stage 4
The cellulite is very lumpy and can be clearly seen without squeezing the tissues. The adipocytes are clogged with fat. The blood and lymph vessels and the nerve endings are compressed. The cellulite is hard and painful. This takes a lot of work to reduce it but it can be done!

Your Cellulite Action Plan

Diet and supplements
You need to reduce saturated-fat, which means very few meat or dairy products. Essential fatty acids can be acquired from seeds. Try to reduce your intake of toxins such as coffee, cola, tea, alcohol and artificial colours and preservatives. Eat plenty of green vegetables and salads as well as brightly coloured fruits and berries. Lean protein such as fish and chicken should be included as well as soy and pulses. It is best to follow a general healthy diet as much as possible. Supplements specifically designed to help break down cellulite are also very helpful.

Exercise
General cardiovascular exercise is essential to increase the circulation, while weight-bearing exercises will improve muscle tone and help to smooth the contours. It is recommended to do exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week.

Water
Cut down on tea, coffee and alcohol and replace with at least 1 ½ -2 litres of water or herbal tea a day. Sparkling water is said to increase cellulite. Whether or not this is true, it is best to avoid due to the higher sodium (salt) content than still mineral water.

Treatment Products
A specific anti-cellulite cream or gel will contain ingredients to improve the skin and tissues helping to smooth out the cellulite. The massage action also helps to increase localised circulation thus helping to drain toxins. Products also need to be firming and toning to strengthen the stretched collagen and elastin tissues.

Dry Skin Brushing
This is an excellent way to remove toxins from the system. Brushing helps to stimulate the skin and encourage it to expel waste. This is very effective and should always be used as part of your anti-cellulite regime. Use a natural bristle body brush and brush the whole body (apart from the face) in upward strokes starting at the feet and working up to the neck. Do this daily before your shower or bath.

DeStress
Try some relaxation exercises or yoga. This will help to reduce stress hormones and improve your breathing, which in turn will help to reduce toxins. It will also help to tone the muscles and smooth the contours as well as increase flexibility and general fitness.

Source: www.beautyexpert.co.uk