There lacks definitive studies on the etiology of cellulite but what is evident is that cellulite is complex and caused by a range of factors including hormonal imbalance, toxins stored in adipose tissue, collagen and elastin breakdown, stiffening of fibrous connective tissues causing fat to bulge through creating an uneven texture, inadequate exercise, poor circulation and lymphatic drainage, and fluid retention. Eliminating or reducing cellulite is possible but requires a well-rounded approach and permanent diet and lifestyle changes. There are also more specific therapies that can be integrated into your daily routine. I have had cellulite since I was a young teenager and not surprisingly the more my health deteriorated the more severe my cellulite became, it also spread from my thighs to my stomach, lower back and upper arms. Poor detox capacity, hormonal issues, heavy metal toxicity, inability to exercise, poor circulation and protein (collagen) and elastin breakdown no doubt contributed to this. Now my cellulite is almost completely eliminated which I never thought would be possible. Admittedly many of the lifestyle and diet changes below I integrated into my life to heal myself from ME/CFS but it is those listed I believe have also had a dramatic effect on reducing cellulite. Essentially we are simply facilitating the healing, fueling the body with adequate nutrients for repair, using certain therapies, herbs and exercise to strengthen the areas prone to cellulite and improve circulation.
Here are my tips for reducing and hopefully eliminating cellulite all together!
1. Eat an organic, whole foods diet that facilitates deep cleansing of the body with adequate healthy fats and protein, reducing the burden of toxic residues found in conventional foods and foods such as processed sugars, grains, processed vegetable oils and conventional meat, poultry and dairy.
2. Dry body brushing for improved circulation, lymphatic drainage and removing dead skins cells. Great instructions are found here.
3. Exercise, particularly weight training, rebounding, squats (really noticed a difference with these), walking and yoga.
4. Adequate filtered water with mineral drops to hydrate and re-mineralise.
5. Infrared saunas to improve circulation, oxygenate the tissues and detox toxic substances residing in the tissues found underneath the skin.
6. Avoidance of Xenoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body leading to hormonal imbalances. The best way to do this is to go all organic and ‘green’ avoiding all chemicals and avoid foods such as soy, flax seeds and conventional meat, dairy and poultry. No BPA, chemical laden body care products, toxic cleaning products and perfumes.
7. Eating gelatin (collagen) from grass fed, free ranging cows and bone broth (boiling down the bones and tissues of lamb, beef and chicken.) I use Great Lakes gelatin. This provides the body with the building blocks (amino acids) to synthesise its very own collagen which is the most abundant protein found in the body and is what connective tissues are made from.
8. Vitamin C for sufficient synthesis of collagen.
9. Lymphatic drainage massage
10. Try herbs Gotu Kula to stimulate collagen production and circulation, Liquorice root for its active compound Glycyrrhetinic acid that can reduce fat accumulation fighting the fat storage effects of cortisol and Horse Chestnut to reduce swelling, poor circulation and inflammation.
Have you had success with reducing or eliminating cellulite? What has worked for you?
Read this very well researched and referenced article by medical doctor Laurie Barclay on cellulite.
Photo credit: Helga Weber / Foter.com / CC BY-ND
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