Cellulite is the word used to refer to the fatty deposits that cause a dimpled or uneven appearance of the skin, usually around the thighs and buttocks and it causes cosmetic dissatisfaction to women all over the world.
People often mistake cellulite for fat, however fat is an insulator for the body and cushions the organs, muscles and nerves and is smooth in appearance.
Cellulite, on the other hand provides no padding, only occurs in certain areas of the body such as the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and breasts and is lumpy in appearance.
There are many believed reasons as to why people get cellulite; it is most common in post-pubescent females since its thought the increased oestrogen initiates and aggravates the cellulite. However studies show it could be due to the nature of women's connective tissue, called septa, that holds fat cells in place.
The tissue in women is very inflexible, so as weight is gained the fat cells expand and bulge upwards towards the skin therefore giving the bumpy appearance.
On the other hand, men ’s skin is thicker and is therefore able to obscure what is happening beneath the surface far better, men generally have less body fat and of course men have less oestrogen within the body.
Another belief is related to the body’s ‘sewage system’, known as the lymph system, and the circulatory system. Basically the lymph system acts like a drain, taking all the waste products out of and away from the cells within the body whilst the circulatory system delivers vital oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
However, when they don’t function efficiently, waste products and toxins ‘build up’ causing the connective tissue (septa) to harden. Once hardened again the fat has no where else to go but to the surface of the skin, which again produces the lumpy appearance of cellulite – an area that can be combated quite swiftly by taking note of these 10 steps.
1. Fresh fruit and vegetables such as blueberries, cherries, blackberries, citrus, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, and peas contain antioxidants that help increase the flexibility of the septa, and an elastic septa ensures that the cellulite stays beneath the surface. Also try to incorporate a good multi-vitamin into your diet since these contain essential vitamins and minerals to help with normal cell function.
2. Cellulite can form when toxins are built up within the body and therefore harden the septa, so by avoiding creating those toxins in the first place we can stop cellulite forming. One way of doing this is by avoiding tobacco, caffeine, preservatives and spicy foods in our diets.
3. Obviously not great for the skin and lungs, but smoking also weakens the skin by causing constriction of capillaries and therefore the circulatory system, this in turn damages the connective tissue that causes the dimpling effect of cellulite.
4. Evidently regular exercise will burn fat and increase muscle tone, both of which will help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. But moreover exercise increases the activity of the heart and therefore circulatory system bringing ‘new’ nutrient rich blood to the skin whilst heavy breathing and muscle contractions stimulate the lymph system which then takes away the waste products. Consequently toxins are removed and the septa remains unhardened meaning cellulite is less likely to form.
5. Something as simple as deep and heavy breathing can help stimulate both the circulatory and lymph system, thus serving to eliminate toxins. Try this breathing technique: Breathe in, hold and out for a ratio of 1:4:2. So breathe in for 1 second, hold for 4 seconds and then breathe out for 2 seconds.
6. When stressed your body releases adrenaline a hormone that directs blood to our 'fight or flight' muscles, such as the triceps, biceps and quadriceps, in preparation for defence or retreat. This means blood is redirected away from the skin, decreasing circulation and less toxins are removed.
7. Use a large flat brush, with fairly stiff bristles, and brush in the direction of lymph flow, toward the next group of lymph nodes. Start at the ankles, using gentle, fan-like movements and work up to the thighs and beyond the bottom if necessary. Remember that lymph drainage relies on very light pressure…brush gently. Practice this daily before bathing or showering and it will become a daily habit. Dry skin brushing should improve the texture and appearance of the skin. However, used alone, it is unlikely to reduce the volume of cellulite. So follow the dry brushing by applying a botanical anti-cellulite gel or an aromatherapy mixture that stimulates the release of fat. Dry skin brushing removes the dead layers of skin and other impurities, allowing the pores to eliminate without obstruction. The technique also stimulates circulation so that the blood can nourish the tissues, as well as effectively removing wastes. It is also an excellent way of clearing and stimulating the lymphatic system.
8. Drink a sufficient amount of water and this will help ‘flush’ toxins from the body and therefore help to maintain a healthy septa.9. In conjunction with all of the aforementioned tips, try the supplements Couture Curves or Slim-X from www.femmeslender.com, these products greatly help with fat loss when combined with an exercise regime and a good diet. Always remember to consult your GP before taking any new medication.
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