How to Fight Cellulite
Cellulite is an unflattering skin condition that has an appearance of lumpy, bumpy, cottage cheese appearance on the skin. The majority of women have it on their body usually on the thighs, buttocks, and or abdomen. Cellulite is caused by damage to the cells and connective tissue in the skin’s dermis – the layer just beneath the surface of the skin. This damage allows fat cells to push into this skin layer, they then show on the skin’s surface as unsightly lumps and bumps.
It’s not easy to make these cellulite fatty deposits disappear, but with proper diet, exercise, self-lymphatic drainage, and radiofrequency laser treatments cellulite can vastly improve.
Lymphatic massage, done on a regular basis, is the only non-invasive treatment that can reduce cellulite. Self-lymphatic drainage with a body brush is simple to do at home and releases fluid trapped in the skin dermis tissue. The lymphatic system is not a closed circuit and has no pump. There are two sizes of tubes in your body that carry fluid, arteries/veins and lymphatic tubes, which run in the same direction as the veins. The heart pumps blood through the arteries into the capillaries where there is a pool of fluid that has tons of particles in it (like a pond with organisms living in it). As the heart continues to pump, most of these particles are pumped into the veins that run to the heart. The lymph carries cells that are too big to fit in the veins (fat cells, proteins, and others). These ‘junk” cells are transported through the lymphatic tubes to the nodes in your body to be processed and eventually eliminated from the body. However, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump, and the heart doesn’t control it, so its proper function is dependent on muscle contraction and lymphatic massage. That is why people who are very active have stronger immune systems and less cellulite. You can either work out aggressively, or you can use lymphatic massage to help drain the lymphatic system. Or both!
Foods That Fight Cellulite
Key nutrients obtained through a combination of food and supplements, repair, rehydrate and rejuvenate the cells and connective tissue, which in turn, push the fat cells back to where they belong, so they can’t be seen. Proper diet and supplements help to strengthen and protect your skin from the inside. Self- lymphatic drainage and radiofrequency treatments protect and strengthen skin from the outside. Cellulite fighting diets include includes lots of fruit, vegetables, chicken, fish, beans, fat-free dairy products and whole grains, and moderate amounts of lean red meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils like virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Foods rich in antioxidants and natural water are cellulite busting foods and here are some of the most effective.
Asparagus is rich in folic acid which reduces stress levels and helps improve mood. Being exposed to prolonged levels of stress can increase fat storage in the body. Asparagus also has circulation-boosting properties – another way to keep cellulite under control.
Avocados: Aging your skin tends to become thinner and less elastic, which emphasizes the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite-reducing foods have a high level of essential fatty acids (EFAs) which help to keep the skin strong, soft, and elastic. Avocados are full of essential fatty acids.
Bananas are a great source of potassium and this is mineral is a top to reduce cellulite. Bananas help to cut down water retention, an important cause of “orange peel” skin, and they have an effect on the lymphatic system, one of the body’s main highways to eliminate toxins.
Berries The antioxidants found in most berries boost the lymphatic system by breaking down toxins that otherwise are deposited in the areas of your body where cellulite occurs. Vitamin C in berries also works to increase the collagen levels in your skin making its stronger, smoother, and more taut, leading to cellulite reduction.
Cranberry Juice: 100% Cranberry juice is effective to combat cellulite as it helps emulsify the stubborn fat so the fat can be flushed out more readily. Cranberry cleanses the lymph system and helps rid cellulite.
Dark, Leafy Greens Spinach and dark, leafy greens like asparagus, kale, and cabbage contain an antioxidant called lutein which fight cellulite and boost your circulation.
Ginger is another excellent way to boost blood flow around your body which in turn improves the appearance of cellulite by destroying toxins and making the lymphatic system more efficient.
Oily Fish like sardines, mackerel and salmon contain a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids which are great for the brain, cholesterol and are great for keeping skin strong and supple – perhaps the best way to help get rid of cellulite. Omega-3 Fish oil, Omega Pure, also fights inflammation, helps circulation, and strengthens the lymphatic system too.
Papaya is rich in potassium which minimizes water retention and helps the lymphatic system operate efficiently. Papaya contains high levels of beta-carotene that prevents damage to body tissues.
Whole Grains are packed with fiber which promotes digestion. Good digestion removes toxins quicker before they get a chance to increase cellulite. Whole grains are also important for promoting cardiovascular health and circulation
Following a Healthy diet (anti-cellulite as described above)– together with taking certain skin supplements – you’ll boost your intake of seven key nutrients, including lecithin, essential fats, antioxidants, B vitamins, amino acids (protein building blocks) and trace minerals, all of which are essential for healthy cells and connective tissue.
Additionally, consuming too many of the wrong foods can contribute to cellulite. Alcohol, pizza, cheese, sugar, sugary foods, refined carbohydrates and processed meats. Ingesting too much of these processed foods will add to the cellulite. Having a healthy diet is one part of the cellulite equation, the second half being exercise to promote muscle strength smooths cellulite to a large extent.
Eat Well, Be Well! Because You Are So Worth It!