Cellulite
Up to four out of five women have lumpy, dimpled, fatty areas known as cellulite. Occasionally men are effected, too. The belief that the fat in cellulite is fundamentally different from fat elsewhere is popular among non-scientists, but incorrect. There is no special health risk associated with cellulite, unless you are significantly overweight.
Did you know?The French refer to cellulite as peau d’orange (orange peel) because the dimpling of the affected areas resembles the tiny depressions in orange skin.
How Cellulite Forms
The fat of cellulite is separated by inelastic bands of connective tissue. These bands run between the skin and the deeper tissues, where they are firmly secured. Many people with cellulite are overweight. As a person gans weight, the fat cells swell but the connective bands rem,ain the same length. The fat then bulges the only way possible- towards the skin- and as this happens, the bands pull at the skin, creating the dimpled appearance of cellulite. The problem often becomes more apparent with age. Poor circulation of lymph may contribute to cellulite formation. Lymph is a milky liquid that carries excess fuid, waste products and toxins from the tissues to the bloodstream, via the lymphatic vessels. Poor circulation of lymph- because of excess fat, lack of exercise, or fluid retention-may allow these wastes to build up in the tissues. This may be one reason that some women who are not overweight have cellulite.
Prevention
Try to keep your weight at a normal level and avoid rapid increase in weight. Exercise regularly to improve your body tone, reduce fat, build muscle, and boost the circulation of lymph and blood. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Eat five servings of vegetables and fruits each day.Avoid alcohol intake and caffeine. Drink enough water-based fluids each day to relieve thirst and produce pale urine.
Treatment
A number of natural therapist can help improve the appearance of affected areas temporarily.
Massage and skin brushing: a firm massage improves the circulation , and massaging with a blend of essential oils may be especially helpful. Stimulation of the skin surface contributes to an improvement in the appearance of the skin.
- Gently brush the affected parts with a soft, dry bristle brush. Start at the feet and work towards the heart. This boosts circulation, removes dead skin’s cells, and may improve the skin’s appearance.
- Mix four drops each of cedarwood and rosemary essential oils, and three drops each of cypress and patchouli essential oils, into five teaspoons of cold-pressed vegetable oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil, avoid cedarwood, cypress and rosemary oils in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Massage the cellulite areas twice a day.
Herbal remedies: Dandelion contains substances that enhance the liver’s ability to break down waste products and toxins. It also aids elimination from the blood of water and waste by the kidneys.
- Add dandelion leaves to salads, or cook them as you would spinach.
- Drink a cup of dandelion tea each day , using 50grams of fresh leaves to half a litre of water.
Caution for safety concerns
Detoxifying diet : This type of diet may help clear excess fluid, waste products and toxins from the body. However, seek advice from your doctor or a nutritional therapist before embarking on such a program.
- Eat a high percentage of your food in the form of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, as well as brown rice, seeds and bean sprouts.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially spring water. Fruit and vegetable juices and herbal teas are also helpful. Eliminate caffeine-containing beverages and alcohol.
- Avoid refined, processed foods, and limit your intake of animal products, such as meat and dairy products.
When get medical help –although you may not find cellulite attractive, there is little treatment other than a healthy diet and exercise that your doctor can suggest. If you are considering cosmetic surgery to remove excess fat, ask your doctor to recommend a reputable surgeon and take the opportunity to discuss the risks inherent in such a procedure.
Related articles: Don’t go changing, Inspiring beauty, Natural cellulite remedies, Age gracefully, Embrace your qualities.
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