This information is taken from the supplement company Pascoe’s educational brochure. I am posting it, because cellulite is not just a superficial concern for overweight and thin people alike. It indicates an underlying problem, that can have more devastating consequences.

Cellulite

Bulging, lumpy, orange peel appearance of skin, termed cellulite, can be a devastating condition, affecting both men and women, who are thin, overweight and of normal-weight. Areas of the body that accumulate cellulite include the thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, and the upper arms – all having a higher number in fat cells. The cosmetic industry has developed creams and lotions to deal with this condition; however it is important to understand the underlying mechanism behind cellulite before wasting your money on commercialized products. This article is created to understanding how cellulite develops, what lifestyle choices make it worse, and helpful tips to combat cellulite this season.

Lymphatics Role in Cellulite:

Cellulite must be taken seriously; it is associated with poor circulation, and disturbed lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system is our body’s “sewage system”, draining waste material from every cell, and area of the body. Due to the fact that the lymphatic system does not have a pump to push waste material out, this system can become easily clogged from excess build up of toxins, and lack of movement. When our drainage system becomes backed up, excess fluid fails to be eliminated, which accumulates in and around the tissue that holds the fat cell in place. When the health of our lymphatic system is compromised, fat cells become distorted, and may not release fat properly. Furthermore, stagnant flow of lymph will create harmful free radicals, which will damage the surrounding capillaries, veins, and connective tissue, therefore blood flow, oxygen, and nutrition to cells in that area are reduced. It is in our control to ensure that our lymphatic system circulates properly, picking up toxic waste products, and eliminated effectively.

What Disrupts Our Circulatory and Lymphatic System, Making Cellulite Worse?

• smoking
• constipation, haemorrhoids, and varicose veins
• low protein, high salt intake *promotes retention of water*
• pregnancy
• lack of exercise
• repeated weight loss and weight gain
• hormone imbalance (excess estrogen) and/or toxic liver

MYTH: Exercising that area of my body will decrease the amount of cellulite in that area.

Cellulite is commonly seen in athletes of both sexes who exercise their legs excessively without working other areas of the body. Excessive use of the stair master, bike riding, running, or leg weight exercise, without exercising other areas of the body will actually worsen this condition. Everything is always about balance: no one type of exercise will eliminate cellulite.

CELLULITE REDUCING TIPS:

FOOD: include cellulite reducing foods such as; green tea extract, foods with calcium D-glucarate (highest concentration in apples, grapefruit, and broccoli), turmeric, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage. By supporting weight loss and liver detoxification, lymphatic material can be collected and eliminated more effectively.

DRY SKIN BRUSHING: The skin is one of the major organs of detoxification, eliminating approximately one third of all toxins from the body. With a natural hard bristled brush (purchased at most health food stores), use circular motion, and added pressure, start with the soles of the feet, moving up the body, including arms, and chest, avoiding the face. After about 5- 10 minutes benefits include helping remove dead skin cells, increased lymphatic circulation, and stimulating the excretion of toxins though the skin.

EXERCISE and SAUNAS: Sweating and movement burns calories, and speeds the breakdown of cellulite by aiding the removal of toxins, metabolic wastes, and
excess estrogens that accumulate in fat cells.

DETOXIFICATION BATHS: Adding Epsom salt (4 cups), Baking soda (1 cup), OR Green clay (1/2 to 1 cup) to your bath. Beneficial for cleansing, increasing blood supply to the skin and drawing toxins out of the body.

CONTRAST SHOWERS: At the end of your shower, alternate hot and cold water; hot for 3 minutes and cold for 30 seconds, repeat this hot-cold pattern 3 times, ending with COLD! Try this invigorating practice 2-3x/week for increasing circulation, stimulating the immune system and metabolism.

MASSAGE: Combine almond or castor oil with essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, wintergreen, juniper, and clove. After your bath, gently massage the oil into the area affected by cellulite. This will increase circulation and blood flow to the area.

Resources:
Balch, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing 4th Edition. Avery Penguin Group. New York, 2006

Haas, Elson M. Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Celestial Arts. Berkely, CA. 1992.

Jensen, B. D.C, Ph.D Doctor-Patient Handbook: Eliminating diets and detoxification. Bernard Jenson International, U.S.A. 1976.

Kaur, Sat Dharam. A Call to Women, The Healthy Breast Program & Workshop. Quarry Health Books, Kingston, ON. 2002.