If you are wondering how to reduce cellulite naturally, then the tips in this article will definitely help. The dimple appearance on the skin can negatively effect our self-esteem, therefore, if there is something we can do to reduce it, whilst also supporting a healthy body, then I’m all for it.
With cellulite affecting 80-90% of women, it’s no wonder cellulite-removal treatments like liposuction are so popular. But these treatments come with negative side effects, and don’t treat the underlying problem.
The following remedies are things I’ve tried myself, and I can say, without doubt, helped to reduce my cellulite. Either way, they all come with many other health benefits, so they are definitely worth a try.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is that lumpy, dimply appearance on the skin which occurs when fat pushes up against the vertical connective tissue that surrounds fat cells. Cellulite seems to affect woman more than men, due to the different muscle, tissue and fat distribution. Cellulite mostly impacts the area around the thighs, buttocks and hips because adipose tissue affects these areas most.
What Causes Cellulite?
The underlying cause of cellulite is a lack of circulation and a backed up lymphatic system. This means that the circulatory system cannot work efficiently to get rid of stored toxins. This leads to fluids and other wastes being stored in the interstitial cells.
There are a few factors which contribute to the development of cellulite, including:
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Genetics
- Weight gain
- Hormones
- Alcohol consumption
- Pregnancy
If you want to know how to reduce cellulite, it is important to get to the root cause and understand that there is no miracle cream or lotion. They may have certain ingredients which diminish the appearance, but the results are not permanent.
How to Reduce Cellulite Naturally
1. Exercise
Any form of exercise is great to tone the muscles and improve circulation. Working out will build muscle in those areas affected by cellulite, pump the lymph and mimimise the appearance of dimples. Endurance training, lower body exercises and regular resistance training is found to be particularly helpful in reducing the appearance of cellulite. Try a combination of walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, squats and lunges. Rebounding is also a great addition to any exercise regime. It stimulates the lymphatic system which helps your body drain and eliminate toxins.
2. Dry Body Brushing
I have been practicing dry-brushing for many years and my skin has become much smoother and softer. I believe this practice has played a big part in reducing my cellulite. Dry body brushing is an Ayurvedic technique which has been around for centuries. It exfoliates the skin, and is thought to increase circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system. Although there are no scientific studies to support these theories, there are countless testimonials from people online which do. There is no harm in trying this practice, so why not give it a go and see for yourself.
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3. Massage
Massages addresses the underlying cause of drainage deficiency. It works by stimulating lymphatic drainage and circulation. This helps abnormal fat stores to be re-absorbed and re-distributed normally around the body.
I love getting regular massages from a therapist, but you can also massage the affected areas at home yourself, using oils like coconut or olive. Endermologie is another option; a mechanical massage used to improve lymphatic drainage and extracellular fluid.
4. Colonics and Enemas
Most people have compromised elimination channels these days, particularly the bowel. IBS, constipation and bloating have become very common symptoms. This means your body won’t be removing waste as effectively as it could; adding pressure to the lymphatic system.
It can be helpful to get a series of colonics (6-9) to help cleanse the bowel and nurture a more balanced gut microbiome. They have been shown to strengthen the immune system and support a healthier colon. You can also purchase an enema kit for use at home and get into a regular habit of using it. I recommend using it once a fortnight.
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5. Healthy Whole Food Diet
Diet is an important factor in helping to reduce cellulite. Diets high in salt, processed food and alcohol contribute to lipogenesis and inflammation. Both of these worsen the severity of cellulite, so we want to reduce or eliminate these and focus on healthy whole foods. These are anti-inflammatory, help us maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Focus on these foods to reduce cellulite:
- Fruit: These include foods like melons, mangoes, papayas, berries, kiwi, oranges, cucumber etc. Fruits are water-rich foods that helps your body to flush out toxins, break up acid waste and get rid of cellulite.
- Vegetables: These include leafy green vegetables like spinach, varieties of lettuce, kale, celery, and herbs like parsley, mint, cilantro etc. Leafy greens contain chlorophyl that purifies the blood. This is key to cleansing the toxins which create cellulite. Other vegetables include cruciferous like cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage; then starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin etc.
- Wholegrain’s & Legumes: Brown rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, chickpeas and lentils are all full of fibre. These help to cleanse the colon, increase satiety, and balance hormones.
- Clean Water: Drinking filtered water will assist in keeping the skin hydrated and plump. This will reduce an uneven skin tone and dimply appearance.
Avoid these foods which may worsen cellulite:
- Refined sugar, grains and salt: All of these cause inflammation in the body, and refined salt contributes to fluid retention
- Vegetable oils: These include canola, corn and sunflower, which are highly refined, contain trans fat and are chemically extracted. If you want to use oil, opt for organic virgin coconut or olive.
- Alcohol: This toxin poisons the liver, therefore making it harder for the body to remove excess waste. It also stimulates the formation of fat which worsens cellulite.
Incorporate all of these practices consistently (consistency is key) and you’ll be well on your way to having toned, smooth skin. These practices will target the root cause of the problem, and effectively help you reduce cellulite naturally.
