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Can You Reduce Cellulite?

By Randi Fredricks return to articles

Cellulite is a series of ripples of fat cells and subcutaneous connective tissue under the skin. Usually found on the thighs and butt, especially in women, it has a characteristic 'orange peel' appearance. It affects women but very few men, probably because of a difference in cell structure between men and women.

What Causes Cellulite?
We don't know why cellulite is caused. Some experts believe it is caused by a problem in the fat cells. Others believe toxins in the system are responsible for cellulite. Other experts think hormones cause cellulite. As yet, no consensus has emerged as to the root cause of cellulite.

One Plausible Cause of Cellulite
One plausible explanation - which also explains why very few men suffer from cellulite - is based on the composition and behavior of women's fat cells and the connective tissue that holds them in place. Very simply, a woman's connective tissue is very inflexible, so as she gains weight and her fat cells expand, they tend to bulge upwards towards the surface of the skin, giving the classic orange-peel appearance of cellulite. In men, not only is there generally less fat on the thighs, but also the outer skin is thicker and thus obscures what is happening to any surplus fat below.

Does Being Overweight Cause Cellulite
By itself, being overweight does not automatically cause cellulite. True, many people with obesity do have cellulite, but some don't. Also, some people with cellulite have slim figures and an ideal weight. Post menopausal women tend to have more cellulite than younger people, although it's also prevalent in adolescents.

Excess Fat and Cellulite
However, there is a clear association between excess fat and cellulite. The enlarged fat cells put pressure on connective tissue that affects the skin's smoothness and tautness. To keep the layer of connective tissue between the fat cells supple, eat foods rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C.

Is There a Cure for Cellulite?
Bottom line - despite intensive research, there is no non-surgical cure for cellulite. And when I say non-surgical, beware of any type of surgery as post-surgical fat distribution can result in a "freaky" appearance.

Does Dieting Help to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite?
Does dieting help reduce cellulite? Like any other fat or fat cells, cellulite fat responds to calorie-restriction and is burned off by calorie-deficit, but it is the stored fat that goes away - the fat cell is still present and can refill if calorie excess resumes.

Which Products Help to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite?
As stated, there is no non-surgical cure for cellulite, although certain products may help alleviate symptoms. The herb Gota kola seems to help relieve symptoms of cellulite: so does a good quality Aloe Vera cream. But no product offers a complete cure for cellulite.

Can Liposuction Remove Cellulite?
Liposuction can leave behind worse dimpling than "natural" cellulite. Liposuction removes body fat, but then the body stores new fat somewhere else. Sometimes, it can deposit in inappropriate and unattractive places, such as the knees, or under the chin, or under the arms and so on.

How to Cope with Cellulite
As I say, there is no cure for cellulite. But this doesn't mean you have to sit on your butt waiting for scientists to come up with the answer! If you don't fancy the idea of liposuction weight loss surgery because of the risks, you can still help matters by cleansing your system, reducing your weight and fat and getting active.

Tips on How to reduce the Appearance of Cellulite

  1. Maintain a normal weight. If you are overweight reduce your weight gradually.
  2. Quit smoking.
  3. Avoid unnecessary medication, like diet-pills, pep-pills, sleeping pills, laxatives and diuretics.
  4. Reduce your intake of coffee, alcohol, high-fat foods and highly processed foods.
  5. Eat plenty of fiber.
  6. Drink plenty of water and eat regular daily helpings of fresh fruit.
  7. Take regular vigorous exercise
  8. Try rubbing a good quality aloe vera cream into the cellulite-affected areas
  9. Get massage on a regular basis - hot stone massage is especially helpful!


Randi Fredricks has a Masters in Psychology, Doctorate in Naturopathy, and accreditations as a Nutritionist, Herbalist, Hypnotherapist, and Registered Addiction Specialist. She runs her own natural health business, All Things Well, and counsels clients at her office in San Jose, California. She can be reached by phone at 408-315-0645 or you can contact her online. You can visit her website at www.randifredricks.com. This article is from Randi Fredricks' book Healing & Wholeness: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health. Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. No part of this article or website may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems.




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