Cellulite formation has many aspects which could be connected to sluggish circilation and the leaking of blood and lymph vessels due to the weakening of connective tissue. This can cause fat to bulge out more and give the dimpled effect. Women have different tissue structures to men – female septae tissue is mesh like and holds onto fat cells (important in reproduction) men’s are smooth and don’t hold onto as much fat.
The factors involved are:
The contraceptive pill – can cause excess oestrogen, which is designed by nature to cause weakening of connective tissue to facilitate birth.
Excess oestrogen, can also cause the body to build fat up in certain areas around thighs, breasts and buttocks- due to preparation for reproduction and breast feeding. The reason why men don’t normally get cellulite.
Damaged blood and lymph tissue can cause a build up of free radicals (toxins), which then cause more damage to connective tissue. This can also cause water retention so exacerbating the dimpled effect.
Damage to fibroblast cells which produce the connective tissue can cause the fat cells to be coated with an impenetrable protein layer, this can prevent circulation and removal of the fat cells.
Toxins are stored by the body in the fat cells so they do not do further damage, during detoxification process – it is important to support getting the toxins out of the body quickly to prevent cell damage.
Both lack of exercise and over exertion can cause cellulite – the former due to sluggish circulation and the latter due to damage and tightening of muscle tissue that does not allow the fat to escape.
Reducing cellulite
It appears that it is not possible to completely eradicate cellulite – even liposuction won’t stop it from forming again. However making dietary changes, increasing nutrients and using food supplements to target circulation can help reduce it and prevent further cellulite forming. Foods containing Indoles (I3C) like cabbage can help reduce the toxic affect of excess oestrogen. Raw or very lighlty cooked.
Anti oxidants, Bioflavonoids and Vitamin C (at least 200omg of the buffered form ) are vital for healthy connective tissue. Gentle detoxification is also needed – this you can do through dietary changes, more fluid intake, and exercise – especially Yoga. Hot baths, saunas and steam rooms are all recommended.
Some literature suggests that getting too hot on the inside from over exertion in exercise can force some fat out of cells making it unable to be burnt up in metabolism, and stopping it from being removed – especially if you have poor circulation of lymph. Exercise like Yoga stretches out every muscle and joint creating better circulation.
Some products also claim to get rid of cellulite – most of them if they are good will just smooth the skin.