The basic principles to stop the formation of cellulite

The lymphatic system plays an essential role when it comes to developing cellulite. I'll explain the phenomenon a bit, although I don't really want to get into details that much. So here goes: the septa becomes stiff because of decreased lymph and blood circulation to the subcutaneous layer of skin. The tissue weakens and the decrease in lymph drainage causes the fluids which should carry away waste to be trapped, the septa then becomes fibrous and tightens even more on the underlying fat cells. The decreased circulation also weakens capillaries and veins, causing the surrounding tissue to harden. Blood reroutes around the cellulite area and the septa fibers continue to thicken and even more fat continues to be deposited. The fats and toxins won’t be removed because of the poor circulation.

The obvious conclusion is that you need to have a healthy lymph system in order to stop the formation of cellulite and maybe even reverse what has already happened to your skin.

Our sweat glands, kidneys, liver and lymph system are all critical to ridding our bodies of toxins. Toxic build-up is basically the primary cause of the formation of cellulite. When your body is filled with chemicals, additives, and other toxins, these organs are unable to keep up.

If you think about these organs as screens or filters, it makes sense that they would need to be cleaned regularly in order to work efficiently. I don't think that a body cleanse or a detox diet because the body has its natural way of eliminating toxins and I really consider that having a healthy diet overall is the way to go.

Keep your hormones in check

Well balanced hormones also play a role in healthy skin. During periods of great hormonal fluctuation life pregnancy or perimenopause women may experience an increase in cellulite. We’ve known for many years that estrogen plays a role in keeping skin elastic and firm, due to the role it plays in increasing the formation of collagen. When your hormones are not balanced, the walls of your veins and lymph vessels are less resilient – and they are not as efficient in removing toxins. This weakness also causes lymph flow and blood to stagnate which contributes to the stiffening of the septa.

Progesterone and human growth hormone (hGH) are also important hormones when looking at skin health. Progesterone, when used in a natural form, converts to other hormones, if needed. There is some controversy surrounding the use of hGH. Its important to research and see a healthcare practitioner before using any type of hormone replacement therapy.

Your body’s systems are all connected, and the cellulite you see is a symptom of something going on (mostly wrong) in your body. It’s important to clear your body of toxins regularly, feed your body what it needs and be aware of ways to keep your hormones balanced.

What can you actually do to reduce cellulite?

• 1. Have a healthy diet, the one that is generically considered ideal for a detox plan. You may want to consider one based on Ayurvedic principles. I’ll often recommend a two week detox plan – some women find it challenging, but most report feeling fantastic once they’ve completed it.
• 1. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps increase muscle tone and burn fat. Both help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• 1. Try to eliminate toxins from your body. Preservatives, chemicals, additives, alcohol and caffeine all test your lymph system. Eliminate sugar completely from your diet. Sugar interferes with Vitamin C metabolism and vitamin C is critical to the formation of elastin and collagen.
• 1. Breathe for healthy skin! Breathing helps lymphatic flow – and it helps you relax. Be mindful to breathe several times a day.
• 1. Take some supplements to reduce cellulite. Consider a high-quality multivitamin, such as the one formulated by Women to Women. It is difficult to get the nutrients we need from the foods we eat. Farming and processing practices have reduced the nutritional values of our foods. A daily multivitamin is an easy way to close the gap between what we our body needs and what we are able to take in on a daily basis.
• 1. Practice lymphatic massage. This will help drain and increase your lymphatic fluid. Become familiar with the gentle finger movements that create pressure to move lymph fluid through your nodes and vessels.
• 1. Do some anti cellulite massages. Gently massage areas of cellulite – massage the area in a circular motion. This will help break down fat and toxins and increase blood flow to the area.
• 1. Manage your stress levels. When our bodies are stressed, blood is directed away from the skin, affecting circulation and decreasing the nutrients being delivered to our skin. Increased cortisol tells the body to store fat which contributes to cellulite.