Cellulite seems to be one of
those problems that plagues many women these days. Based on the number of times
remedies for cellulite appear in women’s magazines and websites, I’m guessing
that this is also a problem we still haven’t solved. Most sources agree that the
dimpled appearance of cellulite occurs due to problems/imbalance in the
connective tissue and fat in a person’s body but there are many theories about
what may cause this imbalance. It seems that hormones, diet, lifestyle and genetics
all play a role but are not absolutes. While those who are overweight
tend to have a higher chance of getting cellulite, many thin women complain of
it as well.
Below are natural remedies I’ve
either tried myself or had trusted sources recommend. They should all help
balance the connective tissue/fat in the body and address the many possible
causes. Either way, these things are beneficial for other reasons too so they
are worth a try!
1. Dry Brushing
This is one remedy
that there may not be any scientific evidence that it works but that there is a
lot of anecdotal support for. Either way, it feels great and helps stimulate
blood and lymph flow in the body. Here are some specifics from this:
“How often:
Dry skin brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is
something you can — and should — be doing daily, even twice a day. Your skin should
be dry, so the ideal time is in the shower before you turn on the water. Just a
reminder, don’t get the brush wet.
Direction: You should only brush towards the heart. Making long
sweeps, avoid back and forth, scrubbing and circular motions. Start at your
feet, moving up the legs on both sides, then work from the arms toward your
chest. On your stomach, direct the brush counterclockwise. And, don’t brush too
hard: Skin should be stimulated and invigorated but not irritated or red.
Type of brush: The bristles should be natural, not synthetic, and
preferably vegetable-derived. The bristles themselves should be somewhat stiff,
though not too hard. Look for one that has an attachable handle for
hard-to-reach spots, if necessary.
Benefits: In addition to sloughing away dry skin on areas
like knees, elbows and ankles, body brushing promotes tighter skin, cell
renewal and blood flow. This also helps the lymphatic system release toxins
and aids in digestion and kidney function. You’ll also notice a glowy,
smooth complexion. We love it because it’s one of the easiest, cheapest and
most effective things we can do for promoting healthy skin.”
It seems that a
natural bristle semi-firm brush with a handle is best and I keep mine in
the shower to use daily right before showering.
2. Consuming Gelatin
According to Nourishing Traditions and
much of the information I’ve read from the Weston A. Price foundation,
there are various health benefits to Gelatin, including:
§ Gelatin supports skin, hair and nail growth
§ It is good for joints and can help joint recovery
§ Can help tighten loose skin (like the kind you get after
having four babies in five years…)
§ Can improve digestion since it naturally binds to water and
helps food move more easily though the digestive track
§ Rumored to help improve cellulite
§ Great source of dietary collagen (side note: collagen is too
large to be absorbed by the skin, so those skin creams are pretty useless… get
it internally and use coconut oil for lotion!)
§ Source of protein (though not a spectacular one) but its
specific amino acids can help build muscle.
Gelatin is
largely composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many people
don’t consume in adequate amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous
tissues and organs of animals and as a population, we don’t consume these parts
as much anymore. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair
and nail growth, but for optimal immune function and weight regulation!
One theory is that
the decline of gelatin containing foods in our diets has led to an increase in
cellulite as we don’t have the needed building blocks for healthy connective
tissue. Either way, it is another remedy that is good for other reasons and
worth a try.
3. Myofascial Massage
One theory is
that: “Cellulite forms in the superficial fascia, a layer of connective tissue
below the skin that contains fat cells. Superficial fascia is fibrous and due
to inactivity, injuries, and improper exercise, adhesions (scar tissue) in the
fascia can form contributing to the bunched-up or rippled look of the skin. Not
only does the superficial fascia become more fibrous, thickened and coarse,
less flexible, but it can also adhere to underlying structures that it normally
slides over.”
Some therapists are
able to perform a type of massage called myofascial massage or myofascial
release, which smoothes this layer of connective tissue and can apparently also
help with some types of muscle and joint problems that are related to
imbalances in the fascia.
For those of us who
don’t have access to regular massage, it seems that using a deep tissue foam
roller regularly can greatly help as well.
4. Coffee Scrub
Coffee scrubs can be
beneficial in reducing cellulite as well. The massage and exfoliation benefits
skin by stimulating blood/lymph flow and the caffeine in the coffee has a
tightening effect. Coffee scrubs and wraps working for reducing cellulite
and loose skin, and like the other remedies, it is at least worth a try. If
nothing else, coffee smells great and this scrub will exfoliate skin:
You will need:
§ 1/4 cup coffee grounds
§ 3 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar
§ 2-3 Tablespoons of melted coconut oil
What to do:
Combine the
ingredients to create a paste-like consistency (note that it will harden if
cooled if you are using unrefined coconut oil). Store in a glass jar.
To Use:
Massage in to skin
for several minutes using firm pressure and wash as usual. Use 2-3 times a
week. Results should be visible within a couple of weeks.
Omega-3s
Another theory is that consumption of the wrong kinds of fats
leads to an imbalance of the fatty acids that the body needs for smooth skin
and tissue. There is some evidence that consuming enough Omega-3 fatty acids
and fat soluble vitamins will help reduce cellulite over time. Either way,
Omega-3s and fat soluble vitamins are important for many other functions in the
body, so it won’t hurt to try it!
No comments:
Post a Comment