It’s not just plumper, older women who suffer from ‘orange-peel skin’ on their thighs, hips, bottom and even tummy- many slim, young women suffer too. Sadly, there is no miracle cure for cellulite, however, in this article, BEBE AFRIKANA presents to you some practical tips on how to get rid of cellulite.
FACTS ON CELLULITE
Experts disagree about what causes cellulite. It seems likely that it is an accumulation of fat, fluid and toxins trapped in the hardened network of elastin and collagen fibres in the deeper levels of your skin. This causes the dimpled effect and feel of cellulite areas.
These areas also tend to feel cold to touch because the flow of blood is constricted and the lymphatic system, which is responsible for eliminating toxins can’t work properly. This can worsen the problem and make the cellulite feel purify and spongy.
TESTING FOR CELLULITE
Try squeezing the skin of your upper thigh between your thumb and index finger. If the flesh feels lumpy and looks bumpy, you have cellulite. Further clues may be that these areas look whiter and feel colder than elsewhere on your legs.
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COMMON CAUSES
Cellulite can be caused and/or aggravated by the following:
- A poor diet is full of toxins and puts the body under great strain to get rid of vast quantities of waste. Also, an unhealthy low-fibre, high-fat diet means that the body’s digestive system can’t work effectively to expel toxins from the body.
- Stress and lack of exercise make your body sluggish and can slow down blood circulation and the lymphatic system.
- Hereditary factors- if your mother has cellulite, it’s a fair bet you will have, too.
- Hormones, such as the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy, may contribute.
TACKLING CELLULITE
In the quest to find how to get rid of cellulite, there are dozens of products around designed to treat cellulite, but it is debatable how effective they really are. To actually tackle the problem effectively, you should attempt to follow a three-prolonged approach combining:
- Circulation-boosting tactics
- Diet
- Exercise
BOOST YOUR CIRCULATION
Here are several ways to boost your circulation and your lymphatic system. Whichever one you choose, aim to follow at least 5 minutes a day.
- Use a soft brush on damp or dry skin. Brush the skin in long sweeping movements over the affected area, and make sure you are working in the direction of the heart.
- Use a massage glove or rough sisal mitt in the same way as above.
- Use a cellulite cream. These usually contain natural ingredients such as horse chestnut, ivy and caffeine to boost your circulation. However, you can make them doubly effective by massaging them thoroughly into the skin with your fingertips. Some cellulite creams even come with their own plastic or rubber hand-held mitts to help boost the circulation.
ANTI-CELLULITE DIET
To cleanse your body, you need to follow a healthy low-fat, high-fibre diet- one that contains plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. The great news is if you have any excess weight to lose it will naturally fall away by following these rules:
- Eat at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day.
- Cut down on the amount of fat you eat and look for low-fat alternatives for many foods you buy.
- Water cleanses your system and flushes toxins from body cells, so drink at least 2 litres (quarts) of pure water every day.
- Change from caffeine-laden tea and coffee to herbal teas and decaffeinated coffee. Sip pure fruit juices rather than fizzy drinks.
- Steer clear of alcohol as much as possible as it adversely affects your liver- your body’s main detoxifier.
- Drink a glass of hot water containing the juice of fresh lemon when you get up in the morning- it’s a wonderful way to detoxify your body.
- Avoid eating sugary snacks between meals- eat a piece of fruit, raw vegetables or rice cakes instead.
STEP UP YOUR EXERCISE
Exercise will boost your sluggish circulation and lymphatic system, and encourage your body to get rid of the toxins causing your cellulite. Do a regular aerobic workout, exercising for 20-40 minutes, 3-5 times a week, and choose from these: brisk walking, swimming, cycling, tennis, badminton, aerobic classes or running. It is always wise to consult your doctor before embarking on a new form of exercise.