Help! Cellulite!

Cellulite is primarily a lifestyle condition, related to poor diet and lack of exercise. If the daily diet is composed of processed, prepackaged food, fast food, and junk food and continues for 20-40 years, the creation of cellulite is guaranteed.

One of the biggest myths is that cellulite is always associated with obesity. In fact, cellulite can be present on any type of body - even someone struggling with anorexia. Other contributing factors to cellulite are:

• Poor eating habits
• Poor elimination of toxins and waste
• Genetic/Inherent poor circulation
• Hormonal changes
• Injury to a specific area of the body
• Autointoxication

Hormonal imbalance plays a major role in cellulite formation. Sugar intake, as well as stress, creates compromise in the endocrine system. Diary and meat consumption can contribute to hormonal compromise because of the synthetic hormones within these foods. Whether male or female, nine out of ten people have some level of hormonal imbalance. Males are now developing cellulite and breast cancer, traditionally female disorders, as well as thyroid and obesity issues. All can be linked to diet.  Compounding that is the heredity component.

Autointoxication - Toxicity is part of modern life. We carry a lot of toxicity in our bodies; it is called autointoxication. This comes from the toxicity in our lives, caused by food (especially hydrogenated oils (trans-fats) and refined sugar), medication, thoughts, drugs, stimulants (caffeine, smoking), pesticides, and at risk environment. The concentration of toxicity in pollution is one of the downsides of urban living.

The biggest contributing factor of cellulite is our diet. The US has the highest incidence of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes in the world. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is high in fat, salt, and sugar. Much of this is due to our dependence on processed, pre-packaged foods.

These types of foods contain additives, preservatives, flavor enhancers, and colorants. All of these elements, considered toxic wastes, are not digestible by the body. If the body cannot use or eliminate an element, it will store it in the fat cells.

When the body takes in a toxin that it cannot identify or utilize, it will shift into protective mode. If you add to this equation a compromised lymph system (which is stagnant due to lack of exercise and unable to respond to its function of removing waste and toxicity from the system), then the body has no choice but to send the toxin to the fat cells for storage.

If this type of diet continues on a daily basis, the fat cells will eventually become so full that they will burst, like a balloon with too much air. The toxic wastes stored in the fat cells will then spill out into the interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is the liquid that bathes our cells, organs and tissues. The human body is made up of 70% water and most of that is interstitial fluid.

As we continue with the above cycle, the consistency of interstitial fluid will progress from watery to milky to buttermilk to cottage cheese, forming a gel matrix over the fat cells. It’s no accident that cellulite is described as “cottage cheese” skin.

This also will result in micro-edema (fluid retention) because cellulite is an inflammatory condition. What happens with inflammation? Edema is present and the amount that remains in the tissue is determined by how much stagnation exists.

The human body has the ability to fight toxicity; however, as we age, it becomes more difficult for the body to do so.

How to Improve the Appearance of Cellulite

Many believe that cellulite cannot be broken down and moved from the body, but that is not true.

Treatments are not a quick fix and it is important to understand that - it is a process that takes commitment and consistency. If you decide to commit to the task of reversing cellulite, it is important to work with a therapist who will perform professional treatments (body wraps, massage, etc.) which are specifically designed to correct cellulite.

Your daily use of products will reinforce a professional program. Together, you and the therapist will create consistent changes. Usually, the initial program is no less than 6 weeks, depending on the level of cellulite. It is important to remember that it took years to create the condition; it will take 2 months to a year to undo the damage.

Remember, professional treatments will address adhesions, the gel matrix and the condition of the skin. You are responsible for the hard part, following the home program and addressing the lifestyle behaviors--exercise and diet. Without the whole package, lasting results will not occur.

Due to the connection between electrolytic balance and the balance of trace elements and minerals in the body, the use of marine algae makes it a natural choice for correcting cellulite. Our algae have a high content of mineral and trace elements in the appropriate proportions needed for optimum health.

In summary, cellulite has been described as “tissue sludge”. That is exactly what it is. Cellular waste builds up because of a reduction in the skin’s metabolism. The affected skin is lumpy, dimpled, dull, and unappealing in texture.

Cellulite is most commonly found in the upper thigh and buttocks, but may also appear in the arms and abdomen. If you missed it, please read the Fluid Reduction blog. It will tell you how to know the difference between cellulite and fluid retention. It is important to know the difference!