There are a few things most people already know about cellulite. We know that it tends to be hereditary, so if your parents have cellulite, odds are you’ll develop the condition as well.
More women than men suffer from this unsightly condition. In fact, it is estimated that about 90% of women have, or will have, cellulite in their lifetime. While only about 10% of men get cellulite, it’s not unheard of.
We also know that cellulite causes lumps, bumps, and ripples under the skin. Also, once you develop cellulite, it can be very difficult to reverse. Finally, anyone who suffers from cellulite knows they’d rather not have it.
The good news is it’s not impossible to reduce the appearance of cellulite and regain the smooth-looking skin you once enjoyed. If all else fails, there are a number of body contouring options to reduce cellulite, including both surgical options like liposuction and non-invasive procedures like lipo laser treatments.
Those who are likely to develop cellulite can also take steps to prevent it from forming. Whether you have cellulite already or you’re likely to get it, you probably know that an exercise regimen can help to keep your body looking toned and tight.
However, it’s important to understand that, to a degree, you are what you eat. Your diet can play a dramatic role in staving off or reversing the appearance of cellulite. Here are a few things you need to know about the connection between cellulite and your diet.
What Causes Cellulite?
In addition to heredity, the onset of cellulite has to do with the ways in which tissues in the body interact. It generally starts to appear after puberty and commonly begins to show up in women age 25-35. Hormones and lifestyle choices could play a role in the onset and development of cellulite.
Here’s how it happens. As you age, connective tissues between layers of fat and skin in your body can lose elasticity, becoming rigid. This, in and of itself, is not necessarily a problem.
However, most of us also tend to put on some weight as we age. Our fat cells grow and push against the rigid fibers of connective tissues, causing the bumpy appearance that we recognize as cellulite.
The obvious solution, then, is to reduce the size of fat cells. Exercise alone may not be enough to accomplish this goal. What you eat and how much can also play an important role in how well you control the appearance of cellulite.
Overeating
We live in a culture where food is in ample supply. Not only do we have endless choices, but food has become a consumer good, no pun intended. Food is big business and we are constantly bombarded by commercials, billboards, and fast food signage urging us to eat more.
Add to that the fact that many of us have little to no time to prepare healthy, natural meals, leaving us reliant upon the convenience of processed products and fast food restaurants. Plus, there are the portion sizes at restaurants to consider – you’re often given 2-3 times the normal adult portion for a single sitting.
If you fear your diet is a factor in the formation and persistence of cellulite, the best way to start addressing the issues is to take a look at your portion sizes and make sure you’re consuming an appropriate daily caloric intake.
Major Culprits
There are certain dietary options that are almost sure to increase the appearance of cellulite, even if your portion control is right on target. Equally important to how much you eat is the content of those calories.
Salt and sugar are two of the worst culprits when it comes to cellulite. While some sodium in the diet is necessary, too much causes fluid retention that worsens the appearance of cellulite. As for sugar, it is stored in fat cells in preparation for famine conditions, causing cells to expand. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize that both of these items are added to all kinds of foods.
Eating Right
Just as there are foods that lend themselves to the development of cellulite, there are those that can help with the process of cellulite removal. Eating right begins with drinking plenty of water each day to flush toxins from the body.
From there you should eat a healthy, nutritious, and balanced diet consisting mainly of lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables in proper portion sizes. You can also try adding items like flaxseed to boost collagen and strengthen skin, and kelp to burn fat. Eating fresh, organic, unprocessed foods is really your best bet if you want to keep cellulite at bay.
