Table of Contents
Main causes
Cellulite or orange peel skin is due to a slowing of circulation blood and lymphatic. Thanks to the circulatory and lymphatic systems, in fact, the cells of our body receive the nourishment and oxygen necessary for their survival and get rid of the waste produced by them. If these systems do not function efficiently, clearly the cells will also be affected, including those of the adipose tissue.
When the metabolic waste of adipocytes are not eliminated, they accumulate and “swell” the cell, and then pour into the extracellular spaces: this is a a condition known as water retention, characterized by swelling. The accumulation of liquids tends to further slow down the circulation, further worsening the situation until the appearance of cellulite, which can be found in what we define orange peel skin, with visible depressions on the skin. The known “holes” of cellulite are the result of a inflammatory process which is established to repair the tissues damaged by swelling. The normal tissue that “holds together” the adipocytes is replaced by new fibrous tissue, less functional than the original one. This is why the skin no longer appears smooth and homogeneous but has dimples of varying sizes.
What are the causes that slow down blood and lymphatic circulation? At the base of these problems there is one genetic predisposition on which it is difficult to intervene, but there are also eating habits and behaviors on which you can act to prevent the appearance of cellulite or avoid aggravating the situation if you suffer from this disorder. In particular, cellulite worsens in case of:
Knowing the causes on which one can intervene, it is certainly easier to define a strategy to fight cellulite and get rid of this imperfection.
Remedies
As we have seen, there are numerous causes of cellulite and therefore different areas in which to intervene to get rid of it, from nutrition to lifestyle in general. In addition, there are some natural remedies that can offer valuable support.
Nutrition and lifestyle
Nutrition and lifestyle are the first two aspects to consider if you want to get rid of cellulite.
In fact, a healthy and balanced diet provides numerous substances able to counteract the inflammation that accompanies cellulite and improve the tone and functionality of the blood vessels. What the diet should include? Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, extra virgin olive oil, sources of omega-3 and a part of proteins of animal origin, preferring fish and lean meats. The salt and alcoholic beverages they should be limited as much as possible as sodium promotes fluid retention and alcohol worsens inflammation, slows metabolism and damages cells. In addition to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, a healthy diet allows you to regain or maintain your ideal weight and guarantees the body hydration and fiber, which are important for intestinal well-being and functionality and to counteract constipation, one of the causes of cellulite.
In addition to nutrition movement is also fundamental. To combat cellulite, brisk walking is particularly suitable, as it stimulates circulation. Walk for 30-40 minutes a day it can significantly improve the imperfections of the orange peel. But pay attention to the posture, because if the foot does not rest correctly you can have problems with both the joints and the circulation. It is therefore good to choose appropriate shoes and check foot support, contacting a professional to correct any defects in this regard. In addition to shoes, clothing is also important: very tight pants compress the vessels, worsening microcirculation and lymphatic flow.
If you do a sedentary activity and spend many hours sitting, to improve circulation better avoid crossing your legs. On the other hand, those who stand a lot can use graduated compression stockings. Either way, it is good to take advantage of every opportunity for move during the day: taking the stairs, walking back and forth when waiting for the train or bus, walking or cycling to commute to work or for daily errands. An extra help comes from staying with them legs raised for five minutes a day, lying on the floor or on the bed and placing the legs on a wall or a vertical support.
Natural remedies
Let’s now look at the most effective anti-cellulite remedies, which are offered to us by nature to reduce inflammation, promote the elimination of excess fluids and improve microcirculation. To eradicate cellulite, the plants with diuretic action, which should be taken as an infusion: these include birch, orthosiphon, horsetail, bean and cherry peduncles. Against theinflammation and to improve the circulation you can instead resort to centella and turmeric, to always be taken internally. By contacting your trusted herbalist you can choose the most suitable remedy among those listed.
Externally, they can be perform lymphatic drainage massages which help drain the fluids accumulated on the calves, legs, thighs, buttocks and abdomen towards the lymph nodes, so that they can be disposed of. In addition to the massage performed by professionals, you can also use the anti-cellulite massage do it yourself, using creams based on ivy and butcher’s broom or massage oils prepared with 100 milliliters of sunflower oil added with 10 drops of juniper essential oil, 10 drops of lemon essential oil and 10 drops of mint essential oil.
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