What is cellulite?
The dimples, ripples and dips you find on your stomach, buttocks and thighs are known as cellulite. These areas form as fat deposits become trapped beneath the skin in connective tissues. Over time they harden and bulge out since the fibers around them are weak. Cellulite increases with age and weight loss.
What causes cellulite?
Unfortunately, women are more likely to have cellulite than men. And contrary to popular belief, it doesn't matter if you're overweight. People of average size, even those who are underweight, can also have cellulite.
There is no one definitive cause, but it can likely be attributed to any of the following: genetics, poor nutrition, stress and lack of exercise. Some researchers also suggest poor circulation and accumulating toxins in the body might play a part, too.
How can I remove cellulite?
People will go to extremes to get rid of cellulite, particularly when it comes to their legs. After all, it's hard to conceal these areas. Of course you can wear pants, but who wants to do that year-round?
The most effective way to minimize the appearance of cellulite is to change the way your body discards excess fat. Here are some suggestions:
1) Keep hydrated - Drink a couple of liters of water every day. This will help flush out toxins. Other beverages, especially caffeine, make you retain water which leads to more cellulite growth.
2) Improve your diet - Eat less grease by giving up fried foods and butter/ margarine. Reach for fruits and fresh vegetables instead of sugary snacks.
3) Limit your sodium intake - Salt also causes you to retain water. Chinese cooking is a big culprit when it comes to this.
4) Load up on Vitamin C - Research shows Vitamin C helps eliminate toxins from your body. Therefore the less waste there is in your system, the less chance it has to build up into cellulite.
5) Avoid processed foods - Most foods these days are produced with chemical additives. Before buying them, read the nutrition labels. Stay away from foods with long ingredient lists. Make an effort to eat healthier which will pay off in the long run.
6) Try yoga - Yoga is an excellent way to improve poor circulation which is a likely cause of cellulite.
7) Exercise - There are several ways you can go about this:
a) Weight Training - This will boost your metabolism and ultimately reduce body fat throughout your body.
b) Leg exercises - Leg raises and squats are the most helpful in getting rid of cellulite.
c) Keep moving - Swimming, walking and stretching exercises will also give you results.
8) Brushes and massages - The first helps to correct circulation. The second moves wastes through (and hopefully out of) your body.
9) Creams - There are many products out there that claim they get rid of cellulite. The main reason they work though is because of the massaging action.
10) Body wraps - The process entails being massaged and then wrapped in linens that have been soaked in herbal extracts.
11) Dietary supplements - Ginkgo biloba, fish oil, soy lecithin, sweet clover and oil of evening primrose are just some examples. These supplements help speed up your metabolism, boost circulation and break down fats.
12) Surgery - The most extreme and expensive option is also the most controversial. Liposuction is a quick fix when it comes to cellulite removal, but most critics argue it only makes the problem worse.
Removing leg cellulite takes time, but you will gradually notice results when you commit to the above process.
Mandy has researched this subject after being a chronic sufferer for years. Traditional creams and methods simply have not worked for her. The best and sometimes amazing alternatives are featured at Mandy's website. If you would like to know more about this embarrassing condition and some amazing new treatment methods that actually work, visit Mandy's site at: Cellulite on Legs [http://cellulite-treatments.com] It could change your life!
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