Natural Remedies for Reducing Cellulite
Diet, Exercise, and Essential Oils for Cellulite
May 6, 2009
Cellulite is the dimpling of the skin around fatty stores that occurs commonly in females after puberty. Cellulite is believed to be the result of rigid connective tissue that holds fat cells. Cellulite is much more common in women than in men. The rigid connective tissue, which creates the appearance of cellulite, is much more common in females than in males, suggesting that hormones are a factor. However, reducing excess fat stores present throughout the body will in turn reduce the prevalence of cellulite. Diet, exercise, and herbal remedies can be used to combat the appearance of cellulite.
Diet
A diet low in fat and high in fiber can combat cellulite. Of the fats consumed, increase the number of "good fats," such as nuts, fish and fish oils. Limit fatty meats and dairy products. Avoid highly processed and refined foods such as white bread, white sugar, and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Increase your intake of whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, beans and seeds.
Exercise
Exercise is key to the key to good health. It can also help you shed unwanted pounds and in turn reduce the appearance of cellulite in many areas of the body. Any aerobic activity that increases your heart rate will help you shed unwanted pounds. Brisk walking, jogging, bicycling, and swimming are only a few examples of exercises that will help you shed excess fat. Sitting or standing still for long periods of time has also been linked to increased cellulite. Decreased blood flow tends to increase appearance of cellulite. If you have a job that requires you to sit at a desk for long periods of time, participating in some type of aerobic activity during work breaks will help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Other Natural Treatments
Massage of problem areas has also been shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Lymphatic massage works especially well by draining toxins and increasing blood flow to the area. Clothing limiting blood flow to specific areas has also been indicated to increase the appearance of cellulite in those areas.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils can be effectively used in the treatment of cellulite. The best essential oils for cellulite removal and prevention include white birch, sweet fennel, geranium, grapefruit, and juniper. These oils may be applied to the skin in the effected region by mixing the oil with lotion or carrier oils. Use the oils to massage the area effected by cellulite getting the benefit of the oils and increasing blood flow from massage at the same time. The oils may also be applied by adding them to bath water.
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