Cellulite is a condition caused by water damage and weakening of skin cells and connective tissue. It occurs when skin cells deteriorate to an extent that fat cells push up to the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, and become visible at the skin surface. Contrary to popular belief, eating less is not the solution to cellulite, since the condition is related to skin deterioration rather than an accumulation of too much fat in the body. Cellulite prevalence can be reduced, however, by proper nutrition. Nutrition helps heal and revitalize connective tissue, reducing the damage that leads to cellulite.
Foods That Repair
A damaged dermis is susceptible to dehydration and breakage. Lecithin helps rebuild cell walls repair tissue. By ensuring organ hydration and proper functioning, lecithin helps eliminate cellulite. Great sources of lecithin include eggs, soy products, cauliflower, potatoes, spinach and tomatoes. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) help attract water to dehydrated cells and connective tissue and maintain cell hydration. EFAs are fundamental to removing cellulite. Get EFAs from walnuts, flax seeds and cold-water fish such as salmon (wild-caught Alaska) and mackerel. Eat a balanced diet with a variety of protein sources including poultry, fish and eggs to obtain the nine essential amino acids the body requires for the production of collagen and elastin within connective tissues. Leafy green vegetables, nuts and wheat are suitable protein sources for vegetarians. To repair damage to the dermis, adequate levels of the rejuvenating skin strengthener glucosamine should be consumed in the form of a food supplement.
Cellulite Stoppers
According to Dr. Howard Murad in his book "The Cellulite Solution," cellulite requires an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Antioxidants stop the free radical damage that weakens the dermis and results in lumps and dimples. Key antioxidants for skin health include polyphenols, vitamins A, C and E and bioflavonoids. The strongest polyphenol is ellagic acid and is concentrated in foods such as strawberries, raspberries and pomegranates. Eat plenty of yellow and orange fruits and vegetables for their abundance in vitamins A and C. Enrich your diet with dark green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils for their high concentration in vitamin E, which is stored in cell walls and offers immediate protection against free-radical damage. Foods that contain alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) help stop inflammation and tissue damage. Rich sources of ALA include lettuce, broccoli, spinach and beans. GLA is concentrated in seed oils such as blackcurrant and hemp oil.
The Missing Link
To get rid of cellulite, the body must properly metabolize foods rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Consume foods rich in B vitamins and trace minerals for efficient metabolism and smoother, firmer skin. According to Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson in their book "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide," a whole-grain diet with few sugars and complex carbohydrates is beneficial for diminishing cellulite. Whole grains and brewer's yeast are good B-vitamin food sources while nuts and seeds provide adequate amounts of trace minerals. Consume a variety of foods including green leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, nuts, non-fat dairy, fish and poultry to get enough of these nutrients. Patrick Holford, one of Britain's leading nutrition experts and author of "The New Optimum Nutrition Bible," says a diet that restricts saturated fats and includes plenty of essential fatty acids will mobilize fat cells and eliminate cellulite.
References
- "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide"; Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson; 2002
- "The Cellulite Solution"; Howard Murad, M.D.; 2007
- "The New Optimum Nutrition Bible"; Patrick Holford; 2004
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