Cellulite is a persistent, frustrating, and often embarrassing condition. It strikes eight out of 10 women, and is nearly impossible to get rid of, according to the Mayo Clinic. There's no cure for cellulite but there is a fighting chance to at least reduce its appearance, and it can be done at home without the use of expensive lasers and plastic surgery.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is the lumpy deposits of fat that push against your skin, causing it to look dimpled. It's frequently described as cottage cheese skin, or orange peel skin. It happens when fat cells accumulate between the thick, connective tissues beneath your skin. When the fat cells push against your skin and the tissues are pulling down, it creates an uneven, lumpy surface, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most girls and women get cellulite, according to KidsHealth.org, and it's typically distributed on the hips, thighs and buttocks, though occasionally it might show up on the breasts, lower abdomen, and upper arms.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite has a variety of causes, but the Mayo Clinic suggests that genetics may play the biggest role in determining whether you develop cellulite. If people in your family have it, it's likely you will too. It's also more common in older people because skin loses elasticity as you age. Stress, an inactive lifestyle, and taking hormonal birth control have all also been linked to cellulite, according to the Mayo Clinic. Weight gain can make existing cellulite much more noticeable, but is typically not a cause of it.
Dieting and Cellulite
Cellulite may have the stigma of being a condition caused by being overweight, but that isn't quite true. Thin people are also prone to cellulite, according to a 2010 article in the Times of London. And while there is no way to prevent or cure cellulite, certain diets may assist in reducing the amount of cellulite you have, or at least making it less noticeable. A study highlighted in the Times article recommends eating lean, protein-rich foods such as turkey, nuts and skim milk at every meal because they help strengthen and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. You should also eat foods with lecithin, such as eggs, spinach and cauliflower, because it helps restore dermal cells. Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants will help to prevent free radical damage, and the fatty acids from fish can help to improve the appearance of skin. All of these diet tricks can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite, according to the Times of London.
Exercise and Cellulite
Exercise is a helpful technique in reducing the appearance of cellulite, according to the American Council on Exercise. If you don't have cellulite, regular exercise can help prevent you from getting it in the future. The ACE recommends daily cardio exercise such as running or swimming, along with two to three strength training sessions per week. However, the best method to reduce cellulite is pairing exercise with a healthy diet, according to the ACE.
Concerns
Cellulite shouldn't raise any health concerns, according to the Mayo Clinic. Occasionally, an excess of cellulite can be a sign of being overweight, but it is common in thin women, as well. If you have concerns about your weight, you should see a doctor.
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