How to Eliminate Cellulite

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is composed of deposits of subcutaneous fat and fibrous tissue that are responsible for the dimpling or "orange peel" effect in the overlying skin. These deposits most commonly occur on women's thighs, hips, stomach and bottom. Several factors influence whether you have cellulite or not, these include your genes, your gender, the amount of fat on your body, your age and the thickness of your skin.

Whatever you may have heard, there are no miracle products that can make cellulite go away, though some cosmetics may temporarily appear to reduce cellulite this is merely cosmetic and the cellulite is in fact still there. Treatments like liposuction (surgery to remove fat) and mesotherapy (injection of drugs into cellulite) are either expensive or may produce only temporary improvement. Many doctors even warn that liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite because liposuction is designed to remove deep fat instead of cellulite, which is close to the skin.

Can You Undo The Damage of Cellulite?

• The most effective therapy for cellulite reduction is gradual weight loss to slim the subcutaneous fat layer. Crash diets should be avoided as they are often the cause of cellulite build-up in the first place, and only will further pronounce the unsightly "cottage cheese" effect.
• A diet rich in high fibre foods such as legumes, fresh and raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains and brown rice will also help. Not only are these foods satisfying, they help eliminate toxins from the body, and of course you can eat as many raw fruit and vegetables as you like.
• Reduce your intake of dairy products, and use only unsweetened dairy products. Soy is an excellent substitute for milk as it is rich in antioxidants and fortified with calcium.
• Eliminate saturated fats found in red meat, margarine. Replace refined oils with cold-pressed vegetable oils, these contain essential fatty acids which help the body burn excess fat.
• Avoid sweet foods such as cakes, cookies, pasties and also white bread.
• Avoid preserved foods, ketchup and high calorie salad dressings.
• Drink plenty of water, herb teas and unsweetened fruit or vegetable juices.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that humans cannot synthesize, and must be obtained through diet. EFAs are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids. EFAs support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. The human body needs EFAs to manufacture and repair cell membranes, enabling the cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products. A primary function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. EFAs have been shown to help prevent and reduce cellulite.

Omega-6 Oils are found in evening primrose, black current, borage and a number of vegetable oils.

Omega-3 Oils are derived primarily from fish and flax seed oil.