Cellulite affects between 80 to 90 percent of women and 10 percent of men.
Many believe cellulite to be caused by our genetics and so think they’re doomed to live a life with cellulite. But no! In fact it’s often caused by poor lymphatic flow in the body.
The lymphatic system plays a huge role in the appearance of cellulite. It can be a sign of detoxification problems and a build-up of toxins in the body.
As with most health problems, there’s often an underlying issue bubbling below the surface that shows up as the outward symptom(s) we see. For example, acne and other skin conditions can stem from gut issues like leaky gut.
This is compounded by the fact that the majority of the human population do not detox well.
According to Marla Pietruszko HD BSc RHN, ‘liver toxicity is experienced to some degree by almost every person today in our modern world.’
Our poor bodies are working overtime trying to detox all of these toxins that we come into contact with each day. A lot of these toxins end up stored in our fat cells, where they sit for long periods of time because the body just isn’t able to remove them. While they reside there, they release toxins of their own, adding to the already hefty toxin load the body has to deal with.
Some of the other causes of cellulite include:
- Poor diet
- Genetics
- Dehydration
- Fluid retention
- Poor circulation
- Weak collagen structure of skin
- Increase in body fat (being overweight)
- Hormonal changes
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
Cellulite is caused from uneven deposits of fat under the skin, resulting in that dimpled appearance on areas such as the legs, butt, stomach and back of the arms.
How to Naturally Get Rid of Cellulite
One of the biggest things to address is detoxification.
Dr. Mark Hyman recommends five key steps to achieving healthy detoxification in the body, which include:
- Identify and ret rid of toxins
- Fix your gut – a source of toxic load for many
- Get moving – to help your blood and lymphatic circulation do its job
- Get your liver and detox system working
- Detox your mind, heart and spirit
Marla Pietruszko HD BSc RHN has worked with hundreds of clients, helping to heal their bodies and achieve healthy detoxification. you can DM her on Instagram, or go to her website to inquire further on how to help de-congest your liver and get your detox system working properly.
In the meantime, here are some natural remedies that may help to restore the connective tissue/fat in the body, and also address many of the other possible causes of cellulite.
1. Dry Brushing
Dry brushing has many wonderful benefits, such as encouraging healthy kidney function and digestion, stimulating lymph and blood flow, promoting cell regeneration and tighter skin, and assisting the lymphatic system in releasing toxins stored in the body.
How to Dry Brush
Begin at the feet and start by brushing the bottom of each foot and working your way up your legs in short, smooth strokes (spending about 2-3 minutes on each area). Always brush towards the heart/chest area where lymph drainage happens, never away. Stroking away from your heart can place extra pressure on veins and lymph vessels, potentially leading to ruptured vessels and varicose veins.
Repeat the process for your arms, starting with the palms of your hands and brushing up your arm towards the heart. When you reach the armpits and stomach, brush in clockwise circular motions or continue with short, smooth strokes, moving towards the heart area. Repeat for the abdomen and back, brushing towards the centre of the chest.
How Often Should You Dry Brush?
Dry brushing is something you can do daily as part of your morning routine. Your skin needs to be dry, so it’s best to do it before having a shower.
Selecting a Dry Brush
When choosing a dry brush, keep in mind that the bristles should be natural, not synthetic (as this may irritate the skin). You’ll also want one with an attachable handle to help you get to those hard-to-reach places.
2. Detox Baths
Detox baths are great for promoting detoxification in the body. All you have to do is sit back and relax in the warm water, your body takes care of the rest.
3. Rebalancing Hormones
According to Dee Zibara, Nutritionist and PT, ‘thyroid function needs a lot of zinc and a lot of iodine… The thyroid governs your metabolism.’
Ensuring you consume enough of these important minerals is vital for thyroid and hormonal health.
The thyroid helps regulate many functions in the body by constantly releasing a steady stream of hormones into the bloodstream.
Hormones can play a role in cellulite appearance (which is one of the reasons why it occurs more in women than in men).
4. Regular Exercise
Increasing blood flow to areas such as the stomach, thighs, and buttocks through exercise can help eliminate cellulite (as poor circulation plays a big role in the formation of cellulite).
According to Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, a certified doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist, ‘the most effective workouts for keeping cellulite at bay include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance/weight training, and isometric training (like Pilates).’
5. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can play a role in the formation of cellulite.
According to the Healthline website, by drinking plenty of water, this ‘helps encourage circulation and lymphatic flow.’
6. Coffee Scrub
The caffeine found in the coffee has a tightening and stimulating effect on skin, while exfoliating helps to stimulate blood and lymph flow (similar to dry brushing). This assists with removing toxins and excess fluid from the body.
Coffee Scrub Recipe
- 1/2 cup organic, fair-trade coffee grounds
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar
To make:
- Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl to create a paste.
- Massage the scrub into the skin for a few minutes, using firm pressure (not too hard), and then wash it off using lukewarm water.
- Apply this scrub two to three times a week. You should start to see results within a couple of weeks.
7. Eat More Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and is used to keep skin’s elasticity, youthful plumpness and strength.
Collagen is best consumed internally rather than applied onto skin (such as in things like skin creams), as it’s actually too big to be absorbed by the skin. You’re better off applying coconut oil as a moisturiser for skin.
Bone broth is an excellent source of collagen, as it contains the amino acids proline and glycine (that make up collagen).
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
What has worked for you in getting rid of cellulite? Share below in the comments.
Lots of love,
🖤 Vanessa
Sources:
Harmon, Katherine. (May 4, 2009). Is Cellulite Forever?. Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-cellulite-forever/
Wells, Katie. (December 8, 2018). 9 Natural Remedies for Cellulite. Wellness Mama. Retrieved from https://wellnessmama.com/8608/natural-cellulite-remedies/
Axe, Josh, Dr., DC, DMN, CNS. (March 15, 2017). How to Get Rid of Cellulite — 5 Natural Treatments. Dr. Axe. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/how-to-get-rid-of-cellulite/
Pietruszko Marla, HD BSc RHN. (July 13, 2021). Liver Toxicity is Experienced to Some Degree by Almost Every Person Today in Our Modern World. Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/CRRJXxYrLv7/
Hyman, Mark, MD. Lesson 5: Detoxification. The Ultra Wellness Center. Retrieved from https://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/2012/10/17/lesson-5-detoxification/
Cherney, Kristeen. (May 29, 2020). How to Get Rid of Cellulite on Thighs. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-cellulite-on-thighs
C, Stephanie. (September 11, 2018). How To Get Rid Of Cellulite: 5 Home Remedies That ACTUALLY Work. Expert Home Tips. Retrieved from https://experthometips.com/cellulite-home-remedies-natural
Oliver, Kyra. (June 22, 2017). Start Dry Brushing to Reduce Cellulite + Toxins. Dr. Axe. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/dry-brushing/
Cronkleton, Emily. (Updated: June 15, 2018). What Is Cellulite and How Can You Treat It?. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/cellulite
How does the thyroid gland work?. (Updated: 2021). NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279388/
