For many individuals, especially women, cellulite is a source of great angst. It can lead to low self-esteem and a feeling of being uncomfortable in one’s own skin. Women are more susceptible to cellulite formation, though men are not entirely exempt from this bodily phenomenon. Scan the shelves of your local pharmacy and chances are that you will spot several products that claim to eradicate cellulite in record time. While it may be tempting to opt for one of these off-the-counter pharmaceutical products, keep in mind that these products are artificial in nature. Why subject your body to medicinal products that are bound to leave your system riddled with one side effect or the other, when you can select a natural, side-effect free remedy to combat cellulite?
Before we delve into the five most effective natural remedies that you can adopt for cellulite depletion, let’s take a quick peek into the domain of cellulite itself.
Cellulite: An Overview
While the word ‘cellulite’ may conjure up images of a complicated condition in your mind, be assured that it is nothing more than a fancy name awarded to the deposition of excess fat underneath the skin. The appearance of the skin, due to this collection of fatty deposits, becomes dimpled or puckered. As mentioned earlier, cellulite formation affects women more than it affects men. The abdomen, pelvic region and thighs are especially vulnerable to becoming dimpled.
There are many reasons for the formation of cellulite including, but not limited to, the following:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Improper dietary habits
- Inadequate water intake
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Natural thickness of the skin
- Skin color
While surgery or medication may seem like the fastest cure, it may not necessarily be the best one. We suggest that you give these natural remedies a shot before taking the leap and opting for artificial cures.
Natural Cure # 1: Exercise
Cardio exercises are touted as one of the most effective ways to reduce cellulite in the thigh and buttock region. You can choose from a whole host of cardio exercises, in fact, you should select your favorite one so that your drive to exercise does not wane with time. For those who love cycling, start off at a medium pace and gradually increase your speed during the course of a thirty to forty-five minute cycling session. Running, swimming, jogging and walking are great cardio exercises which work wonders on keeping your legs and buttocks toned.
Of course you could always opt for exercise routines that focus on the lower half of the body. Fitness experts recommend the regular practice of leg extensions and lunges. One form of the lunge exercise involves the use of 2.5 kg dumbbells, which the individual is required to hold in each hand. Squats are an excellent exercise for those looking to reduce cellulite from the buttocks.
Avoid high impact exercises, such as running on the road, if you do not engage in physical activity regularly. Sudden exposure to strenuous exercises can render the body susceptible to several health concerns, including arthritis.
Natural Cure # 2: A Balanced Diet
Yes it is true that the physical appearance of cellulite is a result of excess fat. However, this does not in any way imply that a diet that borders on starvation is the ideal solution. The cellulite elimination diet is ideally rich in nutrients and low in fat. Declare processed foods to be your mortal enemy for all intents and purposes, and look the other way when foods containing refined carbohydrates, sugars and saturated fats attempt to lure you towards them. This means that regular consumption of white bread, pastries, cakes, fried food, and all other forms of junk food must come to a grinding halt. Oh yes, and soda consumption should be completely replaced by water consumption.
Drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day will not only help to keep your skin hydrated but will also flush out the toxins in your body. Make a conscious effort to include fresh fruit juices in your diet plan too. Your new dietary agenda should include the natural goodness of beans, whole grains, fresh salads, lean meats such as poultry and fish, leafy green vegetables and a variety of fruits. With rich nutrients, adequate fiber, and the goodness of omega-3, your journey to cellulite reduction will be well underway.
Natural Cure # 3: Coffee Scrub
Caffeine is a common ingredient in many anti-cellulite creams. Instead of purchasing a medicinal concoction of coffee extract, you can easily whip up a coffee scrub in the comfort of your home. A homemade coffee scrub is great a way to exfoliate your skin, maintain its softness, and keep it hydrated.
Procedure:
To make a coffee scrub use two cups of regular coffee grounds, two-third tablespoon of olive oil, and one half cup of white sugar. Once the ingredients have been mixed well together, apply the scrub wher ever there is cellulite formation. Massage the area with steady circular motions. Store the scrub in an air tight container. Repeat this regimen once or twice a day.
Natural Cure # 4: Dry Brushing
Dry brushing can be carried out with the use of a brush that is made of natural materials (preferably vegetable derived), with bristles that are somewhat stiff but not too hard. The activity of dry brushing improves circulation and promotes the elimination of toxins from the skin.
Instructions:
Start at your feet, gradually work your way up the legs on both sides. Proceed by working from the arms towards the chest. While massaging your stomach, be sure to direct the brush counterclockwise. Avoid dry brushing in circular motions or sudden back and forth motions. Ensure that dry brushing is always carried out in the direction of the heart.
Natural Care # 5: Myofascial Massage
Cellulite forms in the superficial fascia, a layer of connective tissue that lies just below the skin. It is this layer that contains fat cells. Inactivity, injury or improper exercise, can lead to a puckered up or dimpled appearance of the skin. Not only does the superficial fascia become more fibrous, thickened and coarse, but it can also adhere to underlying structures that it normally slides over. Myofacial massage has emerged as one of the remedies to this issue. Some therapists are experts at performing a type of massage called myofascial massage which targets this layer of connective tissue and attempts to restore it to its previous smooth state.
Conclusion
These natural remedies will not guarantee a quick fix, unlike many medicinal products that claim to have what it takes to eliminate cellulite. However, what they do guarantee is a side-effect free path to cellulite reduction. And remember, patience is of paramount importance when natural remedies are being used.
As is always advised, be sure to consult your doctor before implementing a new remedy, be it homemade or medicinal in nature.
