The Dreaded Cellulite

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We have  all seen cruel pictures of celebrities with cellulite who have been snapped at an unflattering angle. 
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It is estimated that over 85% of women are affected by cellulite.  Millions of women all over the world are haunted by cellulite. 

What is cellulite? 
The definition of cellulite is "persistent subcutaneous fat causing dimpling in the skin", especially on women's hips and thighs. Basically, t is excess fat and toxins that become lodged under the skin. The fibers become hard and  the fat is compressed, which causes a rippled or unsmoothed look. Unfortunately, women are the victims when it comes to cellulite, while men get away without it. In fact, it would be very rare for a man to have cellulite.

Hormonal changes that women go through in their lifetime, such as during pregnancy and menopause, play a role in cellulite. Even slim women find they can develop it. We all have small fat on our bodies, so we are all susceptible to it. Cellulite is something we can blame on our bodies, so we are all susceptible to it. Cellulite is something we can blame on your genes, however, and many people find it runs in the family. So if your mom has cellulite, it's likely that you could develop it too. 

I always believe that it's better to know the facts-that way you can deal with the problem. As you get older and your skin becomes thinner, you are more prone to developing cellulite. Also, when you lose weight , you might find that your cellulite appears to be worse than before. This is because you skin becomes looser as it sheds the pounds. Cellulite develops primarily on our thighs and hips because the enzyme lipoprotein lipase transports fat to tissues  around the body. Apart from these areas, it can also be found on the stomach and bottom. Often it is a real cause of upset for women and many find that it affects their confidence. Take comfort in the fact that you are not on your own; it's just one of those things you have to contend with. The bad news is that there is no wonderful, instant cure for cellulite, although there are steps that you can take to try to reduce its appearance. 

Give yourself a massage

Time for some pampering, as one of the things known to improve the appearance of cellulite is a good massage. Treat yourself from time to time, or you can even do this yourself daily at home, without spending a penny. Massaging the affected area is said to help improve circulation and also get rid of trapped toxins in the body. This makes it possible to break down the cellulite and ultimately make the skin smoother. 

Related post: Where We Store Fat

Avoid processed, fatty and sugary food

They do not do cellulite any favor, so avoiding these will help. These are foods that cause the accumulation of fat and toxins underneath our skin. Good food will help to break down these deposits, so it is possible to get rid of them. Going forward, keep in mind the importance of detoxing and cleansing your body of the build-up.

Cut down on coffee, fizzy drinks and alcohol

These all contribute towards the build-up of toxins in our body and can lead to cellulite. When you drink coffee and alcohol, your body can become dehydrated and in turn, your fat cells hold on to more liquid. As a result, these cells begin to swell up under the skin and appear as cellulite. Water is always the best option. 

Drink plenty of water

This will help to flush out your system and also keep you hydrated. The amount you need to drink every day depends on a number of factors, including size, how physically active you are and what the temperature is. We obviously need more water during hot weather to stay hydrated. 

Eat more fruit, vegetables and foods containing fiber

These are all great for getting toxins out of your system

Exercise Regularly

This can really help cellulite, especially any physical activity that involves fat burning. Try doing a level of cardio exercise to get your heart rate up. Cardio exercise is the one that burns calories and this is what you need. Running and cycling are good examples. Also, squats are great as they concentrate on the specific area where cellulite occurs. 

Limit your salt intake

Salt contributes to the build-up of toxins in the body, which in turn leads to cellulite.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke and suffer from cellulite, it's time to quit. People who smoke are likely to find that their skin ages more quickly than others, because smoking assists in the breakdown of collagen. This in turn leads to your skin becoming thinner at a younger age, making cellulite more apparent