Natural Remedies for Cellulite
Image: Land of Women
Cellulite is a condition that many women of all ages struggle with regardless of body shape and size. A concentration of fat deposits between the muscle and connective tissue push up against the connective tissue creating a dimpled appearance known as cellulite. For many women, this shows up on the hips, thighs, and abdomen.
We are often told that there is nothing that we can do about cellulite. Though genes can sometimes play a part, diet, hormonal changes and lifestyle are often the underlying cause. An increase in exercise, circulation, and lymphatic flow can offer dramatic results. Integrating healing foods, regulating hormones, and self-massage can clear and heal undesired cellulite on your bum, thighs, arms, and abdomen.
Nourishment
Increase Water Intake Hydration is important for every function of the body, and dehydration can be a major contributor to cellulite. Dehydration impedes the body’s ability to process, digest, and assimilate food, water also supports the lymphatic system in flushing waste and stagnation from the body. When the body is dehydrated, the appearance of cellulite is increased.
Aim to drink ½ your body weight in oz. of water per day. Those who have an active lifestyle, sweat more, or drink coffee or alcohol (which are diuretics and flush fluids from the system) are all prone to excess fluid loss and should increase their water intake by a full glass or two. Remember, when you start to feel thirsty you are already dehydrated, so sip throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.
A clean, whole foods diet- Yes, cellulite is made up of fat deposits, but it does not mean we should avoid fats completely. In fact, eating a well-balanced diet that is high in healthy fats will actually help to prevent or eliminate fat deposits. Foods rich in Omega-3s such as nuts, wild fish, olive oil and coconut oil, are great options.
An increase of collagen can help increase elasticity in the skin, decreasing the appearance of cellulite. The best source is collagen is from grass-fed cows or wild fish, and can be found in powder form which can be added to smoothies, stews, and soups. There are also vegan options made from herbs like nettle and horsetail which boost collagen production.
A diet high in fiber to flush out toxins in our digestive tract, protein to help build lean muscle, and fruits and vegetables (due to their high nutrient value) should all be incorporated as well. Ground Flax seeds are a great source of fiber and, as a bonus, contain lignans that pull excess estrogen out of the body. Elevated estrogen levels can also contribute to the appearance of cellulite (hence why cellulite is more common in women). Other high fiber options include: psyllium husk, chia seeds, pears, dates, lentils, beans, leafy greens, broccoli, avocado, sweet potatoes, and bananas.
Foods to Increase
Hydrating fruits & vegetables - Cucumbers, zucchini, celery, watermelon, berries, and citrus fruits will keep you hydrated preventing bloating and dry skin that tends to increase the appearance of cellulite
Protein- Incorporating quality organic free-range poultry, grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish and organic pasture eggs, along with organic protein powders, will support to reduce cellulite as it will increase the body’s metabolism.
Potassium-rich foods: These foods will aid in flushing excess fluids, wastes and estrogen out of the body’s cells along with reducing cellulite. Avocados, acorn squash, spinach, sweet potato, green leafy veggies, wild-caught salmon, bananas and coconut water are all amazing choices.
Herbs
Gotu Kola: Taken internally, it increases circulation, tightens skin and helps with skin repair.
How to use: Sipping on gotu kola tea, applying it as a cream onto skin or supplementing it via capsule. Start slowly with 1 gram daily, slowly increasing over time up to 4 grams. *Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding
Horse Chestnut: Used topically in creams, horse chestnut increases blood flow, decreases pore size and tones the capillaries of the skin, giving firmness to the skin from the outside.
How to use: Apply cream directly to skin over problem areas.
Maca: As an adaptogenic herb that helps balance hormones, reach for Yellow Maca, which is specific to female hormone balancing.
How to use: An organic/raw maca powder can be added to smoothies or recipes. Start with 1 tbsp daily, increasing to 3-4 tbsp (1 to 20 grams).
Cayenne: Cayenne is able to restore circulation in the body having the effect of opening the capillaries. It also stimulates circulation and helps to eliminate toxins in the body.
How to use: add to daily cooking and savory recipes.
Thyme: As an oil, thyme is a stimulant that activates circulation and reduces cellulite. It also tonifies while strengthening the circulatory system to get the blood flowing properly.
How to use: Diffuse 2-3 drops of the oil or adding 2-3 drops into a warm bath or to a massage oil. You can also add thyme to meals or make thyme tea to help increase internal circulation.
Lifestyle Support
Exercise Cellulite is a buildup of fat and may be an indicator that there is an imbalanced ratio of lean muscle to fat in the body. Incorporating weight training into your routine 2-3 times a week, with a focus on areas where cellulite occurs, will help diminish the appearance of cellulite by replacing the fat deposits with lean muscle. Movement will also help to increase circulation and blood flow.
Try: A balanced workout routine that includes cardio & resistance training. Explore interval training that increases metabolism and stamina.
Hot/Cold Shower therapy For those who can handle it- Cold therapy improves circulation and stimulates the clearance of inflammation from the body. Start with exposing all body parts to a comfortable temperature then, turn down the heat to lowest coldest temperature, continuing to expose all body parts. Doing this pattern a couple of times will give you the full beneficial effects.
Infrared Sauna/Steam Room/Detox Baths Increasing our body’s natural detoxification method of sweating is an easy and enjoyable way to support the body. If your yoga studio or gym has an infrared sauna or steam room, take advantage and let your body sweat it out. If you don’t have access to these, try an at-home steam shower or a detox bath.
Dry Brushing is a self-care tool that aids in increasing circulation, exfoliating the skin and supporting lymphatic function, all of which help to reduce cellulite. Always dry brush before you shower, when your skin is dry, and invest about 5-10 minutes for the process. Start with the ends of your extremities, brushing upwards and towards your heart to complement the flow of your blood. Once you get to your torso, move in a circular, clockwise motion.
Self-Massage (abhyanga) is a great way to increase circulation (and self-love) and help break up the fat deposits under the connective tissue. It can be done with massage oil such as jojoba, almond or coconut oil. Begin by massaging the oil into your skin where cellulite appears. With your hands, use gentle, sweeping motions to bring blood flow and circulation to the area. Proceed by firmly massaging the skin and using circular motions to break up these deposits. You can also try using a gua sha tool, which will offer a more powerful flow of energy to the area and makes it easier to apply even pressure.
You can also support your lymphatic system through lymphatic drainage massage, which is a gentle massage along the lymphatic system to help release any blockages and get the system flowing. Because of the sensitivity of this system, it is recommended to go to a professional for this sort of treatment.
DIY Recipes
Coffee + Cinnamon Scrub
Coffee works to detox the skin, helping to drain out water retention, while cinnamon increases blood flow and circulation. You can make an easy at-home coffee scrub to add to your self-care routine.
Recipe
In a jar or bowl combine:
1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 tbsp.ceylon cinnamon
2 tbsp. of coconut oil
Apply the scrub to your body before or after showers and spend 5-10 minutes massaging it into your skin, then quickly rinse. The coconut oil will leave your skin moisturized, giving elasticity and will assist in decreasing cellulite.
Detoxifying Bath Blend Recipe
1 cup Epsom salt
5 drops Juniper Oil
2-3 tbsp Bentonite Clay
Mix all together in a bathtub with warm water and soak at least 20 minutes.
DIY Massage Oil
Desired Carrier oil (jojoba, coconut, apricot)
2-3 drops of Rosemary essential oil
2-3 drops of Lavender essential Oil