What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a series of ripples of fat cells and subcutaneous connective tissue under the skin. Usually found on the thighs and butt, especially in women, it has a characteristic ‘orange peel’ appearance. It affects women but very few men, probably because of a difference in cell structure between men and women.

What Causes Cellulite?
We don’t know why cellulite is caused. Some experts believe it is caused by a problem in the fat cells. Others believe toxins in the system are responsible for cellulite. Other experts think hormones cause cellulite. As yet, no consensus has emerged as to the root cause of cellulite.
One plausible explanation – which also explains why very few men suffer from cellulite – is based on the composition and behavior of women’s fat cells and the connective tissue that holds them in place. Very simply, a woman’s connective tissue is very inflexible, so as she gains weight and her fat cells expand, they tend to bulge upwards towards the surface of the skin, giving the classic orange-peel appearance of cellulite. In men, not only is there generally less fat on the thighs, but also the outer skin is thicker and thus obscures what is happening to any surplus fat below.

Does Being Overweight Cause Cellulite?
By itself, being overweight does not automatically cause cellulite. True, many people with obesity do have cellulite, but some don’t. Also, some people with cellulite have slim figures and an ideal weight. Post menopausal women tend to have more cellulite than younger people, although it’s also prevalent in adolescents.  However, there is a clear association between excess fat and cellulite. The enlarged fat cells put pressure on connective tissue which affects the skin’s smoothness and tautness. To keep the layer of connective tissue between the fat cells supple, eat foods rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C.

Does Dieting Help to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite?
Like any other fat or fat cells, cellulite fat responds to calorie-restriction and is burned off by calorie-deficit, but it is the stored fat that goes away – the fat cell is still present and can refill if calorie excess resumes. That is why many treatments of cellulite are directed at the surgical removal of the fat cells themselves.

Which Products Help to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite?
There is no non-surgical cure for cellulite, although certain products may help alleviate symptoms. The herb Gota kola seems to help relieve symptoms of cellulite: so does a good quality Aloe Vera cream.  Try rubbing a good quality aloe vera cream into the cellulite-affected areas But no product offers a complete cure for cellulite.

Short-Term Cleansing Diet For Cellulite
Here are some very useful foods to include in your cleansing diet to help your cellulite. Eat organic whenever possible.
Fresh Fruit:
Containing fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (eg. bioflavonoids and anti-ageing anthocyanidins), as well as water, fruit is one of the top health and cleansing foods. The vitamin C in particular contains antioxidants that combat the harmful free-radicals found in things like, alcohol, fried and smoked food and cigarette smoke.  Especially healthy fruits include: apples, blueberries, cherries, blackberries, cantaloupe melons, cranberries, grapefruit, grapes, kiwifruit, mango, oranges, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries.  Note: Start the day by drinking a glass of hot water with a squeeze of lemon. This helps to detox your liver and revitalise the body.

Fresh Vegetables:
Like fruit, vegetables contain fiber as well as a huge range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. In particular, some vegetables are good sources of the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E which help improve resistance against serious disease. Antioxidant-rich foods are also supposed to strengthen the skin’s connective tissue; helpful because weak connective tissue permits the intrusion of fatty cells into the epidermis causing the familiar appearance of cellulite on thighs and butt.  Especially healthy veggies include: artichokes, bell-peppers, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, fennel, leeks, onions, salad leaves, spinach, tomatoes.

Nuts and Seeds:
Containing omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins like B-complex, and vitamin E, as well as important antioxidant minerals like selenium (Brazils), nuts and seeds are another super-health food. Eat unsalted nuts, like almonds, cashews, brazil nuts and walnuts; seeds like sunflower, flaxseeds, poppy seeds and pumpkin seeds.

Herbs and Spices:
Among the best are: chili, chives, garlic, ginger, mustard, parsley.

Water:
Drink only mineral water. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Good Fat:
Never use cheap oils and any of the junk foods containing them. When cooking, use butter or unprocessed coconut oil. Put only extra-virgin olive oil or organic sour cream in your soups and salads.

Fiber:
When you do not eat enough fiber and cellulite is a problem, your diet  may contain more of the foods that can cause cellulite. Any salty or fatty foods will go straight to your hips and thighs if you do not use fiber to prevent this from happening. Fiber acts like a scrub brush for the body. Fiber will improve circulation and improve your skin’s appearance from the inside out.

Body Brushing is a great way to Reduce Cellulite:
Body brushing helps our lymphatic drainage system to remove toxins from the body. In so doing, it helps to reduce cellulite in our thighs and butt, where fats, proteins and waste products tend to accumulate.
Body brushing is not a miracle cure for cellulite, but it does help, especially if you improve your dietary habits. Five minutes dry body brushing before your bath or shower helps cellulite by getting fluid moving and boosting blood flow.  Use a natural bristle brush and take long strokes. Start at your feet, brushing up your legs and thighs towards the groin. Work in circular movements over the tummy, then do hands and arms, back and across the shoulders.  Use gentle downward strokes on your neck, throat and chest.  Your skin may redden and start tingling as the body-brushing increases the circulation in areas of greatest fat-concentration.

What should I avoid to reduce Cellulite?
If you don’t like the idea of liposuction weight loss surgery, you can help control and reduce cellulite by cleansing your system, reducing your weight, bad fat and getting active. When following a short-term cleansing diet to try and reduce the appearance of cellulite, avoid the following.
Caffeine:
Experts consider that the stimulant caffeine has a negative effect on lymph flow and blood circulation, as it causes small blood vessels to constrict. This reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and skin and may inhibit cell metabolism, resulting in a build-up of waste products. The main sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, colas and other sodas.

Alcohol & Smoking:
Alcohol and cigarettes are toxins. It might taste good, but avoid it if you suffer from cellulite. It simply adds an extra load onto your body’s waste-removal organs and systems.

Refined Food:
Omit all processed and refined foods from your cellulite reduction eating plan. For example, avoid foods that include additives, sodium/salt, sweeteners, and other chemicals. All foods should be made with fresh and (if possible) organic ingredients.

Animal Foods:
With the exception of ‘live’ bio-yogurt, omit all dairy, eggs and meat. Note: unless you are vegetarian, reduction of animal foods should be strictly short term.

Drugs:
Avoid unnecessary medication, like diet-pills, pep-pills, sleeping pills, laxatives and diuretics.  Unless prescribed for a medical condition, it is best to avoid all drugs, including over the counter drugs when following a cellulite-friendly diet or eating plan.