What is cellulite?

Cellulite, also known as dimple skin, is normally found in regions such as your hips, buttocks, and thighs. The medical term for cellulite is edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy or EFP. Cellulite is basically the growth of fat cells beneath the skin and is more common in women than in men. Around 85 to 95 percent of women are said to be affected by cellulite.  

The skin has a web of connective tissue beneath it. Beneath the connective tissue, there are the fat cells, below which are the muscles. Cellulite occurs when these fat cells grow and enlarge, so much so that the connecting tissues break and the fat oozes out and hangs.  The fatty tissues, form compartment like little honeycombs and push themselves into the skin causing dimpling of the cellulite. This is what is termed as cellulite.

Causes of cellulite

Amongst all the reasons for cellulite the major ones are:

  • Hereditary
  • Gender
  • The amount and distribution of body fat in a person’s body
  • Uneven insulin levels
  • Age
  • Hormones; especially female sex hormones

Female hormones and cellulite

In women, the external layer of the skin known as the areolar layer is thicker than the skin covering that layer. As a woman ages, she gains more body fat. This increases the inner or the lamellar layer. This makes the fat cells even more visible.

A woman’s battle with cellulite starts when she hits puberty. The estrogen hormone increases the level of thigh fat cells thus preventing fat breakdown. It stimulates an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase which usually increases fat growth in the back of the legs.

In pregnant woman prolactin or the breastfeeding hormone makes cellulite more visible because it increases water retention in fatty cells and makes them look larger and hanging.

Insulin and cellulite

The blood glucose regulating hormone or insulin affects cellulite to a great extent. In most cases, insulin sends the carbs to the fat cells to be turned into fatty acids. This makes the fat cells increase in size and grow out to be more visible. A high carb diet causes the body to produce more fat unless a person exercises really hard every day. Insulin can also make the body retain water more than required, making the cellulite bulge out for the world to notice. Only a lifestyle change can smooth out the cellulite. Fat cells can be controlled if the insulin level in your body is controlled.

Can cellulite be reduced?

One cannot get rid of the fat cells but one can control how big or small these fat cells are.  Yes, cellulite can be reduced but one needs to be focused on two major things in order to do so

1.Consistent physical activity

Regular exercises, even a brisk walk for thirty minutes helps decrease your body’s insulin levels naturally, making your muscles burn carbs and fats and have more energy.  Daily exercise provides more blood to thigh fat cells and improves the rigidity of the tendons and muscles. The more toned the muscles, the less pronounced will be the cellulite.

2. Eliminate carbs, high sodium, alcohol and manufactured fats from your diet

Carbs are the main producer of insulin but not all carbs are harmful. High fiber carbs from vegetables are important for your body. Processed foods like microwave ready to eat are packed with sodium to avoid spoilage. This causes water retention and worsens cellulite. Canned food is also high in sodium. Alcohol causes the body to store fat. Limiting or staying away from alcohol will keep cellulite at bay. 

A diet sans preservatives and refined food consisting of varied colored vegetables and fruits and healthy fats can help in making the cellulite less visible.

Tackle Cellulite with Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda cellulite is caused by vitiation of Agni that metabolizes the fat or dhatu in the skin and flesh. Because of vitiation of fire element in the body the metabolism goes into disarray. The malfunctioning metabolism leads to accumulation of toxin the body. Gradually these toxins interact with the body tissues and create many skin and other conditions.  Cellulite can be treated by correcting the Agni in the body. Some of the Ayurveda treatments are given below :

Garshana

It is a form of dry massage which Ayurveda recommends for opening the pores of the skin. This tightens the epidermis and breaks the toxic materials which make the cellulite.

Udvartan

It is another kind of oil massage which can be done to affected areas with olive oils, coconut oil or mustard oils.

Vashti or Basti

Vashti is a  lower alimentary canal cleansing treatment that is used to clear the channels but is only done in extreme cases where the Agni is very aggravated. 

Ayurveda also suggests a diet and lifestyle change. Some of them are:

  • Plenty of water but no cold beverages
  • Take trikatu to improve digestion
  • Spices like pepper and ginger promote circulation
  • Regular meals but those which are light and warm
  • Eat two tulsi leaves in the morning
  • Herbal teas and no skipping meals

With right diet and regimen, you would be able to tackle cellulite for a clear smooth skin.