Cellulite
Cellulite appears on the skin's surface as areas of
mattress-like bulging and puckering, and tends
to affect the upper thighs, buttocks and upper
arms. The skin feels tight and tender upon
pinching. Do not confuse cellulite with
cellulitis, an infection of the skin's connective tissue.
Poor elimination of toxins, especially in the
lymphatic system, plays a role in the
establishment of cellulite. This is often due to a very low
intake of fluids, related to chronic constipation
or the result of an overall poor diet. Cellulite
affects the tissue containing fat cells, which lies
just beneath the skin's surface. Since the
distribution of fat is quite different both among
women and between the sexes, individual
makeup plays a large role in the development of cellulite.
Sudden weight gain causes cellulite to
appear more obvious, therefore, reducing body
fat through exercise and proper nutrition
is important in preventing and shrinking
cellulite.
Supplements and herbs
Regular use of kelp in combination with apple
cider vinegar or concentrated liquid whey is great
for assisting weight reduction.
Chromium should also be added to regulate
blood sugar so that it is not converted into fat.
The pancreas influences fat metabolization, so it is important to keep this
organ functioning properly. Many natural ingredients prepared as tinctures and
massaged into the skin improve cellulite skin appearance and stimulate the
pancreas.
- Extracts from seaweed, algae and plankton
stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic
systems to carry away trapped fluid and fat by
acting on the enzymes that break down fat
cells.
- Horsetail and
witch hazel tighten and tone
the skin.
- Birch leaves, red vine and butcher's broom
draw water from cells, reducing the spongy
look of cellulite.
- Fresh juices of horsetail, birch, nettle,
parsley,
yarrow and dandelion are excellent to help
internal detoxification. Take 2 tbsp. of herbal
juice diluted in a glass of water three times
daily. They can also be taken as teas or diluted
tinctures.
- To dissolve the fat and to help flush away excess fat and toxins, increase
circulation to the area by applying hot
ivy compresses or poultices two to three times daily. Prepare a hot compress by
soaking a cotton cloth in an infusion of fresh ivy leaves boiled for fifteen
minutes in 1 qt. of water. A poultice of fresh, crushed
fenugreek seeds is also effective.
Fenugreek seeds taken internally help prevent fatty deposits.
What else you can do
- Regular exercise for at least twenty minutes a
day, five days a week, is essential. It should
include aerobic and isometric (spot: stomach,
hips, thighs) exercises preferably outdoors.
The aerobic exercises should be performed at
moderate to low intensity to bum
subcutaneous fat most efficiently.
- To enhance the workout, apply algae creams
before exercising and fasten wrappings with
plastic so they will hold the heat in and help
melt down the fat. Add herbs to the
wrappings to increase the effectiveness.
- Strong affusion directed at fatty deposits and
tissue helps to stimulate circulation and
dislodge fatty tissue.
- Sauna baths are also very beneficial.
How much to take
- Kelp, 1 tbsp
- Chromium, 200 mcg
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