By: Ana Margarita Olar | Vigorbuddy.com
At one point in our lives, we’ve got this smooth and supple skin. After some years, our beauty bubble pops. On our buttocks and thighs appear those lumps and dimples: cellulite. Are they really that horrible as some of us thinks?
What is cellulite?
First, you must understand there’s nothing wrong with having cellulite. Having lumps and bumps in your body doesn’t mean that it’s ruined or disgusting.
Cellulite is a condition where the subcutaneous fat herniated within fibrous connective tissue, giving the skin a dimpled and lumpy appearance. It appears more at the buttocks and thighs and occurs post puberty. It affects both sexes but much more common in females because they are more likely to have a certain type of fat and connective tissue.
What are the causes of cellulite?
There are several theories involved in the formation of cellulite and they are:
Hormonal factors: estrogen (which is abundant in females) insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin contributes to cellulite formation.
Genetics:
Diet: a diet high in carbs, fat, and salt predisposes a person to have cellulite
Lifestyle: smokers, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged standing and sitting all contributes to cellulite formation
Clothing: undies with tight elastic across the buttocks may contribute to cellulite formation.
What can we do to get rid of it?
Diet: Get rid of simple carbohydrates, fats, and alcohol from your diet. Things that can be included in your diet : whole food proteins that have no preservatives, colorful vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, whole food fats such as avocado, egg yolk, and fish.
Exercise and get moving: Exercise and daily physical activities lower insulin levels and stretch muscles and skin. Also, avoid prolonged sitting for a long time to avoid the formation of cellulite. Below are the sample exercises that you can do to get rid of cellulite:
Side to side exercise: Stand with you feet wide apart and alternate bending and straighten your knees.
All fours kick back : where you are on your all fours on the floor and alternate kick your legs behind.
Lying inner-leg lift : where you lie on your side and lift your leg several times.
Standing leg raise: where you stand on one leg and raise your other leg to the front and to the side.
Cellulite in itself does not cause any harm to the body but is a sign that you are living an unhealthy lifestyle, and can affect your self-confidence. But if you are confident with your bumps and lumps, it’s fine.