Cellulite

This blog could be named: All you ever wanted to know about cellulite, but never dared to ask. Cellulite is our enemy and it affects about 80 percent of women. The key to defeating an enemy is getting to know it well. Let’s begin from the top.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is a special condition affecting the connective tissue. It is characterised by chronic oedema – the accumulation of excess interstitial fluid by more than 10 percent of its normal value. The immediate cause is an increase in the transfer of water and electrolytes from plasma to the intercellular space and a reduction in their return to the bloodstream. Many people think that cellulite is just an accumulation of fat under the skin. However, cellulite is actually a gelatinous accumulation of fat, water, and waste products in swollen, inert pockets right below the skin. They function as a sponge which can absorb a large amount of water.

How does cellulite form?

Due to weakened peripheral circulation, the capillaries leak fluid into the intercellular space. Excess fluid creates pressure on fat cells. The process of eliminating harmful substances slows down. This leads to connective tissue damage: it becomes saturated with liquids and waste products, thickens over time, and becomes hardened. The skin has a dimpled appearance, similar to orange peel (which is why it is also called “orange-peel skin”). Unless treated, cellulite will progress from oedema to fibrosis and finally to painful sclerosis. Eighty percent of women suffer from cellulite. It is very rarely found in men.

Why does it not affect men?

The reason lies in the fibres (connective tissue) which attach skin to the muscles. In women, these fibres are aligned only in one direction, while in men, they are more densely arranged in an intertwined network which tightly holds fat tissue in its place.

What causes cellulite?

Cellulite is caused by hormones (puberty, pregnancy, menopause, contraceptive pills), stress, chronic obstipation, insufficient intake of water, inadequate diet which lacks fibre and is rich in carbohydrates and saturated fats, and a lack of physical activity.

Anti-cellulite diet?

Not even the strictest weight loss diet will help reduce cellulite. While the main goal of weight loss diets is to avoid high-calorie food, the goal of an anti-cellulite diet is to eliminate harmful substances (hypotoxic diet). Therefore, we need to find a way to prevent harmful substances from remaining inside the body. The body cleanses itself by eliminating harmful substances through kidneys, stool, and skin (increase the amount of urine, prevent constipation, activate sweating).