There are so many causes
that contribute to the development of cellulite that
it is hardly surprising that some 95% of females are
affected with this condition, to a lesser or greater
degree.
The symptoms of cellulite are the appearance of that
orange peel or mattress like areas of skin on mainly
the hips, thighs and buttocks; those lumpy fat bulges
that you can’t seem to lose. While cellulite
is mainly considered to be a cosmetic condition, recent
research has shown that changes over time in the body’s
skin structure actually leads to the transformation
of fat cells into cellulite.
Why does cellulite develop?
• Digestive disorders such as irritable bowel
syndrome, constipation and liver problems are often
blamed for the development of cellulite on the stomach.
• Constant stress leading to tension in the
neck muscle, problems with the vertebrae and inflamed
tissue is thought to cause cellulite in the back of
the neck. Prolonged stress and the associated surge
of adrenaline can even lead to increased fat storage
in the stomach, hips, buttocks and thighs.
• Cellulite in the upper arms and legs is common
in older women and is thought to be partly caused
by impaired vein systems in the arms and legs.
• Surprisingly, it is thought that too much
leg exercise can cause the cellulite that appears
on the front of the thighs. But this would not be
the only cause.
Other causes of cellulite are:
• A genetic predisposition will make you more
vulnerable particularly if you have the kind of lifestyle
that aggravates the condition.
• The septae structure under a woman’s
skin is very fibrous and mesh-like so that it is prone
to trapping fat cells.
• The female hormones – estrogen and progesterone.
The former encourages fat cells to develop and grow
around the breasts, thighs and buttocks while the
latter can lead to fluid retention, weak veins, and
weight gain.
• Pregnancy is a time for drastic change in
a female’s body including fluid retention and
a surge of hormones. The growing uterus can also affect
circulation and lymph drainage. Any cellulite problems
will usually get worse with each successive pregnancy.
One bit of good news is that breast feeding is very
beneficial in reducing cellulite.
• A sedentary lifestyle is very bad for the
blood circulation as well as the venous and lymphatic
systems. Without muscle contractions and movement,
those systems exert pressure and stretch the veins
and lymph vessels. Once they are overstretched, they
are more prone to fluid retention, leaking and poor
circulation. A sedentary lifestyle also usually means
weight gain which is another cause of cellulite.
• Cigarette smoke is particularly damaging to
vein and capillary walls, causing inflammation and
leaking. Nicotine itself can affect your circulation.
• Although a gentle massage with a healing product
to the affected area is beneficial, if a massage is
carried out improperly and roughly it can damage the
fragile network of lymphatic vessels in the leg, causing
a chain of events that can cause cellulite.
• Overweight and obese women are more prone
to getting cellulite. Any fat accumulation will also
push the existing cellulite upwards so that it is
more noticeable.
• Crash diets are particularly harmful leading
to an increased tendency for the body to store fat.
• High fat and sugar consumption often leads
to excess calorie and fat intake causing an increase
in body fat and then cellulite. Highly processed foods
containing preservatives, artificial sweeteners and
other additives causes a build up of toxins in the
body and ultimately, cellulite.
• Food allergies can also play a role because
they lead to food craving, weight gain, bloating and
water retention, all of which can lead to cellulite.
• Unfortunately, aging plays a big role in the
development of cellulite as our bodies become less
efficient in getting rid of waste products, our circulation
is not as good and we even tend to put on weight.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can accelerate the skin
aging process.
There is certainly no shortage of hereditary, environmental
and behavioral causes for the development of cellulite
in women
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