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Common Myths About Cellulite
 The
term cellulite comes from the word
cell. It is a spelling of
cellulitis, which means inflammation of the cells.
Cellulitis is a serious medical condition caused by a bacterial
infection in the subcutaneous layers of the
skin. It is the dimpled appearance on the surface of the skin
that is often described as "cottage cheese" or an "orange peel",
and is most common among women, especially on the
thighs and
buttocks.
No, it is not a disease, but in fact an alteration of
skin appearance.
The outermost layer of skin is referred to as your epidermis. Immediately under
this is the dermis, which is richly filled with hair follicles, sweat glands,
blood vessels, nerve receptors and connective tissue. The next layer of tissue
is the layer of subcutaneous
fat. This uppermost layer of subcutaneous fat has been described as
�standing fat-cell chambers� separated by connective tissue. From these fat-cell
chambers, small projections of fat cells protrude into the dermis. This
unevenness and irregularity of the subcutaneous fat gives skin the �bumpy�
appearance we call cellulite.
Myth#2: Cellulite is a women disease and has nothing to do
with men.
It
is true that cellulite is seen less in men, because, the layout of epidermis,
dermis and uppermost part of the subcutaneous tissue is different in males. Men
have thicker epidermis and dermis tissue layers in the thighs and buttocks. More
distinctively dissimilar, the first layer of fat, which is slightly thinner in
men, is assembled into polygonal units separated by crisscrossing connective
tissue. The differences in subcutaneous fat cell structure in men and women
occur during the third
trimester of fetus development and are manifested at birth. Variations in
hormones between genders largely explain this skin structure deviation. Men who
are born deficient in male hormones will often have a subcutaneous fat
appearance similar to females.
Myth#3: Massage and Body Manipulation can reduce cellulite
 These techniques do not remove the cellulite, but may have a
temporary effect in reducing the amount of �dimpling� appearance. The skin
manipulation can help improve skin's appearance and thus reduce the dimply
affect. Some common oils to use with your
massage include peppermint or lavender, both of which help stimulate fat
cells.
According to Dr. Len Kravitz "Endermologie
(LPG, Fort Lauderdale, Fl) is a skin kneading technique developed about 10 years
ago in France. This type of device has two rollers attached to an electrically
powered device. Users wear nylon stockings to decrease the amount of friction.
Treatments range from 35 to 45 minutes of rolling the skin of the hips, thighs,
legs, buttocks and stomach. The little published research with this device does
not show any legitimate efficacy in the treatment of cellulite."
Myth# 4: Cellulite is a natural part of aging.
Well, that's not true. The cell structure is laid down much
before, that is during puberty. By the age of 30, the dermis reaches its
maximal thickness. Around about the same time(35-40 yrs) the dermis area, which
is bound together by the connective tissue starts to get looser, due to the
aging process
of the collagen and elastic fibers. This allows for more adipose cells to
protrude into the dermis area, accentuating the sight of cellulite. In addition,
an increased deposition of subcutaneous body fat may reflect a lifestyle of
less exercise and changes in dietary consumption.
Myth# 5 It is easy to lose down cellulite with fasting
Sorry there, it is not only hard but impossible to melt away
cellulite as even after you have melted away fat, some pockets of fat will still
remain which will not dissolve, in fact these are the pockets of cellulite.
"Cellulite if fat trapped within the fibers", according to Dr Bruno Chikly,
MD, DO, is the author of
Silent Waves: Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy .
Tips to Reduce the Prominence of Cellulite
-
 Aerobic
exercise at least 3 to 5 times a week for at least 20 to 60 minutes will
help create a satisfactory caloric deficit. Choose a mode of exercise that
you enjoy such as walking, jogging, aerobic dance, elliptical training,
rowing, cycling, swimming or stair stepping. If available, alternate modes
of aerobic exercise to regularly give your body some variety.
-
Resistance exercise program can go a long way to improve physical
appearance. The subcutaneous fat rests on top of muscle, and if the muscle
is weak and flaccid, this can contribute to the �bumpy� effect of cellulite.
Although there isn�t one best system of sets and repetitions to firm all of
your leg muscles, regularly include the following exercises in your
resistance training program.
Squats
and leg press for the buttocks and thigh muscles.
Lunges for the thighs and buttocks.
Hip adduction exercises for the inner thighs.
Hip abduction exercises for the outer thighs.
Leg curls for the back of the thighs.
-
Avoid junk
food- Instead of frying your foods, try grilling or broiling. Use oils
that are lower in saturated fats or that are better for you such as olive
oil and canola oil. Stay away from sweets.
-
Avoid artificial colors, preservatives, and sugars.
-
Stay Hydrated- When fighting cellulite you urgently need to look at the
amount of pure fresh water you drink every day - and that amount does not
include coffee, tea, juice or cola's.
-
Opt for a low
fat healthy diet- Start eating more fruits, vegetable and whole grains. Oily fishes,
nuts and seeds should also be added to your diet. Remember, drinking lots of
water will also help flush the body and remove
toxins more
rapidly than dieting alone.
List of the fruits and vegetables that most
benefit your body:
- Blueberries and blackberries
- Cherries
- Mangos
- Oranges
- Strawberries and raspberries
- Cranberries
- Grapefruit
- Apples
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Fennel
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
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Dated 16 March 2013
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