How Lifestyle Gets Rid of Cellulite – The Definitive Guide

Our lifestyle affects the way we look more than we might think or be aware. For example, would you typically associate stress to be a contributor that can actually make you put on weight and increase the appearance of lumpy dimpled skin. Or how about the quality and amount of sleep we get, most people wouldn’t see a correlation between sleep and the increase of of this appearance.

In this section, we are going to take a look at lifestyle that can affect the levels of cellulite we have and to give advice to how to get rid of it by enhancing our lifestyles and activities, so that they actually through our lifestyle, we can actually let the body function as it should so that it can naturally play its part in the reduction of weight and cellulite.

Get Rid of Stress in Your Life

The Reason Why Stress Can Increase This Cell Formation

A recent Journal of European Academy of Dermatology study revealed that stress hormones can greatly increase the development and accumulation of this lumpy cell formation.

The result of the study established a link between Cortisol (a steroid hormone that is produced by the body when under stress) and lumpy cell formation and accumulation through the process of water retention and a variety of other physiologic changes. These can facilitate the storage of fat in certain areas of the body. It is for this reason that it is important to manage the stress levels in order to achieve much healthier and better outcomes for your efforts.

When a person’s stress level is high, the body produces increased levels of Catecholamines, and studies show a correlation between Catecholamines and the development of cellulite, so there is a growing association amongst experts that an increased stressful lifestyle is not only bad for our health, but can also lead to the unwanted cell formation, which we definitely want to avoid.

Practical Steps To Follow

Here are some practical tips you can do to reduce the stress in your life:

1. Try to accept certain things as they are. Always try to look at the brighter side of things. Dwelling on the negative can have a tremendous impact on your ability to fight stress. You need to understand that you are in charge of how your body responds to stress. Take command.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet. Warding off the effects of stress requires sufficient supply of energy-giving foods as well as food products rich in antioxidants. Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables. Eat more lean meats and whole grains and lesser of the fats especially on trans-fats. Take vitamin and herbal supplements if needed in order to boost your body’s ability to fight stress. B vitamins are especially helpful.
3. Exercise at least three times a week. This can greatly enhance your overall feelings about yourself. Exercise improves the flow of oxygen throughout your body, helping the different cells become more efficient in their various metabolic functions, and leading to more energy reserves.
4. Sleep at least 8 hours every day. Sleep allows your body to recuperate from a tiring day. More importantly, the mind can also find time to rest and relax. The overall effect will be a lesser chance of being cranky and cantankerous which can both affect your ability to ward off stress.
5. Try to master some relaxation techniques to help you better take control of your emotions. Breathing techniques as well as self-guided imagery can all lead to a calmer and more relaxed mind. If you can learn progressive relaxation techniques, then do so. Or you can enroll in some tai-chi class or even yoga.
6. Learn to verbalize your feelings in a nice and polite way. While expressing feelings is often admirable, the manner in which it is done should also be taken into consideration. If you are going to verbalize your pent-up emotions to the point that you are already hurting other people, this is also not good.
7. Find time to do what really interests you. Take on a hobby in order to preoccupy your mind with more constructive ideas, not negative ones. If you like, you can enlist in a volunteer program where you can share your expertise or talents for the benefit of other individuals.
8. Spend time with the people you hold dear to your heart. Find inspiration in them. This should keep your mind from straying into the realm of negative thoughts.

The important thing to remember about reducing stress is to have a more positive outlook in life. You are not trying to get rid of stress completely, because this is not natural or realistic. Low levels of stress are actually beneficial, and it is only when the level of stress is heightened that is has a negative damaging effect on the body, and it is this heightened level that we need to avoid

True Detoxification – Getting the Waste Out

The Reason Why Detoxification is a Necessary Step

Toxins are often described as any unwanted substances that are the result of the various metabolic and chemical processes occurring in the body. Everything that is put inside the body, including the food and drinks we consume through to the smoke and scents that we inhale, be it voluntary or involuntarily, undergo a natural process of detoxification within the body. This is the primary job and function of the liver. The problem is, that many of us live unhealthy lifestyles, and as a result, over time, these toxins build up and the liver can no longer cope with the increased demand of toxic buildup in the body. The following are examples or factors that contribute to form unhealthy lifestyles:

• Stress
• Lack of Exercise
• Poor Quality Diet
• Smoking
• Drinking
• Use of Drugs & Other Prohibited Substances

Studies now reveal that as these toxic substances build up waiting to be detoxified by the liver are stored in the fat regions of the body. Fat is such an efficient storage media. Experts now believe that this can greatly increase the development and accumulation of the unwanted cell lumps. Several studies now point to the correlation between toxins and cellulite formation. The more toxins that buildup inside the body, the greater the buildup and development. Toxins are stored in cell affected areas, and by adopting a detoxification program we are helping the body to become more efficient so that the liver can process and remove the toxins at a faster rate and more effectively. By reducing the toxins stored in these cell areas, we are effectively aiding the process of reducing the appearance of the dimpled skin.

While the liver does an amazing job of detoxifying these harmful substances, the sheer volume of toxins that can get stored before they are processed by the liver requires detoxification assistance on our part if we are going to speed up and make the reduction process more effective.

True detoxification programs are necessary in order to relieve the pressure off the liver and allow it to rest for a while, and this is even more the case if we are adopting any or all of the factors that make up an unhealthy lifestyle. Detoxification programs can aid the process to remove these toxins from the body. Once these toxins are removed, the lumpy associated appearance can also be naturally managed. It is therefore important to implement an ongoing level of detoxification as part of a new healthier lifestyle.

Practical Steps To Follow

• Eliminate Alcohol, Coffee, Refined Sugars & Saturated Fats, Cigarettes, Drugs or Other Harmful Substances
• Indulge in Tranquil, Peaceful Rest to Eliminate Stress – Yoga or Meditation for Example
• Fast for 1 – 3 days but Drink Plenty of Water
• Increase Your Consumption of Vitamin C
• Drink Plenty of Water Throughout the Day
• Exercise Daily to Increase the Blood Circulation
• Aim for 8 Hours Quality Sleep Each Night

Relax in a Detox Bath

The Reason Why a Detox Bath is a Necessary Step

Bathing is one sure way to improve circulation. This is because a warm bath increases the diameter of blood vessels to facilitate a more efficient blood flow. This also aids the body to more efficiently remove the toxins from the body because the blood is able to connect more efficiently with the lymphatic organs. This greatly improves the ability of the liver to process these toxins.

Adding detox ingredients such as Epsom salts, baking soda, and other substances can help in the removal of toxins. Epsom salts are actually magnesium sulfate. Magnesium aids the reduction of inflammation, the enhancement of the functioning of nerves and muscles, and the regulation of many enzymatic activities, all of which can be effective in managing the appearance.

Baking soda has been known to promote the elimination of toxins as well as aid the management of other conditions such as hemorrhoid pain, anal fissure and vaginal yeast infection. Other detox ingredients that can be added to your bath include apple cider vinegar, sea salt and ginger. These ingredients have all been known to help reduce inflammation and flush out toxins from the body.

Dr Pamela Reilly writes about various bath ingredients you can add to your bath to help assist the detox process and to help you to relax further

Practical Steps To Follow

Take a daily bath infused with the following detox ingredients to help facilitate the removal of toxins and aid in your efforts of eliminating the appearance of the lumpy dimpled skin.

• Epsom salts
• Baking soda
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sea salt
• Ginger

Balance Hormones

The Reason Why Hormone Balance is a Necessary Step

According to Dutch hormone specialist Ralph Moorman, one of the main causes for the appearance of that dimpled lumpy skin effect is due to an imbalance of 2 hormones found in the body. These are namely, Estrogen and Testosterone. If the level of estrogen is high compared to the level of testosterone, we may find that we increase the appearance of cellulite (This is a reason why cellulite is rare amongst men, because men have a much higher level of testosterone than women generally speaking).

Stress hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine have also been associated with the development of cellulite.

Other hormones that have been found by studies to contribute to this cell formation include prolactin, insulin and thyroid hormones. While these hormones have different effects on the body, generally they tend to facilitate fluid retention and foster the accumulation of fats through a variety of metabolic processes.

The way to balance these hormones can be as follows:

• Avoiding Foods That Are Rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids
• Avoid Caffeine (Opt For Decaf Instead)
• Aim For 8 Hours Quality Sleep Each Night
• Exercise Each Day

Studies since 1994 show that hormonal balance can be best achieved by fixing the levels of leptin found in the body. Leptin is a hormone that controls the body’s appetite. Leptin is produced in the body’s fat cells. The more fat cells a person has, the more leptin they have as well. The problem is, when Leptin levels drop below a certain level, it signals the brain to slow down the body’s metabolism (which is something we don’t want if we are trying to reduce this cell appearance). So when the leptin levels drop, it sends signal to the brain that the body needs feeding, so you become hungry.

People that are obese or overweight need the body to produce greater levels and amounts of leptin before it tells the brain that it is not hungry anymore, so a vicious cycle begins where the overweight person eats more and more food so that the leptin levels are increased to ultimately tell the brain that they are no longer hungry.

What we need to do is be in control of the leptin as opposed to the leptin being in control of us. We can do this by leptin management and then, once per week, resetting our leptin levels. We can manage the leptin levels by adopting the following:

• Avoiding Refined Sugar
• Reduce Inflammation By Eating Anti-Inflammatory Foods
• Ensure You Get Quality Sleep Each Night
• Exercise Regularly

We can then reset (boost) our leptin levels by having a blast of carbs one day each week. The increased amount of carbohydrates once per week will not affect your overall balance you have been working on much at all, but when combined with the factors mentioned above, the additional carbs will boost your leptin levels which is what you want. Make sure though that you opt for healthier carbohydrates such as potato or pasta for example, and make that a special day, where your meal is super tasty, and something you look forward to. Make sure you avoid the bad carbs though such as potato crisps or other junky snacks

Practical Steps To Follow

Balancing your hormones is a very important aspect in process of getting rid of this unwanted lumpy skin appearance. Be sure that you follow these steps:

• Eat Healthily
• Sleep Well
• Detoxify
• Exercise Each Day
• Fix Your Leptin Levels By One Day Each Week Increasing Your Consumption Of High Quality Carbohydrates

This is a sure way to help you balance your hormones which in turn will help you reduce that dimpled skin appearance.

Get Good Quality Sleep

The Reason Why Good Quality Sleep is a Necessary Step

Studies now show that sleep can greatly enhance the function of the lymphatic system. This is the organ system component of the body that is responsible for a host of functions including immunity, fatty acid transportation and removal of toxic waste substances. Researchers now believe that the increased lymphatic activity observed during sleep can be best explained by the horizontal position of the body which significantly reduces the effect of gravity on the flow of lymph across the lymphatic network. This facilitates the removal of waste products as well as toxins from the body. In turn, this can facilitate the decrease in the unwanted cell formation and accumulation. Studies show that the cell formation becomes the storage point for toxin buildup inside the body.

Dr. John Douillard talks about sleep in even greater detail, and specifically with regards to sleeping on the left side. Sleeping on the left side assists the lymphatic drainage process due to the fact that the left side of the body is the dominant side as far as the lymph is concerned. By sleeping on the left side, the lymph flow travels downhill, as opposed to uphill if when we sleep on the right hand side. So left side sleeping assists the lymphatic drainage even further which is an important aspect for greater efficiency, circulation and detoxification.

Sleep allows the body to recharge, to recuperate losses of the day and to prepare for another day ahead. Interestingly, Studies also reveal that well-rested individuals are able to shed more weight generally than those who are deprived of sleep. Experts also believe that certain portions of the brain control both metabolism and sleep. When one does not have enough sleep, it also stimulates the hunger drive, so you tend to eat more.

Getting good sleep is not difficult. You need to make sure to go to sleep at the same time every day if you can (this is obviously not possible for irregular shift work). Making this a habit will condition your body to switch non-vital functions off once the time comes. Also, you can minimize stimulation during the night by turning off the lights and removing or shutting off distracting noises. You should also cut down on caffeine and avoid heavy meals late in the evening, and avoid too much fluid especially a few hours before going to bed. Aim to wind down about 1 – 2 hours before going to bed and avoid brain stimulation and any activity that might produce adrenaline during this period of time.

Other sleep enhancing techniques include making sure your bed is cool and comfortable and perform some breathing exercises to help you relax and clear your thoughts.

Practical Steps To Follow

Aim to get at least 8 hours of quality sleep a day. Make sure you follow these steps to increase the quality of your sleep:

• Aim to Wind Down 1 – 2 Hours Before Going to Bed
• Don’t Consume Caffeine in the Evening
• Avoid Heavy Meals Late in the Evening
• Avoid Drinking Too Much Fluid in the Evening
• Avoid Brain Stimulation 1 – 2 Hours Before Going to Bed
• Avoid Any Activity That Might Produce Adrenaline 1 – 2 Hours Before Going to Bed

Wear Loose Clothes to Aid Blood Circulation

The Reason Why Wearing Loose Clothes is a Necessary Step

Many of today’s fashions are tight fitting and designed to flaunt the natural contours of the body. Tight jeans, fitted skirts and skimpy pants can all look great and show off a sexy body. However, studies show that these constricting clothes can impair normal blood and stagnate lymphatic flow. Any obstruction in the flow of blood can lead to compromised removal of toxic substances and other waste materials from the body. Because veins are more superficially located compared to arteries, they are the blood vessels that are particularly affected.

When the blood and lymph flow is restricted, the body becomes less efficient in clearing the toxins. This can lead to toxic buildup which can increase the unwanted cell formation and development.

Practical Steps To Follow

Wearing loose-fitting clothes facilitate better blood and lymphatic circulation. Good circulation is necessary for several reasons and plays an essential role in the removal of toxins which is a necessary function as part of the process of the unwanted cell reduction. Wear loose fitting clothes especially when you go to bed.

Avoid Unprotected Exposure To UV Rays

The Reason Why UV Rays Can Increase The Appearance Of Lumpy Dimpled Skin

UV (Ultraviolet) is great for providing a tan, and it is also a source of vitamin D which the body needs to absorb calcium to promote bone growth and to strengthen bones. It is also used to encourage other important bodily functions, but…

Dr. Debbie Palmer writes, saying that UV penetrates deep into the skin. She goes on to say that it breaks down collagen, the main structural protein responsible for supporting the skin. As the collagen breaks down and the skin loses its elasticity, the lumpy cell formation under the skin becomes more visible. Firmer skin reduces this appearance, but looser saggy skin shows up all the lumps and bumps under the skin, which is something we want to avoid if we are to achieve the best results in reducing the dimpled skin appearance.

Practical Steps To Follow

Avoid staying out in the sun or tanning under a sunbed because the UV is harmful.
If staying out in the sun is unavoidable, be sure to use a high factor sun screen and re-apply according to the factor or sooner.

Quick Overview (Infographic) of Module 3: Effective Super Lifestyle