Cellulite is a perplexing issue for women of all ages, sizes, and ethnic backgrounds. With 80 percent of women over the age of 20 having cellulite, even if it's slight, you're in the vast majority. Even though cellulite is a common and mostly harmless condition, it can be tough to deal with emotionally and physically. If you're one of the many people who are unhappy with their appearance because of cellulite, don't despair. There are things you can do to improve your situation. Cellulite doesn't have to ruin your life. With a little effort, you can feel better about yourself.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a common skin condition that causes dimpled, lumpy skin, usually on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, and arms. As Dr. Murry states in the Textbook of Natural Medicine, 5th edition (2020), "Cellulite, known as liposclerosis, is a noninflammatory change within the subcutaneous adipose tissue caused by an increase in the volume of fat cells or by the increased division of connective tissue, which causes constriction of small blood vessels". In other words, cellulite occurs when the fat cells in these areas expand and push through the collagen fibers, or connective tissue, that support them. This process causes the dimpling effect often seen on the surface of the skin.

Causes of Cellulite

Cellulite is not a disease or an indication of poor health, although it can be a sign of excess body fat. Cellulite can happen for several reasons, including enlarged fatty cells, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, skin genomics, muscle tone, weight issues, fat cell hormonal imbalances, poor diet, lack of exercise, and toxins in the body. Cellulite is more common in women than men because of the way fat is distributed in the body. Women also have thinner skin than men, which can make cellulite more visible. 

Functional Medicine's Actionable Tips to Help Reduce Cellulite

Detox with Practitioner- Grade Supplements 

The first step is to detox or cleanse to help reset your systems. Consider it a type of reboot for your system. There are many ways to do this, but I recommend starting with a Functional Medicine approach. This means working with a Practitioner to help you detoxify your body and get rid of any inflammation-causing foods or toxins. This can be done through diet, Practitioner -Grade supplements, and lifestyle changes. 

There are two types of toxins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble toxins are easily flushed out of the body, but fat-soluble toxins require a little more effort to get rid of. Fat-soluble toxins, as the name implies, are found in our fat cells and can wreak havoc on our bodies' health systems. For our body to get rid of these toxins, they must first be converted into water-soluble toxins. Afterward, the lymphatic drainage system, various organs, and functionally related systems help flush these toxins out. A successful detox plan expels both fat- and water-soluble toxins, as well as facilitates the process of transformation from one to the other. One of the best ways is to detox with Practitioner-Grade supplements. As always consult with your physician before starting any detox plan.

Inflammation

Cellulite is often caused by inflammation, so one of the best things you can do is try to reduce inflammation in your body. Detoxing and cleansing with Practitioner-Grade supplements can help to reduce inflammation as well as help with weight loss and the appearance of cellulite. 

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can cause several issues in the body, including weight gain, inflammation, and cellulite. If you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance, it's important to see a practitioner who can test your hormone levels and help you develop a plan to get them back into balance. For lasting hormone balance, you may want to consider seeing a Functional Medicine Practitioner.

Circulation 

Cellulite can also be improved with circulation supplements. Circulation is important for getting rid of cellulite because it helps with oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the area. It also helps to remove waste products and toxins from the area. 

Diet

Choose a diet rich in alkaline foods from the Mediterranean diet. One way to do this is to alkalize the body. Alkalizing the body means eating more alkaline foods and less acidic foods.

Alkaline foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Acidic foods include meat, dairy, processed foods, and sugar. Eating more alkaline foods and less acidic foods will help to reduce inflammation and detoxify the body. This will help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Exercise

Exercise is also important in helping to get rid of cellulite. Cellulite often occurs when there is a build-up of toxins in the body, so exercising and sweating can help to flush out these toxins. Exercise can also help this process by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage as well as your skin's appearance and elasticity. Finally, working out strengthens the muscle fibers and connective tissue which can help stave off the creation of cellulite.

Adiponectin and Leptin Imbalance

Two hormones, adiponectin, and leptin located within fat cells play a role in cellulite formation. Adiponectin helps regulates fat metabolism while leptin controls appetite. Cellulite often occurs when there is an imbalance of these two critical hormones.

Infrared Sauna, Massage, and Dry Brushing 

In addition, there are other things you can do to help with cellulite. Infrared sauna, Massage, and Dry brushing are all great ways to improve circulation, stimulate your lymphatic drainage system, and break down the fat cells that cause cellulite.

Non-Invasive Non-Surgical Methods

Cavitation and Radiofrequency

Body Contouring techniques with Medical Grade equipment using Ultrasound Cavitation and Radiofrequency (RF) are excellent ways to help get rid of cellulite. Body Ultrasound cavitation employs sound waves to break down fat cells, while RF uses radio frequencies to heat the tissue and break down the fat cells as well as improve skin elasticity. Combining both of these techniques into a single treatment is even more effective in breaking down the fat cells that cause cellulite.

Acoustic Waves

Acoustic waves are also a great way to improve circulation and help break down the fat cells that cause cellulite. Acoustic waves stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and help to break down fat cells.

Vibration Plate 

A Vibration Plate (VP) is also a great way to improve circulation and help break down the fat cells and reduce inflammation that causes cellulite. VP also helps with stimulating the lymphatic drainage system thus improving lymphatic circulation. It also improves muscle tension and myofibril connective tissue through reflex activation.

Other treatments 

There are also many topical treatments that can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. These include creams, gels, and wraps. Many of these products contain ingredients that help to break down fat cells and reduce inflammation.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cellulite, these tips can help you get started on the road to improving your appearance and your health. Cellulite doesn't have to be a life sentence. With a little effort, you can start seeing results. 

At our Practice, each patient's treatment is customized to meet their specific needs, and we've seen significant results when combined with a 10-day systems reset therapy program, simple workouts, Vibration Plate, and body contouring procedures combining Ultrasound Cavitation and Radiofrequency. 

If you are looking for a more comprehensive Cellulite Treatment plan, book a free consultation with us today to see how we can help you achieve your goals! 

Book a Free Consultation 

If you'd like to learn more about Functional Medicine, Genomics, anti-aging techniques, increasing your health span, and how to utilize your DNA to your advantage, I highly recommend my new book, "Understanding Genomics; How Nutrition, Supplements, and Lifestyle Can Help You Unlock Your Genetic Superpowers".

Order a copy today!

Until then, stay healthy and happy!

Dr. Marios Michael

drmichaelswellness.com

Resources:

• Dr. Marios Michael, DC, CNS, cFMP, 06/2022, Understanding Genomics; How Nutrition, Supplements, and Lifestyle Can Help You Unlock Your Genetic Superpowers, 1st edition, Austin, Bookbaby.

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 https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa226

• Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S, Proksch E. Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. J Med Food. 2015 Dec;18(12):1340-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2015.0022. Epub 2015 Nov 12. PMID: 26561784; PMCID: PMC4685482.

• Stern JH, Rutkowski JM, Scherer PE. Adiponectin, Leptin, and Fatty Acids in the Maintenance of Metabolic Homeostasis through Adipose Tissue Crosstalk. Cell Metab. 2016 May 10;23(5):770-84. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.04.011. PMID: 27166942; PMCID: PMC4864949.

• Frühbeck G, Catalán V, Rodríguez A, Gómez-Ambrosi J. Adiponectin-leptin ratio: A promising index to estimate adipose tissue dysfunction. Relation with obesity-associated cardiometabolic risk. Adipocyte. 2018 Jan 2;7(1):57-62. doi: 10.1080/21623945.2017.1402151. Epub 2017 Dec 5. PMID: 29205099; PMCID: PMC5915018.

• Pilch W, Czerwińska-Ledwig O, Chitryniewicz-Rostek J, Nastałek M, Krężałek P, Jędrychowska D, Totko-Borkusewicz N, Uher I, Kaško D, Tota Ł, Tyka A, Tyka A, Piotrowska A. The Impact of Vibration Therapy Interventions on Skin Condition and Skin Temperature Changes in Young Women with Lipodystrophy: A Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 May 29;2019:8436325. doi: 10.1155/2019/8436325. PMID: 31275423; PMCID: PMC6560364.

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/cellulite

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