Foods and Supplements that Control Cellulite

SHORT DESCRIPTION: Strong skin and muscles are the best preventive measures for
runaway fat. Keeping the cell body firm and intact would mean keeping control
over fatty deposits. Certain foods known for their cell-building properties can
help control cellulite.


What creates the cottage cheese effect of cellulite? Simply put, cellulite is
caused by loose or weak skin and connective tissues that are unable to keep the
fat tissues contained within their compartments. Fat tissues or deposits escape
through weakened connective fibrous strands and buoy up to the surface, creating
the pebbly, orange peel effect. Strong skin and muscles are the best preventive
measures for runaway fat. Keeping the cell body firm and intact would mean
keeping control over fatty deposits. Cellulite is formed by the creation of
water pockets and fat deposits which means that the most effective avenue for
controlling them is through exercise and diet. An exercise program is absolutely
necessary as well as proper foods and supplementation. Certain foods known for
their cell-building properties can help control cellulite.

Protein: The cellulite problem is most pronounced in women who have sagging
muscles and skin. Exercise and protein can reduce the stores of fat under the
skin; protein helps to firm up muscles that can keep fat stores in place and
reduce the dimpled effect of cellulite. Older skin, like older muscles, needs
protein, especially soy protein with less fat, for toning and firming. How much
protein would you need to produce firm, toned muscles? Approximately .6 gram per
pound of lean body mass if you are a moderately active person and 1 gram per
pound of lean body mass if you are very active. Go for lean protein in fish,
especially salmon because fish provides a high dose of essential fatty acids.

Amino Acids and Essential Fatty Acids: You also need amino acids that help build
the skin’s store of collagen and elastin. The best sources for these are complex
carbohydrates like beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruit. These
provide your body with essential fatty acids that slow down the division of skin
cells, thus reducing the incidence of mutations and inflammation within these
cells, even when they are exposed to ultra violet light. All cells in the human
body are surrounded by a membrane composed of phospholipids made chiefly from
essential fatty acids. This membrane controls what goes into the cells and what
comes out. A good source of essential fatty acids would literally fortify the
cell membrane and keep the cell body intact. Research shows that supplementation
with fish oil and flaxseed oil can produce marked improvement in skin texture
and tone within the first 2 months of use. Because the outer skin replaces
itself every 50-80 days, proper supplem!
entation can have a direct and firming effect on skin.

Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a supplement that helps arthritis; it has been shown
to restore moisture to arthritic joints as well by keeping the cell tissues well
hydrated; this in turn has a positive, plumping effect on the cells, thus
reducing the dimpling and curdling of the skin. Adequate amounts of glucosamine
in the blood are necessary for skin resilience. Studies show that participants
who begin taking glucosamine before and after surgery experienced faster healing
with less scarring of skin tissues than participants who did not take
glucosamine.

Of course, dietary supplementation and diets are only half effective without
exercise. There is no doubt that cellulite can be improved with exercise. Wayne
Westcott Ph.D, director of research programs at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy,
Massachussetts, produced workout routines that showed an appreciable decrease in
cellulite. For 2 months, 16 slightly overweight women participated in 20 minutes
of cardio, strength and flexibility exercises three times a week. At the end of
2 months, the women lost an average of 1 and 1/3 inches from their hips, and an
average of 1 pound. All the women reported less cellulite on their lower bodies,
a situation that was confirmed by ultrasound measurements.

For best results in reducing the cottage cheese look of cellulite, eat protein
and take up a consistent exercise routine. This combination will raise your
metabolism, build lean body tissue, firm the muscles under the skin and keep the
fatty deposits under control within the connective tissues. As well, eat plenty
of beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits for sources of amino
acids to help build collagen and elastin in the skin. Take glucosamine
supplements to increase skin resilience. A good source of essential fatty acids
from fish oil and flaxseed oil can also bolster the integrity of skin cell
membranes which will minimize the problem of runaway fatty tissues-- which
essentially is what cellulite is all about.


RESOURCE BOX: A runner for 27 years, retired schoolteacher and writer, Mary is
helping people reclaim their bodies. Nutrition, exercise, positive vision and
purposeful engagement are the tools used to turn their bodies into creative
selves. You can visit her at http://www.GreatBodyat50.com or learn how she lost
her weight at http://www.greatbodyproteinpower.com